England - London • Real estate
1

Property litigation

Hogan Lovells International LLP

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Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s ’bright, resourceful and personable’ practice handles a wide-range of complex, high-value real estate disputes, particularly in regard to insolvency issues and development matters. The team frequently acts at the forefront of base-build defect claims. Mathew Ditchburn leads the firm’s international real estate litigation practice and has a particular specialism in insolvency-related matters. The ‘super bright’ Paul Tonkin acts on all forms of real estate dispute on behalf of institutional landlords, developers, retailers and financial institutions. Noteworthy team member Tim Reid is an expert in leasehold enfranchisement. Katie Dunn and Benjamin Willis are also key names in the cohort. Senior counsel consultant Nicholas Cheffings departed to an in-house role in December 2022.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Paul Tonkin is incredibly adept at looking at the issues and very efficiently providing complete and concise advice to resolve the situation.’

  • ‘This firm is cutting-edge in its ability to deploy a team of bright, resourceful and personable lawyers. It exceeds expectations in every respect.’

  • 'Paul Tonkin is super bright - an up-and-coming superstar.'

  • ‘A cohesive and hardworking team of individuals who are rightly recognised as leaders in their field. The partners compliment each other well, in terms of personality and also focus and expertise.’

  • ‘Paul Tonkin is a standout partner. He has an extremely detailed knowledge and understanding of the law. He is very commercial and pragmatic and delegates effectively. A strategic and thoughtful litigator who always adds value. He is always calm and collected.'

  • 'Ben Willis deserves special mention - he is 100% on-the-ball, efficient, focused and a delight to work with.'
  • 'Tim Reid is a respected associate who really understands the market.’
  • 'Hogan Lovells, as a firm, has exceeded all of our expectations and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them.’

  • ‘Paul Tonkin stands out in the team.'

Key clients

  • British Land
  • Landsec
  • The Crown Estate
  • Argent (King's Cross Central Limited Partnership)
  • M&G Real Estate
  • Oxford University
  • abrdn
  • HM Revenue and Customs
  • Berkeley Homes
  • Pontegadea
  • ICG
  • Curzon Cinemas
  • English Speaking Union
  • Macquarie
  • Columbia Threadneedle
  • Greystoke Land Limited
  • Hilton Hotels
  • SCPI Pierval Santé
  • The Other House
  • Effective Ventures Foundation

Work highlights

  • Acting for the Libyan sovereign wealth fund, LIA, in a claim against millionaire property developer Roger King (the former owner of Stoke Park) and five other defendants.
  • Advising The Crown Estate in relation to its proposed redevelopment of 33-35 Piccadilly, including on highly contested opposed lease renewal proceedings.
  • Advising our clients, the landlords of New Look Retailers Limited, who challenged the Company’s company voluntary arrangement which was approved by the Company’s creditors in September 2020.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Mathew Ditchburn
Hall of fameHogan Lovells International LLP
Mathew is one of the UK's leading authorities in property litigation. Working with investors, occupiers and a range of other stakeholders, Mathew takes a commercial approach to resolving property disputes: get the facts straight and the law right, know what your strengths are, what you really need and what you can live without, and devise a strategy to suit. He helps clients to think laterally and find creative solutions to even the most intractable property disputes.
Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mathew Ditchburn

Other key lawyers

Paul Tonkin, Tim Reid, Katie Dunn, Benjamin Willis

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