I am a confident and innovative solicitor with six years of experience in property litigation. After qualification in 2013, I worked for a fast-growing property litigation firm, acting on a range of residential and commercial disputes before joining Hodge Jones & Allen in 2018.
I take time and care to understand the broader context of the legal challenges, before giving thorough, measured advice.
My practice to date has seen me analyse complex titles, unregistered titles and insolvency positions and interpret how these impact upon property ownership.
Additionally, I have acted on large scale major works programmes, including dispensation applications in the Tribunal and interim possession orders against squatters. I have also provided advice on options such as the appointment of a manager, enfranchisement and the Right to Manage process.
I have a detailed understanding of the implications of applications brought under section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925 to discharge or modify restrictive covenants.
I have considerable understanding of the legal implications in management of property developments of all sizes, ranging from small share of freehold conversions, to extensive developments that contain multiple blocks of mixed commercial and residential use. Such disputes include service charge arrears, ground rent reviews, subletting and structural alterations.
My experience of dealing with defended commercial and residential forfeiture claims is particularly strong, having carried out defended proceedings on a full range of intriguing defences, including; estoppel, waiving the right to forfeit, validity of demands and engagement of rent suspension clauses. Naturally this has enabled me to hone my skills in processing relief from forfeiture applications. I have dealt with applications for relief that have concerned severely dilapidated premises and I have extensive experience of instructing Surveyors to achieve the desired outcome for landlord or tenant in this context.
Whilst settlement is always a core objective, I appreciate that it may not always be possible to achieve. During my career to date, I have acquired experience in leading proceedings in the County Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) & Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).
Education
- College of Law York: Legal Practice Course 2009
- University of Lancaster: L.L.B Law 2008
Career
- Hodge Jones & Allen: Solicitor 2018
- JB Leitch Ltd: Solicitor 2011-2018 (admitted as a Solicitor in 2013)
- Drydens Fairfax Solicitors: Paralegal 2010-2011
Personal interests
I am passionate about sport; and enjoy watching Rugby, Football, Cricket and Boxing. I like to travel and I am always researching my next adventure.