England - South East • Real estate

Shoosmiths LLP

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Representing clients ranging from residential landlords to corporate occupiers, the Shoosmiths LLP real estate litigation group shows considerable strength in handling property-related High Court claims and complex strategic disposal work. Operating out of Reading, the ‘commercially astute’ Simon Foster heads the team, contributing vast expertise in the full breadth of commercial and residential property litigation. Senior associate Eleanor Grindley focuses on residential landlord and tenant disputes. Senior associate Aimee Teague is a ’standout performer’, regularly acting for institutional investors and property funds. Milton Keynes-based Richard Willcox is highly regarded for his non-residential property litigation knowledge.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Simon Foster has been excellent at understanding our point of view and really works hard to solve the issues at hand. His empathy for my situation has really made a difference. He is flexible to maintain a long-term relationship, which shows that we are valued as a client. I feel very well supported when issues come up.’

  • ‘Simon Foster is exceptional in construction disputes. He has an enviable following of developer and housebuilder clients, and is also well regarded by investors. I have worked with him and various associates, and he gets the balance right between directing the team and strategy, and being hands-on. He is ferociously practical in his advice, and invariably manages to bring it to fruition.’

  • ‘Particularly impressed by Aimee Teague, who combines the dedication and diligence you'd expect with excellent communication and a positive approach and demeanor.’

  • ‘The team have really taken the trouble to get to know our business and what is important to us, which is imperative. They have a true in-depth knowledge which is why we have such a long-standing relationship. That commercial knowledge and awareness has allowed us to resolve any contentious issues swiftly and with the business commercial objectives at the forefront.'

  • ‘Aimee Teague is conscientious and personable, but behind all of that she has technical skills and commercial understanding beyond her years. Aimee always fights our corner and keeps me on track. I am glad she is on our home team.’

  • ‘Simon Foster is a good lawyer, commercially astute and enjoyable to work with. Aimee Teague is efficient, effective and pleasant.’

  • ‘I've worked with Simon Foster over a number of years. He is an excellent lawyer and very client focused. I would highly recommend him.’

  • ‘Aimee Teague is certainly a standout performer for us and really knows our portfolio as well as members of my team.’

Key clients

  • UKRO Property Holdings
  • Tottenham Park Islamic Cemetery Association
  • McKay Securities Limited
  • Anthony Bethell
  • Marsh Corporate Services Limited
  • Nissan Motor (GB) Limited
  • AEW Europe – Festival Place Shopping Centre, Basingstoke
  • Persimmon Homes Limited and BDW Trading Limited
  • William Lacey Group Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for UKRO on all matters relating to their £200m portfolio, including in an arbitration arising from the tenant’s challenge to payment of rent arrears which accrued during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Successfully acted for Tottenham Park Islamic Cemetery Association in proceedings before the Court of Appeal.
  • Acting for McKay Securities and Workspace on day-to-day portfolio management, including the validity of break notices, dilapidations and exit strategies.

Lawyers

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Simon Foster, Nick Shepherd

Other key lawyers

Aimee Teague, Eleanor Grindley, Richard Willcox