A ‘very well run, responsive and competent litigation team’, Muckle LLP routinely acts for property developers in the region on a wide range of disputes, involving tenant issues, cladding, and unsafe habitation leading to injunctions. Head of the Newcastle team Charlotte McMurchie handles disputes concerning leases, in particular professional negligence claims against conveyancing solicitors. Jennifer Pearson advises clients in the telecoms sector on landlord and tenant matters, and vacant possession mandates; she is also a key name for residential, social housing and agricultural property disputes. Promoted to partner in March 2023, Sarah Barratt works on residential tenancy, commercial property dilapidation and break matters, as well as intersecting trusts and land work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘I have been impressed with Muckle, and they deal with enquiries promptly and professionally’.
‘Sarah Barratt stands out. She is very professional; she always takes time to discuss matters in a clear and understandable way to non-legal clients.’
‘We have used Muckle for property disrepair claims. We are impressed with the level of knowledge and understand that they provided. The main strengths provided were the specific point of contact provided for all cases and also the ability to speak personally with whoever was dealing with the case at short notice.’
‘We are particularly impressed with the availability of individuals at short notice and the willingness to meet in person or on calls when needed. Sarah Barratt has been our main point of contact and we have found the work she has done for us to be excellent.’
‘I think that this is a very well run, responsive and competent litigation team. There are strong individuals who work well together and work very well indeed with counsel to deliver a very commercial and well focussed outcome for clients.’
‘Jennifer Pearson is outstanding. Her clarity, forensic attention to detail and common sense are second to none.'
‘Charlotte McMurchie and Sarah Barratt are both very approachable and very experienced and understand social housing as well as our objectives.'
‘Team leader Charlotte McMurchie is a smooth operator with a great set of skills. A joy to work with and always a laugh.'

Key clients

Hardwicks RTM Company Limited
Bernicia Group
Karbon Homes Limited
3T Energy
Grainger plc
McAleer & Rushe Group
MRI Software Limited
Wildheart Residential Management Limited
Nexus
Newcastle College Group
Prime Property Management Limited
Gentoo Group Limited
Retirement Bridge Management Limited
Hays Travel Limited

Work highlights

Acted for Karbon Homes Limited in regards to recovery of possession of their properties on a number of Housing Act grounds, including relating to access and where the tenant has been involved in a riot and dealing with potential defences.
Advising Hardwicks RTM Company Limited on many issues related to cladding and its remediation, the funding of the remediation and the provisions of the Building Safety Act 2022, its liabilities and those arising through s.124 of the Act.
Acting for Bernicia Group in connection with their commercial property portfolio in respect of all estate management issues including lease renewals, forfeiture, dilapidations, rent arrears recovery and advice regarding complex title issues.