Falcon Chambers retains top set in Chambers and Partners UK Guide rankings 2020
Falcon Chambers is delighted to announce that we have retained our ranking as top set for Agriculture and Real Estate in the 2020 edition of the Chambers and Partners UK Bar rankings. Wayne Clark and Oliver Radley-Gardner have also been recognised in the telecoms section. 33 members of chambers feature in the rankings, 9 silks and 24 juniors for real estate litigation.
Falcon Chambers is a highly respected specialist set fielding a substantial group of leading real estate barristers. It has an incredibly deep bench of juniors and silks appearing in the High Court, Court of Appeal and First-tier and Upper Tribunals in a number of the most significant and complex property disputes in the country. The set boasts great expertise in areas such as agricultural land law, commercial landlord and tenant disputes and dilapidation cases. Barristers at Falcon Chambers have recently been involved in the high-profile nuisance and human rights case arising from the new Tate Modern viewing gallery which overlooks a number of flats. "Falcon Chambers is a very high-quality set with exceptionally talented and intelligent barristers who specialise in property law," says one impressed source, continuing: "It is a go-to chambers for any property matter."
Client service: "It is an all-round impressive chambers. The clerks and barristers always have time to help." "Senior clerk Johnathan Stannard does a brilliant job. He is very good at getting on to you before you need to get on to him to organise things and is very responsive if there are any difficulties. The clerks are very good on the client care front."
Adam Rosenthal
Widely recognised as a high-level junior in his field. His main areas of focus include landlord and tenant litigation, restrictive covenants and insolvency issues.
Strengths: "A scholarly and highly articulate advocate." "He provides succinct, commercial advice and is a pleasure to work with." "He is consistently excellent – a QC in waiting."
Recent work: Acted in Brobyn v Marco Island Developments, a service charge dispute regarding a significant building in Liverpool heard in the First-tier Tribunal.
Anthony Radevsky
Best known for his market-leading expertise in leasehold enfranchisement. His practice includes a wide range of landlord and tenant cases, including high-profile commercial disputes.
Strengths: "Exceptionally responsive, with a brain the size of Britain!" "Encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and very able to effectively put his point across." "He is an enfranchisement heavyweight and very user-friendly."
Recent work: Successfully acted for the respondents in Mundy v Trustees of the Sloane Stanley Estate, a test case regarding valuations under the Leasehold Reform Act 1993.
Anthony Tanney
Continues to be sought out for his exemplary work across a range of real property matters. His specialisms include rent review, rights of way and land registration. He also takes on cases related to easements and professional negligence.
Strengths: "He is reliable and easy to work with." "He has vast experience and knowledge."
Barry Denyer-Green
A strong performer in compulsory purchase and compensation cases. He also has experience in the Lands Tribunal. He covers a range of matters including restrictive covenants, easements and development agreements.
Strengths: "Very knowledgeable and resourceful." "He produces exceptionally clear and helpful opinions." "Has a great legal understanding and an excellent bedside manner."
Camilla Chorfi
Known for her diverse property practice, she has made a name for herself with her impressive advocacy and advisory work. She regularly appears in the High Court and is noted for her focus on cases concerning freehold covenants, the Rent Act and insolvency. She is also experienced in handling land registration matters and disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Her impressive practice has seen her acting unled against silks on numerous occasions.
Strengths: "Very switched-on and easy to work with." "Extremely bright, capable and a very nice personality to work with." "She is good at thinking on her feet and clients like her."
Caroline Shea QC
Frequently handles commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes, many of which are complex in nature. She also has a great deal of expertise in the appellate courts. Her clients range from private individuals and family trusts to large corporates.
Strengths: "Very bright and commercial with a real depth of knowledge on agricultural matters." "An excellent all-round counsel who is passionate to get the best results for her clients." "She has an excellent ability to pick out key issues and huge commitment to the cause."
Recent work: Appeared in the Court of Appeal in Moore v Moore, a case regarding the satisfaction of the equity in proprietary estoppel cases following the High Court's decision that a son had an equity over his father's entire interest in a farm co-owned with the son.
Catherine Taskis
Noted for her far-reaching expertise in both residential and commercial landlord and tenant real property law. Clients also seek her out for her specialism in agricultural law. She is able to advise clients on a host of issues, including service charge disputes.
Strengths: "She is very knowledgeable and good with clients."
Recent work: Successfully applied to the First-tier Tribunal for a direction for the succession of an agricultural tenancy on the death of the tenancy holder.
Cecily Crampin
Widely acknowledged as an exceptionally promising property junior with a sophisticated practice. Her caseload includes landlord and tenant, mortgage and real property work. She is also experienced in party wall work.
Strengths: "Incredibly bright, capable of digging into the detail and a very good advocate." "Effective in cross-examination – very calm and impressive." "She does forensic, detailed analysis on the more complex work."
Recent work: Continued to act for the Crown Estate Commissioners in a Court of Appeal matter concerning the extent of the no-Act assumption for lease extensions.
Ciara Fairley
Regularly practises a broad range of agricultural, commercial and residential property law, including matters with professional negligence, insolvency and planning aspects.
Strengths: "She is super bright and thinks on her feet." "An excellent barrister to work with who has great empathy with clients." "Very straight-talking and gives very clear advice."
Recent work: Acted in a case regarding a complex application for relief from forfeiture for a long lease of commercial premises in a large shopping centre.
Edward Peters
Has cultivated a reputation as a property litigation specialist and is praised by peers for his intelligent approach to cases. His practice takes in dilapidations, covenants and possession claims. He has acted before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
Strengths: "He is very clever, analytically strong and sound in his judgement." "He is very good on his feet and very charming, so judges warm to him."
Recent work: Acted for a defendant landlord in a High Court wrongful forfeiture and eviction case with respect to a high-value flat in Knightsbridge.
Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Advises her clients on both commercial and residential landlord and tenant matters. She is also adept at handling compulsory purchase orders and professional negligence cases. She works across commercial and development cases as well as agricultural matters.
Strengths: "Very bright, engaging and committed to exploring every possible angle." "Extremely user-friendly and tactically-minded." "Very hard-working and efficient."
Recent work: Acted in the Tate Modern case concerning whether a public viewing platform from which residential flats can be seen amounts to nuisance or a breach of human rights.
Emily Windsor
Has a practice which spans all facets of property litigation, including agricultural land disputes, and particular experience with regard to development agreements, rent review and leasehold enfranchisement. Her expertise is enhanced by her appointment as deputy district judge.
Strengths: "She is brilliant – very knowledgeable and can answer any query off the top of her head." "For anything involving tenancies, Emily is a go-to person."
Gary Cowen
Frequently advises on complex litigation, and has a great deal of experience in the Court of Appeal. Real estate forms the core of his chancery practice and he has notable experience in restrictive covenants and leasehold enfranchisement.
Strengths: "Technically brilliant and provides practical and commercial advice – a joy to work with." "A good advocate who fully understands the case in front of him." "His advice is clear and concise."
Greville Healey
His practice is centred on rights of way and right to light issues, as well as landlord and tenant law. Clients appreciate his ability to handle complex matters and he receives consistent praise for his practical advice. He is also well versed in the Electronic Communications Code.
Strengths: "Great to have on your side – quick-witted and practical at the same time." "Very client-focused and a strong advocate. He is extremely personable and easy to work with." "He provides very thorough, practical and authoritative advice."
Recent work: Acted in Surridges & Langshott v Martin Grant Homes, a case concerning the interpretation of a development agreement.
Guy Fetherstonhaugh QC
Acts as the joint head of chambers and is widely respected in the market. His areas of expertise include rent review, easements and restricted covenants. He has experience of appearing in both the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
Strengths: "The source of very practical and well-reasoned advice." "Consistently brilliant and an intellectual heavyweight." "Fabulous to work with and understands client pressures and needs."
Recent work: Successfully represented the Tate in Fearn v Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery, a claim of nuisance and breach of human rights brought by the owners of apartments overlooked by the Tate Modern's new outdoor viewing platform.
Janet Bignell QC
Regularly handles high-value development disputes and complex commercial landlord and tenant cases. Her recent work has included obtaining injunctive relief for well-known clients, including a pre-emptive injunction to protect Ineos from activity by anti-fracking protesters. She continues to attract instructions from impressed City solicitors.
Strengths: "She is a go-to barrister who is exceptionally bright and has impeccable attention to detail." "Able to grasp technical matters very quickly." "Furiously bright and very user-friendly."
Recent work: Acted in a commercial dilapidation dispute involving complex valuation issues and requiring significant expert evidence.
Jonathan Gaunt QC
Regularly represents clients in matters concerning enfranchisement, rent review and enforcement of covenants. He enjoys acting in tricky cases where legal definitions are scrutinised. He is held in high esteem by his instructing solicitors.
Strengths: "He brings immense experience to the support he provides, offers authoritative, clear advice on difficult issues and has an excellent command of his brief." "A leader in the common law world on the creation and interpretation of easements."
Jonathan Karas QC
Has a practice that is predominantly centred on commercial landlord and tenant law. He is also adept at handling cases with planning and agricultural law aspects, and is an expert in right to light disputes. He is particularly active in land cases relating to infrastructure works.
Strengths: "He has a razor-sharp intellect and a great understanding of clients' needs." "An incisive and forceful advocate who gives robust advice." "A strong cross-examiner who fights cases hard and inspires confidence."
Recent work: Acted in Covent Garden Tenants Association v Covent Garden Market Authority, a case regarding traffic issues arising out of the £200 million redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market in Nine Elms, London.
Joseph Ollech
Has a robust real estate litigation practice and wide experience of disputes arising under the 1954 Act, the Rent Act and the Housing Act. He is particularly strong on restrictive covenants, easements, adverse possession claims and boundary disputes, and is also an expert in property-related company and insolvency law. He also acts in agricultural matters.
Strengths: "He has an excellent manner with instructing solicitors and clients alike." "He has a clear strategy for dealing with matters and is excellent at explaining things to the clients."
Recent work: Acted in a trial for the possession of pub premises following the liquidation of the pub company.
Kester Lees
Talented junior who handles all aspects of landlord and tenant and property law, including leasehold enfranchisement, adverse possession and insolvency matters.
Strengths: "Very approachable and contactable, as well as considered and bright. He is really going places." "Incredibly bright, user-friendly and accessible. Kester is technically superb, providing client-friendly opinion on the most complex matters."
Recent work: Successfully represented the claimant in a £500,000 dilapidations case regarding a nightclub in Bristol.
Kirk Reynolds QC
A highly knowledgeable property silk who operates across the full range of property law matters. He has a wealth of experience in landlord and tenant cases and has particular expertise in areas including dilapidations and rent review.
Strengths: "Very knowledgeable and good with clients." "Very good at putting together succinct and logical arguments." "Outstanding knowledge of dilapidations."
Mark Sefton QC
A skilled advocate whose practice concentrates on property-related insolvency, as well as commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes. He excels in complex issues of valuation.
Strengths: "He is practical and commercial and has a very good rapport with clients." "Really responsive and completely on it. He will always give a really realistic timeframe and stick to it." "A very good trial advocate and one of the best in valuation work."
Martin Dray
A highly sought-after junior with a specialism in high-profile property cases. He covers a range of matters including boundary disputes, lease renewals and adverse possession disputes. He also sits as a judge in the First-tier Tribunal. He is adept in all aspects of the landlord and tenant law.
Strengths: "Excellent to work with and extremely knowledgeable about adverse possession." "Has a good rapport with clients while being clear and firm in his advice." "Very meticulous, always good with clients, down to earth and yet technically brilliant."
Recent work: Acted in a lengthy boundary dispute in relation to properties on the St George's Hill Estate in Weybridge.
Nathaniel Duckworth
An expert in real property, and residential and commercial landlord and tenant work. He excels in everything from boundary disputes and adverse possession claims to easements and restrictive covenants.
Strengths: "Gets to grips with issues quickly and gives pragmatic advice." "Commercially focused and provides accessible and insightful advice." "Extremely knowledgeable with impressive turnaround times."
Oliver Radley-Gardner
Acknowledged for his diverse property practice that incorporates proprietary estoppel, negligence issues, and landlord and tenant litigation. He also has a burgeoning reputation in telecoms-related cases and is well versed in agricultural holdings litigation.
Strengths: "Balances excellent technical knowledge with a user-friendly approach." "Very bright and very able." "An excellent and compelling advocate."
Paul Letman
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.
Philip Sissons
Handles a range of real estate litigation matters including landlord and tenant issues, and is widely recognised for his formidable expertise in the High Court, county courts and the Court of Appeal.
Strengths: "Extremely bright and his written advice is clear and user-friendly." "Excellent with clients, thorough and commercial." "Great written advice and superb advocacy."
Recent work: Acted for a landlord in proceedings concerning the forfeiture of a lease on the basis that the tenant entered into a CVA.
Stephanie Tozer QC
Handles a plethora of property-related disputes, and is recognised for her skill in handling residential and commercial landlord and tenant disputes. Her clients include multiple multinational corporations.
Strengths: "Very good on the detail, great with clients and a robust and highly articulate advocate." "She cuts to the heart of the matter and is user-friendly and approachable." "She is extremely organised and logical."
Recent work: Appeared in Rashid v Nasrullah, a Court of Appeal case regarding land registration and adverse possession.
Stephen Jourdan QC
Has an extremely wide property and agricultural law practice and also handles property-related insolvency, partnership and professional negligence claims. He is also lauded for his deep knowledge of enfranchisement matters.
Strengths: "His attention to detail is second to none, which makes him a fearsome opponent." "Has tactical nous and his advocacy is quite phenomenal." "He knows enfranchisement law back to front and is full of good technical arguments."
Recent work: Acted for the Crown, as freeholder, in Whitehall Court London v Crown Estate Commissioners. He successfully resisted an appeal regarding value assumptions and the interpretation of the lease.
Tamsin Cox
Predominantly focuses on landlord and tenant cases in both commercial and residential settings. She also acts in property-related insolvency matters.
Strengths: "Clients like her and she has good technical expertise." "A highly effective advocate."
Recent work: Acted in a First-tier Tribunal case regarding the reasonableness of service charges at a block of apartments in Nottingham.
Toby Boncey
Forging a reputation as an intelligent and thorough junior with authority beyond his year of call. His practice covers numerous issues including enfranchisement and possession claims.
Strengths: "He leaves no stone left unturned – the attention to detail is phenomenal." "Provides fantastic results."
Recent work: Acted in an appeal concerning the appropriate treatment of comparables in a rent determination under Section 14 of the Housing Act 1988.
Tricia Hemans
Impressive junior who is said to be approachable as well as possessing outstanding technical skill. She operates a broad practice, featuring commercial and residential landlord and tenant work, transactional disputes and other issues such as easements.
Strengths: "A rising star."
Wayne Clark
Handles a good deal of commercial property disputes and is an expert on business tenancies. He also advises on development, joint venture agreements and overage provisions. He is also noted for his knowledge of the telecoms code.
Strengths: "He demonstrates incredible attention to detail, giving clients and instructing solicitors great confidence." "He can explain complex issues clearly and puts a client's mind at ease." "He is a silk in junior's clothes."
Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2020 is now available online. You can view the results for Falcon Chambers and its members here.
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