At Davitt Jones Bould, the group advises councils and national estates on development disputes, dilapidation claims, and contentious public law matters relating to real estate. Peter Allinson and Madeleine Davitt jointly anchor the firm’s property litigation practice. The ‘insightful’ Jonathan Warner-Reed has illustrated experience in the leisure sector, and advises on rights of light, adverse possession cases, and the judicial review of planning applications. Maeve Bonner assists major institutions on issues relating to estates, such as lease negotiations and contentious break notices, while the ’exceptional’ Helen Close focuses on landlord and tenant disputes, often involving rent review and the enforcement of covenants.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘DJB are a regional firm who have made it into the big time.'
- 'The impressive element that I would draw attention to is the breadth of their expertise across the range of areas in the world of real estate - from planning to disposals.’
‘Much of my contact with DJB has been with their Tigger-like Chief Executive and his boundless energy - Peter Allinson and his Partner Madeleine Davitt.'
‘The level of service is exceptional with prompt responses and personal attention. They never fail to exceed expectations in terms of the experience & quality of legal advice. All the solicitors have substantial post qualification experience which always shows in the quality of advice provided.'
‘Helen Close - an exceptionally good lawyer who communicates well and has a solid technical knowledge. She also has a lovely personality and is very calm in the face of a tricky situation. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Jonathan Warner-Reed: personal, insightful and infinitely patient with clients.’
‘Highly specialist and focused on the client's objectives and well versed not only in the law but also in possessing a strategic focus.'
Key clients
- The Royal Parks
- North Somerset Council
- Rick Steins
- National Highways
- Surrey County Council
- Woking Borough Council
- Brighton and Hove City Council
- Habitat for Humanity
- Office for National Statistics
- Bath and North East Somerset
- Runnymede Borough Council
- Chichester District Council
- Natural England
- Plato Estates
- Smiggle
- Infinity Homes and Developments
Work highlights
- Successfully acted for the respondent in the Mackenzie v Cheung and Infinity Court of Appeal Case, which concerned the interpretation of a general release provision in a conveyance.
- Advising numerous national and foreign retailers on contentious property issues relating to their UK stores.
- Advising Central and Local Government clients on the full spectrum of contentious issues including judicial reviews, dilapidation claims, and lease-related litigation.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Allinson, Madeleine Davitt