CMS maintains its position as a market leader, and houses an extensive team, which is praised for being ‘highly talented and intellectually able’. Industry veteran Danielle Drummond-Brassington anchors the practice and handles telecoms and development disputes, frequently acting for institutional landlords and government authorities. The ’dynamic and robust’ Nick Wood works on international disputes, often concerning logistics portfolio acquisitions, while Marcus Barclay, praised for his ‘outstanding tactical insight’, covers the full gamut of real estate claims, particularly in relation to rent review. Julie Gattegno advises major landlord clients on landlord and tenant disputes, the ’practical and client focused’ Nick Lloyd demonstrates expertise in rights of light claims, and ‘first rate’ Eleanor Murray is recommended for her work on estate management schemes and residential service charges. Anna Ralston-Crane, recognised for her ’pragmatic’ approach, focuses on ESG disputes, the ‘very bright’ Robin Biela concentrates on technical property law, and the ’hardworking’ Jess Hurle handles disputes in connection to the energy sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘We have worked closely with the CMS property litigation team on a number of occasions and have been consistently impressed with their collective abilities to apply deeply critical and analytical thinking, spotting opportunities for us combined with an ability to step back from the detail and give pragmatic advice. The partners we have encountered are passionate about their profession and really care about getting a good result for their client. A great bunch of people to work with!’
‘Nick Wood is a great lawyer who is passionate about his chosen field. He really cares about getting a good outcome for his clients and is dynamic and robust in his approach. A great guy to work through matters with.'
‘Highly talented and intellectually able team.'
‘Julie Gattegno knows her stuff inside out.’
‘It is a team with real breadth and depth, capable of handling the most complex and difficult matters.'
‘Marcus Barclay is, in my view, the best property litigation solicitor in London'
‘One of the biggest, and certainly the best, property litigation teams in the country, with a great depth of talent.'
- 'Eleanor Murray – first rate at dealing with enfranchisement, the right of first refusal, the right to manage, and all other aspects of residential property. She is also an excellent team leader.'
Key clients
- Columbia Threadneedle
- Land Securities
- SEGRO plc
- Mileway
- Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd / Argos Limited
- The Wellcome Trust
- Barings Real Estate
- Legal & General
- ABRDN
- Hammerson
Work highlights
- Acting for Picturehouse Cinemas Limited in a dispute relating to forfeiture on various grounds, and successfully obtained an interim injunction to prevent the relevant forfeiture action.
- Advising the All England Lawn Tennis Club on a sports development project, and in relation to a new show court and facilities planned for land adjacent to the current site.
- Acted for Valero Energy in obtaining the first final injunction to prevent protest activity at its seven sites in England and Wales, following the handing down of judgment from the Supreme Court in the Wolverhampton case.
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.
Danielle Drummond-Brassington
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Danielle Drummond- Brassington
Other key lawyers
Nick Wood; Marcus Barclay; Julie Gattegno; Nick Lloyd; Eleanor Murray; Anna Ralston-Crane; Robin Biela; Jess Hurle