Property litigation

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Strengthened by the arrival of the new practice head Vanessa Joll in May 2023, Shakespeare Martineau LLP deploys a ‘creative approach’ in tackling complex development disputes, contested 1954 Act claims and break notice issues. Based out of Birmingham, Martin Edwards brings vast expertise in the education, telecoms and energy sectors to the team, whilst the ’legally excellent’ James Fownes is an expert on the contentious aspects of lease renewals and break clauses. Justine Ball acts on behalf of developers and corporate landlords, and Pia Eames is also noted as a key contact.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘James Fownes is very competent and extremely personable.’
‘James Fownes is always excellent. Pia Eames is brilliant and always goes the extra mile.’
‘Martin Edwards and Pia Eames are both a delight to work with.'
‘Martin Edwards is a field-leader in protest cases for landowners. He has done dozens of such cases and knows the area inside-out.'
‘James Fownes is extremely creative and legally excellent. A real fighter for his clients and will look for all and every angle on as case. Pia Eames is extremely thorough and diligent. Excellent with clients and is always determined to get to the bottom of the detail.’
‘Justine Ball provided excellent work on the matter she helped us with. She was professional and gave excellent advice both on the subject area and on strategy.'

Key clients

University of Nottingham
Vision Express (UK) Limited
Workspace Plc
Severn Trent Water Limited
National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc
Gallagher Developments Hold Co Limited
RSS Group Plc
Kroll
Electricity North Western
Woodland Trust

Work highlights

Managing a variety of complex property disputes around major infrastructure assets for national statutory undertakers, including National Grid and Severn Trent Water.
Assisted Nottingham University to successfully manage peaceful protest on its campus by obtaining a Campus Wide Possession Order.
Advising landowners in their tribunal disputes with all the major telecoms operators – for example, acting for Walsall Housing Group.