Walker Morris LLP advises a broad client portfolio of retailers, property developers, public bodies and insurers on a varied range of real estate disputes, including contentious disposals and acquisitions. The practice is well regarded for its expertise related to the Building Safety Act 2022, where it continues to advise the Department for Levelling Up with regard to high-value remediation orders. The practice is jointly led by Martin McKeague and Karl Anders; the former covers landlord and tenant disputes and arbitration work, and the latter focuses on landlord and tenant matters. David Manda is a key member of the team and is well versed in contentious property insurance work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Going to see Walker Morris is like going to see a friend rather seeing a lawyer.’

  • ‘Martin McKeague - He is a very experienced commercial property litigation lawyer, with depth and breadth of knowledge in his field. What makes him stand out is that he is also very practical and pragmatic, balancing the legal position against reality.’

  • ‘Lewis Couth is truly outstanding. He is approachable, tactically aware and thinks carefully about his cases. His attention to detail and legal knowledge is as good as anyone in Yorkshire. David Manda is legally good, as is Asia Munir. Martin McKeague puts commerciality and the client's needs at the heart of his thinking.’

  • ‘A close-knit team of litigators with real property expertise - and an eye to achieving the client's commercial objectives.’

  • ‘Martin McKeague leads a very strong team - good technical knowledge and litigation experience, which are put to use in achieving the client's objective. Lewis Couth is a very able assistant - again with that combination of technical ability and business nous that helps achieve the client's goal.’

  • ‘Martin McKeague and Lewis Couth - Really brilliant hands-on litigators.’

  • ‘Martin McKeague and David Manda are extremely responsive when it comes to dealing with claims. They not only quickly get to the nub of the issues, but advice is pragmatic and without losing sight of commercial objectives. They are practical, approachable and very easy to deal with.’

  • ‘Walker Morris LLP's Property Litigation Practice is a beacon of excellence, characterised by its exceptional team, innovative practices, and unwavering commitment to client success.’

Key clients

  • Starbucks
  • Menzies Distribution Limited
  • Persimmon
  • Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
  • Kier plc
  • Sky plc
  • Unite plc
  • Avant Homes
  • The Coal Authority

Work highlights

  • Advised Great Jackson St Estates Limited in relation to a claim to modify several covenants in a lease that restricts the proposed development of the property.
  • Representing the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in respect of four applications for Remediation Orders under the Building Safety Act 2022.
  • Commencing the first Remediation Order under the BSA 2022.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Martin McKeague, Karl Anders

Other key lawyers

David Manda, Lewis Couth, Asia Munir