With a strong presence in both Winchester and Southampton, the property litigation practice at Paris Smith LLP is co-led by David Eminton and Nicola Davies. Eminton is an ‘experienced litigator’ who is recommended for high-value dilapidation claims. Davies has broad expertise, which spans possession claims, breaches of covenant, forfeiture, and contested easements. Lucy Taggart is a key member of the team who regularly advises on service charges arrears, lease renewals, and break clauses.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They are quick, attentive, and decisive in their decision making.’

  • ‘The Paris Smith property litigation team is highly experienced but also practical and down to earth. They seek the right outcome for their clients, whether that be through the courts or through some form of alternative dispute resolution. It is their experience and adaptability that sets them apart from their competitors in the central south region.’

  • 'David Eminton has a wealth of knowledge about property law. He is an experienced litigator.'

  • 'Nicola Davies works hard to achieve the right result for her clients.’

  • ‘David Eminton and Helen Brown both give clear advice.’

  • 'The team is responsive and gives exceptional, pragmatic advice.'
  •  'Both Nicola and David give exceptional advice on very complex areas. They are both extremely responsive and communicative.'

Key clients

  • Lumen Technologies UK Limited
  • The Co-Operative Group Limited
  • Hillier Garden Centres
  • Ballymore Group
  • Hobbycraft Trading Limited
  • Haskins Garden Centres
  • YMCA Limited
  • Bourne Leisure Group
  • Portsmouth Diocese Board of Finance
  • Neyland Yacht Haven
  • University of Southampton Science Park
  • Deep Sea Leisure PLC
  • The Oakhaven Trust
  • Butlins Skyline Limited
  • Porvair Filtration Group Limited
  • Greenhalgh’s Craft Bakery

Work highlights

  • Advising Hobbycraft on an early strategic approach to securing the renewal of high value leases.
  • Acting for the Co-Operative Group on several matters, including the commencing of proceedings for new leases, dilapidations advice, and service charge claims.
  • Advised the Portsmouth Diocesan Board of Finance on a TVG application where local residents are seeking to change the use of the land around a church near Portsmouth.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

David Eminton, Nicola Davies

Other key lawyers

Lucy Taggart, Lisa White