James Picknell
Partner
Real Estate Dispute Resolution
James represents commercial landlords and tenants in respect of a broad range of matters, such as opposed and unopposed commercial lease renewals, insolvency, assignment and subletting, forfeiture, rent arrears, and service charge disputes. James has significant experience dealing with complex dilapidations claims, break clauses and lease exit strategies.
For many years, a consistently large part of James’ caseload has included advising on knotty private client and commercial land issues, such as access disputes, restrictive covenants and nuisance claims. James also has considerable experience advising clients on boundary disputes and adverse possession claims.
Work highlights
Dilapidations claim
Representing an international firm in its defence of a substantial dilapidations claim of high end commercial office premises in the City.
High Court proceedings
Representing a developer in High Court proceedings concerning attempts by a commercial neighbour to prevent the client and future owners from gaining access to a residential development
Restrictive covenant dispute
Acting for a group of neighbours who were parties to proceedings in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) and the High Court in respect of their objection to a developer’s claims for the modification of restrictive covenants and a declaration of the Court.
Asset management
Advising and providing strategic advice to well known high street retailers in respect of asset management issues such as 1954 Act renewals, break clauses and dilapidations disputes.
Recent articles
Insights
Our advice is clear – use the tenant’s keenness as the reason to agree the lease more quickly, and do not let your tenant into occupation on a handshake and promise to agree the lease next week.
24/04/2024
Videos
Explore the anticipated changes in commercial and residential real estate, property disputes, development, and planning for 2022 and beyond
25/11/2021
Videos
We consider the recently introduced Building Safety Bill, the changing nature of the high street and developments in Crawley town centre
30/09/2021