Department profile
Freeths LLP

Real Estate Litigation

UK Guide 2026 : Midlands

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Freeths LLP

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About

Provided by Freeths LLP

Our Real Estate Litigation team is best known for providing dependable and strategic advice when clients need it most. It prides itself on an early stage assessment of dispute to achieve a cost effective outcome. The team regularly provides advice on a vast range of issues including:

  • The termination and renewal of business leases;​
  • Dilapidations disputes;
  • Advice regarding break rights;
  • Easement and covenant disputes;
  • Issues relating to landlords’ consents;
  • Telecommunications issues;
  • Obtaining vacant possession for development;
  • Forfeiture;
  • Possession claims;
  • Professional indemnity claims arising from negligent property advice;
  • Right to light issues.

We are praised by our clients as being “

responsive, knowledgeable and excellent value for money

”, which is why we act for so many well-known land owners, landlords and tenants, such as Aldi, the Travis Perkins Group of companies including Toolstation, Halfords, Dreams, Poundstretcher, Tarmac, Timpson, City Plumbing, Wickes and the Universities of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent and Lincoln.


The team is led by Paul Tomkins, who was highlighted in last year’s Chambers and Partners.
Paul is a leader in the sector sitting on the Midlands Committee of the Property Litigation Association. Clients say he has “real flair for practical, strategic and creative problem-solving”.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate Litigation - Midlands

Band 3

What the Team is Known For
Freeths offers a comprehensive range of real estate litigation services to a broad client base, which includes a number of retailers, local authorities and developers. It has an impressive track record of advising household names on landlord and tenant disputes, including high-value dilapidations claims. The team also advises on contentious development matters including overage disputes and vacant possession strategies.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Freeths advised Poundstretcher on all property litigation issues arising as a result of its CVA. This included dealing with notices to vacate, contesting a number of invalid notices, and dealing with rates disputes with local authorities and disputes concerning dilapidations liabilities.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They consistently demonstrate a deep understanding and a strategic approach, particularly in navigating situations that could easily become very complicated.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

  • The firm has strong individuals and the willingness to really understand the issues and discuss tactics.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

  • Their advice is always clear, and potential scenarios are outlined in an easy-to-read manner.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

  • Freeths has really come to prominence in the last few years and has become a major player in the market.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

  • A particular strength of Freeths is leveraging other areas within the practice when appropriate.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Paul Tomkins
    Paul Tomkins

    Paul Tomkins

    Paul Tomkins is an experienced litigator who leads the firm's real estate litigation practice. He frequently advises on large dilapidations claims and also has particular expertise in possession claims relating to trespass.

    • He has a calm and understated fashion but he is a highly skilled litigator.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

    • He is always calm but completely focused on the case and offers practical and tailored advice.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

    • Paul is genuinely outstanding commercially and on an interpersonal level. His passion and personal commitment are unrivalled.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

    • Paul is an absolute powerhouse of legal knowledge. He provides incredibly clear, strategic guidance that makes navigating complex disputes feel straightforward.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Freeths LLP (1)

Midlands

Members

Provided by Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP has rankings in the following guides

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