Best brains in...

Following a secondment to a major telecoms operator some years ago, I have developed specialist knowledge of the telecoms aspects of property disputes, particularly where telecoms masts form part of a development site. The strategic advice required to obtain vacant possession of complex development sites is made even more challenging where telecoms equipment is present. I can devise a strategy to ensure the client's objective is met, preferably by agreement.

Highlight of your career so far?

I was involved in the project to move the US Embassy from Mayfair to Battersea. Our team advised on the strategy for obtaining possession of commercial premises that stood in the way of the new embassy being built. The importance of this project, both to the client and to the USA, made giving the right advice absolutely critical.

However, it isn't always the big cases that are exciting – I recently secured an injunction for a hairdresser to enable them to get back in to trade from their store within 24 hours of the landlord unlawfully forfeiting the lease. The client was delighted.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

I am acting on the landlord/tenant aspect of one of the largest construction litigation cases in the UK. The landlord needs to maintain good relations with its major high street tenants such as Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer and TKMaxx, but also needs to carry out a major demolition and construction project at the heart of the shopping destination. There is something for everyone in this case. It is long-running, technically challenging, involves about 40 law firms and many different disciplines across the firm.

What about outside the UK?

I have spoken on the subject of UK property insolvency at a conference in Madrid attended by French, Italian, Spanish and UK delegates and am involved in the firm's Italy desk, which means that I have built strong relationships with Italian law firms and can introduce UK real estate clients to Italian investments and vice versa. 

What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?

While training for the London marathon, I regularly fitted in runs that took me along the south bank of the Thames, past premises owned by one of my development clients. On Easter Monday, I spotted a rave going on, then contacted the client who confirmed that they owned the property. We quickly issued proceedings and evicted the squatters – the second time that we had moved them on inside of a month. Now I regularly run past the site just in case the squatters have come back!

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

In 2010 I have already raised over £3500 for charity by running 3 marathons, much of which was generously donated by my colleagues and clients.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

Chambers UK described me as "extremely good" but I am most proud of gaining the trust and respect of my clients and colleagues who turn to me to help out with often time critical and commercially sensitive issues.