James’s practice encompasses a wide range of property-related issues in both commercial and residential contexts, in drafting, advising and litigating. If the subject matter is land or connected to land, James advises on it. His practice also covers commercial agreements for asset management.
James adopts a pragmatic and thoughtful approach, focusing on early appraisal of a matter to take any strike-out point (if responding) to ensure the case has the full set of bases covered for it to succeed (if pursuing). His communication is clear and jargon-free. He works as a team with the client to extract facts in the most helpful and economical way. James emphasizes courteous engagement with opposing representatives and efficient management of client costs.
Specific areas of expertise include:
Deals:
- Restructuring buildings for changes in use and boundaries for flats/units.
- Contested lease consents and restrictive covenant applications.
- Drafting Heads of Terms to minimize Stamp Duty Land Tax and legal risks.
- Lease renewals and terminations for business premises.
- Leasehold enfranchisement, rights of first refusal, Right to Manage, and related issues.
- Licences for access, crane oversail and scaffolding.
- Dealing with Restrictive Covenants.
- Overage.
- Estate Rent Charges.
Disputes:
- Interpretation of title documents to establish rights.
- Boundary disputes.
- Party Wall Act matters.
- Access to Neighbouring Land Act matters
- Pre-litigation notices.
- Possession claims.
- Claims in nuisance and trespass, including against ‘persons unknown.
- Ransom strip disputes.
- Overage agreements.
- Lease management and service charges.
- Contract formation, variation and breach.
- Land options.
- Court advocacy on the above.
