Department profile
Shakespeare Martineau

Real Estate Litigation

UK Guide 2026 : Midlands


Shakespeare Martineau

Rankings

About

Provided by Shakespeare Martineau

Our team of legal professionals specialise in resolving a wide range of commercial and residential property and housing management disputes. Whether clients are facing issues related to landlord-tenant disagreements, land disputes, lease renewals, or property development conflicts, we have the knowledge and experience to assist.

We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in the High Court, County Court, property tribunals and in the arbitration process. Our lawyers are skilled in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods, enabling us to choose the most appropriate approach for each case.

Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of housing management too. We understand the complexities and challenges landlords face and are here to provide practical and effective solutions. From succession planning and disrepair to tenancy enforcement, nuisance behaviour, and criminal activity, we help proactively handle any housing management issue.

We serve a diverse range of clients across various sectors, including housing associations, local authorities, investor landlords, arms-length management organisations (ALMOs), education, retail, energy and telecommunications. Our diverse client base has enabled us to fully appreciate the complexities and understand the unique needs and regulatory environments in which our clients' operate.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate Litigation - Midlands

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Shakespeare Martineau has a well-recognised team offering counsel on a broad range of contentious mandates, with experience acting at all levels of court. It advises landlords and tenants on a variety of disputes including lease forfeitures, rent reviews and high-profile possession disputes. The firm acts for clients in telecoms lease litigation and is also experienced in assisting developers with litigation arising from residential and commercial projects. It is notable for its expertise in the higher education sector, including advising on trespass cases concerning protesters.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Shakespeare Martineau advised the University of Birmingham in respect of obtaining an emergency possession order in the High Court after unauthorised protests were set up on its main campus.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team are very quick to grasp the detail in a businesslike manner.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • I have been impressed with the Shakespeare Martineau team.

    Real Estate Litigation respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3James Fownes
    Band 3James Fownes

    James Fownes

    James Fownes has expertise in a range of contentious property matters, including right to light, service charge disputes and vacant possession orders.

    • James is a good litigator - very reasonable, very clued up and driving the practice forward.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • Band 3Martin Edwards
    Band 3Martin Edwards

    Martin Edwards

    Martin Edwards is head of Shakespeare Martineau's national real estate litigation practice and is well regarded for advising on development disputes as well as the management of commercial property portfolios. He has particular expertise in trespass and possession claims, with experience in the telecoms and education sectors.
    • Martin is a very gifted solicitor who responds quickly and deals with any problems in a timely manner.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • Band 4Justine Ball
    Band 4Justine Ball

    Justine Ball

    Justine Ball has particular expertise in the telecoms sector, advising clients on disputes regarding vacant possession as well as advising on portfolio management matters.
    • Justine is very intuitive and can get to the heart of the issue almost immediately. She is a very strategic thinker.

      Real Estate Litigation respondentUK
  • Associates to watchPia Eames
    Associates to watchPia Eames

    Pia Eames

    Pia Eames handles property litigation, with a focus on landlord and tenant disputes. She advises on contentious matters relating to commercial developments and real estate portfolios.

Ranked Individuals at Shakespeare Martineau (4)

Midlands

Members

Provided by Shakespeare Martineau

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