Clarion fields a ‘brilliant team of high-quality lawyers’ that handles a large volume of claims related to repossessions, while also counting landlord and tenant disputes in its caseload. The team is capable of advising on a wide range of dilapidations and rent arrears claims, with practice head Sophie Morley regularly instructed to handle contentious work in the context of property portfolio management. Transactional and development disputes are further areas of expertise for the practice. Natalie Brierley and Philip Feather departed the practice in October 2022 and January 2023, respectively, while the firm recently welcomed Lisa Stratford from Irwin Mitchell and Kate Joss from DWF.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I get the impression that Sophie Morley is building a very strong property litigation department in Leeds. Clarion appears to be attracting talent with an offer of good quality work and the offer of a department that is 'going places.’
‘Sophie Morley leads the department. She was plainly able to quickly assimilate the information of my case, understand the problem and to work with me to find a solution. I have also worked with Paige Duller on a number of cases at Clarion. She is a very competent lawyer.’
‘Clarion's individuals are highly astute, forthright in their advice, always available, highly professional and have a complete understanding of what their clients are trying to achieve.’
‘Sophie Morley is a highly experienced and professional adviser who provides clear and actionable advice which is both commercial and analytical at all times. Sophie is very hard-working and grasps all issues at hand in real time to protect her clients first and foremost. Kate Joss is highly intelligent, grasps the entire situation very quickly and is forthright and determined in her views.’
‘It's a brilliant team of high-quality lawyers. They are really client-friendly and proactive in how they deal with cases. They fight hard but don't waste time on taking pointless arguments.’
‘Sophie Morley is top class - the best property litigator in Yorkshire. Paige Duller is very canny tactically.’
‘The team are all very friendly and commercially minded. In conference with clients, it is apparent that they quickly appreciate the issues which are important to the client, and work well devising a litigation strategy.’
‘Sophie Morley is very easy to get along with, and works very hard for her clients. She is good at taking the advice from counsel, and explaining it to the lay client in terms relevant to them. Lisa Stratford has a great knowledge of landlord and tenant litigation, and uses this to devise realistic litigation strategies for her clients.’
Key clients
- Done Brothers Limited (Betfred)
- Eddisons Commercial Limited
- Fujifilm
- Tile Giant Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Tile Giant on its nationwide portfolio of properties for issues including lease renewals, dilapidations, consent applications and service charge disputes.
- Acted for a high-profile Yorkshire leisure occupier on the completion of several conditions necessary for the client to successfully serve a break notice.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sophie Morley