Praised by clients for its 'top work and stellar reputation', Gowling WLG's property litigation team routinely works with a range of public and private sector clients - from national housebuilders to local authorities - on cases taken before the various courts, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The Birmingham team is headed up by Paul Barker, a retail, investment, and leisure property specialist 'with deep experience, real tactical insight and a brilliant client manner.' London-based Clive Chalkley is noted for his track record in high-stakes litigation, while Rob Bridgman - 'a really good lawyer and a safe pair of hands’ - is key to the team's housebuilder-focused offering. David Wigy and Caroline Wort are also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'They handle all aspects of property litigation work at the highest level. Great personal relationships and client care.’
‘Paul Barker is absolutely excellent. A great lawyer, with deep experience, real tactical insight and a brilliant client manner.'
'Rob Bridgman is a really good lawyer and a safe pair of hands.’
'They have top clients, top work and a stellar reputation.’
‘Paul Barker is an experienced partner with excellent technical skills in the commercial property sector. I have worked with him for many years. He is well known, liked and respected in the industry. He is very hard working and conscientious. He is also great fun to work with and brings levity to challenging situations.’
‘Very professional approach.’
‘Rob Bridgman is a calm, measured and very hardworking property litigator.’

Key clients

NFU Mutual Insurance Society
Persimmon Homes
Royal London
Zurich/Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Bloor Homes Limited
Schroder UK Property Fund and Schroder Retail Property Unit Trust
Mucklow
Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited
Transport for London
Entain Group (which includes Ladbrokes and Coral)
Cellnex/On Tower UK Limited
Landsec
LaSalle Investment Management
London Borough of Barnet

Work highlights

Advising NFU Mutual in relation to a buyer's default under a contract for the sale of a portfolio of properties for consideration of £234m.
Acting for Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited on various contentious issues relating to the roll-out of 5G technology, including the Supreme Court cases of Cornerstone v Ashloch and Cornerstone v Compton Beauchamp which were handed down in July 2022.
Continuing to advise institutional investors and funds including NFU Mutual, Royal London, LaSalle Investment Management, NILGOSC, HSBC Pension Trust, M&G, and USS in relation to all aspects of asset management in connection with their portfolios.