The real estate litigation team at Blacks Solicitors LLP provides advice on a variety of contentious matters, acting frequently in complex dilapidation claims, contested break notices and lease renewal proceedings on behalf of both landlords and tenants. The team is well regarded for its expertise in the telecoms and energy sectors. Luke Maidens leads the team and is praised by clients, alongside Paul Sagar, who is ‘highly knowledgeable when it comes to telecommunications and the Electronic Communications Code’. Aimee Hutchinson is the key contact in the team for parks law advice.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team at Blacks are in my opinion second to none. I recommend Blacks to all my clients because I am confident they will deliver an excellent service with fantastic customer care.’

  • ‘Paul Sagar and Luke Maidens- both are extremely approachable, very responsive and highly knowledgeable when it comes to telecommunications and the Electronic Communications Code.’

  • ‘We have found that Luke Maidens, Paul Sagar and their team have an exceptional knowledge of the legislation surrounding the ECC 2017 and are able to put this knowledge and experience to use, resulting in the best possible outcome for the client.’

  • ‘The team has extensive knowledge of a particular specialist area of law. Always helpful and able to propose and talk through solutions to complex issues.’

  • ‘Extensive knowledge of their area of expertise, particularly from Luke Maidens and Paul Sagar. Their experience in the specialised area of the Electronic Communications Code and approach to problem solving combined are particularly valuable.’

  • ‘The property litigation team at Blacks LLP is very proactive in their case management, seeking commercial solutions where at all possible and earning the full trust of their clients.’

  • ‘Luke Maidens and Paul Sagar are experienced hands-on property litigators with a wealth of experience.’

  • ‘Paul Sagar is deserving of special mention - he has an exceptional eye for detail, a very commercial and pragmatic attitude to litigation, and a fantastic sense of humour to boot. Luke Maidens is also a standout in this sector - he has exceptional telecoms knowledge and is friendly, communicative and commercially astute.’

Key clients

  • Centrica Combined Common Investment Fund Limited
  • Reward Capital Limited
  • Harmony Energy Limited
  • Crest Nicholson (Wheatley) LLP
  • BOC Limited
  • Dignity Funerals PLC
  • Commercial Estates Group
  • London Borough of Sutton Council
  • Leeds University Union
  • Harrogate Spring Water Limited
  • Avison Young (UK) Limited
  • Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Trust
  • Stonebridge Homes Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Crest Nicholson on site clearance to enable a very significant residential development project in Southern England.
  • Acting for Commercial Estates Group in relation to portfolio management issues, including the recovery of arrears of rent.
  • Advising Dignity Funerals PLC on a volume of lease renewals and general estates advice.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Luke Maidens

Other key lawyers

Paul Sagar, Aimee Hutchinson