Paul’s practice is primarily property based, with four main specialisms: (1) leasehold reform (enfranchisement) claims, including 1967 and 1993 Act work (2) landlord & tenant, both residential and commercial including service charge disputes, breach of covenant, forfeiture and Right to Manage claims (3) real property often comprising adverse possession and s.84 restrictive covenant applications (4) construction including extensive experience of cladding and NHBC related building defect claims, Party Wall Act matters and s.106 planning disputes, plus some international work, particularly work from Gibraltar.
He regularly appears in the Business & Property Courts (Chancery) and Upper Tribunal (Land Chamber), and has extensive experience of each of the Residential Property, Land Registration and Agricultural Land and Drainage First-tier Tribunals. Given the breadth and legally complex nature of his work Paul also undertakes a range of appellate work in the UT, CA and above, including the Privy Council.
Notable recent cases include Malik v Malik (Ch Appeal), the scope and effect of the Covid automatic stay; Vale Court (Freehold) v Carey-Morgan (CLCC), nominee purchaser’s claims for breach of trust and fiduciary duty; Patrick v Thornham PC (UT), general boundary rule and estoppel; Docklock v Christo & Co (Ch) accounts & inquiry, quantum meruit and Re L principles on setting aside judgments; Dunleavy & Ors v NHBC Building Control Services Ltd (CA), liability of Approved Inspectors under DPA 1972; Fredricksson v Laurie House RTM (CLCC), disrepair and specific performance; Mayhew v O’Connor (FtT (LReg)) adverse possession; and Probitas v Sandilands (CLCC) developer’s claim for prescriptive rights of way.
Other notable appellate cases include Natt v Osman (validity of non-compliant Initial Notice) and Quilter v HDL (subsequent events and measure of damages) and Thevarajah v Riordan (SC), relief from sanctions under CPR 3.9; and, Crew v London & Continental (UT), adverse possession and date of knowledge. Current litigation includes AC v Gracestone (A&I against managing agent), Judicial Review claim in £100m s106A application and multiple cladding and fire safety defects cases.
"Paul Letman's advocacy is superb. His attitude with clients is brilliant and they find him available and clear."
"Paul's attention to detail is excellent and he is good on his feet."
"Paul is proactive, strategic, calm under pressure and a real team player."Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2024
"Paul Letman demonstrates a strong understanding of the area involved, both legally but also the underlying commercial aspects."Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2023
‘Paul is unflappable and remains completely calm under pressure. He makes a conscious effort to ensure the clients views are heard, and where appropriate, those instructions implemented. However, as an extremely confident advocate, he will calmly yet firmly deliver the correct advice if he feels an ill-advised approach is being considered. ’Legal 500 2023
Paul Letman specialises in real estate litigation, covering the full range of property matters. He is an expert in restrictive covenants, contract disputes, leasehold matters and rights of way cases. He has vast experience in appearing in the First-tier and Upper Tribunals. "He is very astute and at the top of his game in residential leasehold and leasehold reform matters." "He is very professional and very focused in submissions."Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2022 (Real Estate Litigation)
Specialises in real estate litigation, covering the full range of property matters. He is an expert in restrictive covenants, environmental issues, leasehold matters and professional negligence cases. Letman is also respected for his work as a Land Drainage and Agricultural Tribunal judge. Strengths: "He's knowledgeable and practical, and he gets on with it." "Superb technical advice with particular experience in complex residential landlord and tenant disputes."Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2021 (Real Estate Litigation)
"A go-to name for enfranchisement, contested service charge and major disrepair claims."Legal 500 2021
Specialises in real estate litigation, covering the full range of property matters. He is an expert in restrictive covenants, environmental issues, leasehold matters and professional negligence cases. Letman is also respected for his work as a Land Drainage and Agricultural Tribunal judge. Strengths: "He is incredibly accessible, does very good work and has a very high level of intellect." "He has a very relaxed style but is comprehensive and very commanding." "Very studious, absolutely thorough and detailed, and knows his stuff inside out and upside down." Recent work: Acted in TST Millbank v Resolution Real Estate, a multimillion-pound commercial service charge dispute relating to the Millbank Tower.Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2020 (Real Estate Litigation)
"He is exceptional in the property litigation arena."Legal 500 2020
"Specialises in real estate litigation, covering the full range of property matters. He is an expert in restrictive covenants, environmental issues and professional negligence cases. Letman is also respected for his work as a Land Drainage and Agricultural Tribunal judge. Strengths: 'Clever, decent to deal with and a man with an extremely good sense of humour'." Chambers UK Guide 2019 (Real Estate Litigation)
"Highly experienced senior junior who regularly acts for leading house builders and developers in the UK. He also has a notable international practice with major clients in Gibraltar and the Caribbean. 'He's completely on top of the litigation, and as a result is able to get through things speedily and efficiently.' Recent work: Acted in a claim relating to a £30 million school and residential development following the collapse of a joint venture agreement between developers, the local council and educational academies trust."Chambers UK Guide 2019 (Construction)More published comments
