Clients come to Wedlake Bell LLP for its ‘strategic approach and commercial acumen’, where the group advises investment funds, developers, and leading retailers. The property litigation group counts contested lease renewals, dilapidation claims, deposit disputes, and terminations under the Electronic Communications Code within its scope of work. The ’extremely clever’ Adam Colenso leads the practice and focuses on landlord and tenant litigation, in addition to development disputes and cases relating to public houses. ‘Energetic and industrious’ Jonathan Hibberts is well-versed in lease renewals, disrepair claims, and termination disputes, whereas the ’bright and energetic’ Rachel Fitzgerald covers commercial landlord and tenant disputes, such as business tenancy lease renewal issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Wedlake Bell - strategic approach and commercial acumen.'

  • ‘Adam Colenso is one of the most intelligent and hard-working partners I have met in a property litigation in team. He is extremely clever, with a keen and shrewd eye for detail, coupled with a genuinely astonishing work ethic. He is calm and unflappable whilst remaining pleasant and good fun to work with and for.'

  • ‘Jonathan Hibberts is the most energetic and industrious property litigator on the block. A skilled tactician and strategist.'

  • ‘Adam Colenso is technically strong.’

  • 'Adam Colenso is one of the best property litigation solicitors around. I have recommended him to people on countless occasions. He is thoughtful, sensible and, overall, a really fine litigator. He has a deep understanding of property law. And, at least from my experience, he is a go-to solicitor for restrictive covenant and easement cases.’

  • ‘Particularly recommended for high value and complex development disputes.’

  • ‘A forward looking, highly skilled, knowledgeable and innovative team who can be expected to get the job done.’

  • 'Rachel Fitzgerald is bright and energetic and works hard to get the best outcome for her clients.'

Key clients

  • Fuller Smith & Turner PLC
  • Care UK
  • Robert Dyas
  • Manpower
  • CALA Homes
  • Hugo Boss
  • Devonshire Metro Limited
  • Summix
  • London City Mission
  • London Diocesan Fund
  • Cranmer Court

Work highlights

  • Advising Dragon Investment Management Limited on a dispute against the developer and NHBC over the contracts for the construction and purchase of a block of flats in London, which is subject to various defects.
  • Successfully defended a long-running dispute for a national housebuilder regarding a residential development in the UK worth GBP850m.
  • Advising a property investment firm on a professional negligence claim against a Central London firm of solicitors regarding a mistake made in interpreting the Heads of Terms into an Agreement for Lease.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Adam Colenso

Other key lawyers

Jonathan Hibberts, Rachel Fitzgerald