Real Estate Litigation
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Western (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0117) 923 4700Chambers Review
St John's Chambers is the premier set for contentious property matters on the Western Circuit and remains a go-to for solicitors in the South West and further afield. The set boasts a deep roster of barristers with specialist real estate litigation expertise who appear at all levels of the court system, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The barristers are regularly instructed in everything from boundary disputes to dilapidations claims, and disagreements over lease renewals and other landlord and tenant issues, to disputes over contracts for the sale of land. A particular work highlight for this year was Weaver v Smith, a dispute concerning the correct understanding of an express right of way within a Deed.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"St John's clerks are always on hand to help and clear with their pricing estimates."
"The Clerks at St John's Chambers are brilliant. They respond to all enquiries within a timely manner and are always very approachable and friendly."
"Luke Hodgson, practice manager, and Paul Bennett, practice team leader, really stand out as going above and beyond to provide an excellent service."
"They are excellent clerks - super helpful and quick to respond."
"St John's clerks are always on hand to help and clear with their pricing estimates."
"The Clerks at St John's Chambers are brilliant. They respond to all enquiries within a timely manner and are always very approachable and friendly."
"Luke Hodgson, practice manager, and Paul Bennett, practice team leader, really stand out as going above and beyond to provide an excellent service."
"They are excellent clerks - super helpful and quick to respond."
Notable Practitioners
John Sharples is a pre-eminent junior with an outstanding reputation for his property disputes practice. He is very well versed in handling a variety of complex cases and has a comprehensive knowledge of the law relating to rights of way, boundaries, trespassing and other issues. He takes instructions from landowners, public authorities and private clients, among others.
"John Sharples is the best in the business, probably the best in the country at what he does."
"John is an enthusiastic and capable property expert who can take a tough approach when required."
Alex Troup KC is a highly regarded chancery barrister who specialises in property litigation but also remains active in contentious trusts matters. His work includes disputes over the sale of agricultural land, as well as proprietary estoppel claims and real estate-related contentious probate matters. He regularly acts for agricultural clients and landowners.
"Alex Troup KC is an extremely personable barrister with significant expertise and commercial awareness."
"Alex Troup is extremely approachable and able to build a good rapport with clients. He has a very reassuring manner and is able to explain technical and complex points in an easy, accessible way."
"Alex is an extremely personable barrister with significant expertise and commercial awareness."
Charles Auld manages a successful property practice, covering all the main chancery areas but focusing in particular on land registration and land-related issues. He is an expert in right of way issues, adverse possession and boundary disputes. He has handled a number of instructions concerning trusts and wills.
"Charles Auld is truly excellent. He is robust, knowledgeable and thorough."
"Charles is super with clients and has both immense experience and commercial awareness."
Christopher Jones is a strong junior who handles property-related matters within his broader chancery practice. His areas of expertise encompass probate matters, landlord and tenant disputes, and real property litigation. He represents both claimants and defendants, and has experience in claims relating to proprietary estoppel, right of way issues and adverse possession.
"Christopher is great with clients and puts them as ease. He uses his years of experience to advise in even the most complex cases. He shows a passion to help his client achieve the best outcome."
"Christopher Jones is my first port of call on any real estate litigation matter."
"Christopher is an extremely approachable and helpful barrister with excellent skills."
Adam Boyle is an experienced junior barrister specialising in commercial and chancery matters. He is often seen acting in a variety of real estate matters such as proprietary estoppel, overage, boundary disputes and nuisance claims.
"Adam Boyle is a delight to work with. He turns things around quickly and is always happy to discuss matters and work through things together. He puts clients at ease by using simple language."
"Adam Boyle is a safe pair of hands. He's responsive, really client-friendly, reliable and good on his feet. He doesn't shy away from a difficult case."
"Adam Boyle is a very well-rounded and capable barrister."
Natasha Dzameh has a strong property disputes practice in addition to her chancery and commercial work. She is frequently praised by market sources and continues to advise on claims relating to trespass, nuisance, breach of covenant and proprietary estoppel.
"Natasha Dzameh has a great eye for detail. She goes the extra mile for clients and always thinks outside the box to find the best outcome for the client. Her advice is honest and practical."
"She has a thorough approach to matters and will go the extra mile for clients and instructing solicitors."
Oliver Wooding is an impressive junior barrister who complements his traditional chancery practice with a suite of real estate-related instructions. His knowledge extends to a variety of topics including easements, proprietary estoppel claims and boundary disputes. He also handles mortgage issues and TOLATA cases.
"Oliver Wooding is very capable and dependable."
Brittany Pearce is known for her work in covenant disputes between landlords and tenants, including service charge claims, as well as cases regarding the creation and enforcement of easements.
"Brittany Pearce is always on hand to respond to any queries and is highly regarded with clients due to her attention to detail and ability to explain complex legal terms in a simplified manner."
"Brittany is extremely knowledgeable, while also being approachable. She is a very strong advocate and her advice is second to none."