Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

Duncan advises clients on a range of contentious issues relating to property including:

• Lease renewals
• Dilapidations
• Restrictive covenants
• Easements
• Boundary disputes
• Forfeiture
• Debt recovery
• Adverse possession
• Break rights
• Breaches of contract/lease terms
• Possession claims (both commercial and residential)
• Disputed mortgages and secured loans
• Trusts in land
• Tenants in administration/liquidation

Duncan’s other main area of practice is litigation arising out corporate insolvency and bankruptcy and in particular, transactions at undervalue, preferences, director conduct and trustee possession claims. 

Duncan has extensive experience of broader commercial issues including contractual disputes, debt recovery and professional negligence. 

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a landlord in a successful application to the Land Tribunal for a declaration of breach of lease owing to the tenant (a housing authority) placing residents in their properties who abused drugs.
• Acting for a property owner who acquired a large commercial premises subject to an unregistered 999-year lease; brought a successful claim under s.29(1) of the Land Registration Act 2002 for a declaration that the client purchased free of the lease and thereafter recovered possession.  
• Bringing a successful action for forfeiture of a long residential lease owing to the tenant making unauthorised structural alterations.
• Defending a client against a high-street mortgage provider taking sale and possession proceedings; no possession was ordered and the claim was settled.
• Acting for the liquidator of a well-known company bringing a successful claim against a director for breach of fiduciary duties.
• Acting for a defendant company in its successful defence against a multi-million pound claim relating to unpaid commission for investment introductions.
• Bringing possession proceedings (and successfully defending an appeal) against a tenant who used the client’s property for holiday lettings.

Feedback

“Duncan Wilks goes the extra mile. He takes the pressure from your shoulders and happily puts it on his.  He is excellent in his field.”

Legal 500, 2024

“Duncan took over a difficult and complex dispute for me.  He cut through the background noise, identified the real issues and formed a strategy.  He took control and found a solution which resulted in a favourable outcome.” 

Duncan can be contacted by email: drw@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249236.

Areas of Specialism

Claire’s expertise is in property related disputes, landlord and tenant matters, and enfranchisement matters.

Claire’s clients include commercial and private landlords, property agents, tenants’ associations, trusts and other commercial entities in the leisure and retail sector nationwide. Her work is derived almost entirely from recommendations.

She is recommended in Chambers & Partner.  Claire has a good eye for those all-important details, undertakes advocacy and has a practical working relationship with other professionals. Her strong belief in looking after her clients' best interests is her motivating force.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• Member of the Property Litigation Association
• Member of ALEP
• Chambers & Partner recommended solicitor 2024 (ranked for 9 years) 

Claire can be contacted by email: CLW@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: (0) 1273 249229. 

Areas of Specialism

Gabrielle is a solicitor in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team with over 20 years of experience in property litigation. 

Gabrielle’s commercial landlord and tenant practice makes up a core part of her workload. She acts for  both landlords and tenants on various issues, including breach of covenant, dilapidation claims, contentious lease renewals  and forfeiture. 

Gabrielle has a strong interest in real property disputes, especially arising from development of land. She acts in many cases concerning restrictive covenants, boundary disputes, easements and adverse possession. 

Gabrielle is the firm’s specialist on fire safety following the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated legislation. She regularly delivers seminars to Managing Agents to keep them abreast of the changes in the law affecting all aspects of residential block management. 

Gabrielle also overseas the team’s insurance funded work where we act for Landlords in recovering possession of their properties let on shorthold tenancies.  

Gabrielle’s practice area is UK-wide and she conducts cases in various courts and Tribunals to include the Technology and Construction Court. 

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for an overseas company with a portfolio of UK properties in several dilapidation claims, including claims against the Secretary of State and Lloyds Bank PLC
• Acting for a group of flat owners in an action against its freeholder for remedial works to address fire safety defects at the building
• Acting for developer in an application under Section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925 to discharge restrictive covenants on land that preventing the construction of new houses 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Solicitor LLB Hons
• Advanced Diploma in Litigation
• Member of Property Litigation Association 

Recognition 

Gabrielle is ranked as a leading lawyer and next generation partner for property litigation by both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. 

‘Dedicated and excellent in addressing the issues and working to resolve the dispute. Good communication and tailored service. Highly recommend.’

‘We are being advised by Gabrielle Moffatt. She has been supportive and extremely helpful in dealing with the complex and continuing problems we are facing, in a situation which involves dealing with some extremely aggressive and difficult people. We have received excellent advice and Gabrielle Moffatt’s thoroughness, helpfulness, professional and personable approach has been very supportive and beneficial during that time we have been seeking advice from her.’

"I have been extremely impressed and reassured by Gabrielle's attention to detail and professionalism. She has made an extremely stressful process vastly more bearable."

Gabrielle can be contacted by email: grm@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249253. 

Gabrielle’s secretary Vanisha Parekh’s can be contacted by email: vxp@deanwilson.co.uk or her direct dial 01273 032355.

Areas of Specialism

Nicholas is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution team.

Having been admitted as a solicitor in 1982 he has  a wealth of experience and there are few areas of Litigation and Dispute Resolution with which he has not been involved over his long career with the firm be it general contract or building disputes lease renewals equine law or even Admiralty matters 

He has in particular always specialised in Landlord and tenant matters – both residential and commercial – and has a substantial practice advising and acting for letting and managing agents  and their landlord clients locally, and both  in London and throughout the Country 

He is also an acknowledged expert in Liquor Licensing matters for Pubs clubs and restaurants and regularly appears before Licensing committees both locally and  further afield  promoting his client’s applications 

Underpinning all his dealings for his clients is a determination to be efficient and most importantly, cost effective.

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a well-known and respected agent in a multi-party dispute and achieving settlement
• Obtaining  a complicated Premises License for the social areas of a multimillion pound residential development
• Successfully defending a Review application brought by the Police seeking to revoke a large Public House’s Premises license.
• Advising a national chain of letting and estate agents on a review of their legal procedures and documentation

Qualifications

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons

Nicholas can be contacted by email: NP@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249203. 

Areas of Specialism

Daniel is a Senior Associate Solicitor who specialises in Property Litigation matters. Daniel has experience in dealing with landlord and tenant disputes for both residential and commercial properties, real estate disputes, lease extensions and enfranchisement. Daniel also deals with contractual disputes, debt collection, claims under the Consumer Credit Act, and takes a keen interest in taxi licensing having been instructed in the leading case of Kaivanpor v Sussex Central Justices (High Court).

Recent Client Matters

• Claim for possession of a residential property upon the grounds of redevelopment;
• Opposing a claim for a new lease of a commercial property (pursuant to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954) based upon alleged breaches of leasehold covenants;
• Appeal against a noise abatement notice served by the Local Authority upon a well-known and highly regarded local restaurant;
• Appeal against the revocation of a taxi licence by Brighton & Hove City Council.

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Solicitor (LLB Hons)
• Committee of the Sussex Law Society
• “Solicitor Daniel Dickson is well regarded for his work on disputes involving forfeiture and breach of contract”; “A well led property team has meant that there are various up and coming junior solicitors learning from talented partners and are being prepared to be the next stars. Daniel Dickson requires particular mention” – Legal 500, 2022

Daniel can be contacted by email (djd@deanwilson.co.uk) or on his direct dial (01273 249232)

Areas of Specialism

Rebecca is a Solicitor in the General Litigation team and specialises in dispute resolution, breach of contract, construction disputes, property litigation - including possession claims and debt recovery and enforcement. 

Recent Client Matters

• Rebecca successfully obtained a freezing injunction in the high court for her client to prevent the Defendant dissipating their assets ahead of high court action.
• Rebecca settled a complex high court case reported in the media in respect of a construction dispute – Rebecca achieved a three-figure settlement figure for her client.
• Rebecca settled a breach of contract dispute concerning bonus payments – this was settled ahead of a multi-track trial and achieved a very favourable financial result for the client.
• Rebecca has been instructed by and defended high profile clients in the music industry where Rebecca had the claim against them dismissed.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor (LLB Hons)

Rebecca can be contacted by email: RR@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249212. 

Areas of Specialism

Lily is a Solicitor in the firm’s Dispute Resolution department, specialising in Landlord and Tenant matters. She assists with leasehold disputes, lease extensions (both statutory and informal), freehold acquisitions (both collective enfranchisement and first right of refusal claims), right to manage claims, licences for alterations and deeds of variation. 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Law Degree, LLB Hons
• Legal Practice Course, LPC
• Law, Business and Management, MSc

Memberships

Dean Wilson is a member of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (“ALEP”). ALEP promotes best practice by vetting organisations to ensure a consistently high level of service so that leaseholders and freeholders can contact ALEP members with confidence.

Lily can be contacted by email: LSH@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032326 

Lily is assisted by Molly Hamilton, Senior Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution department. Molly's contact details are - email: MOH@deanwilson.co.uk and direct dial: 01273 249264.

Areas of Specialism

Rory is a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team specialising in construction law.

Within the construction field, he has experience in both contentious and non-contentious transactional matters.

In dispute resolution, he has experience in a wide range of areas, including breach of contract, insurance, dilapidations, trust and cohabitation disputes, and contested probate matters.

Recent Client Matters

• Helped a residential client in a construction dispute with a contractor over defective works, undertaking a high-value extension and renovation. The claim proceeded to trial and resulted in a judgment in favour of the client, ordering the builder to cover the costs of remedial works undertaken by an alternative contractor.
• Assisted a land developer in an insurance claim after the insurer refused to pay out, alleging that there had been a failure of fair presentation when the policy was entered. The case involved a grey area on the legal position under the Insurance Act 2015. A settlement was achieved in mediation before proceedings were issued, resulting in the developer receiving the majority of the sums originally claimed.
• Involved in a dispute over a land investment in which the defendant denied the claimant's (Rory’s client) entitlement to one-half of the property and/or the proceeds of sale. At trial, the court found in favour of the claimant, recognising a resulting trust over half of the property and ordering the defendant to pay the claimant’s costs.
• Drafts various contractual documents for clients, including Bespoke terms and conditions for a high-end landscaper; An amended RIBA 2018 contract for the construction of a new build property; Amended 2016 and 2024 JCT contracts and subcontracts.
• Instructed on multiple adjudications (representing employers, contractors and subcontractors) over the terms of a contract, payment cycles and notices, claims of contra charges for alleged overpayment and the validity of a contract termination. These resulted in the adjudicators finding in favour of his client
• Led three mediations in contested probate matters over the last year involving claims of proprietary estoppel and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. All three resulted in the settlement of the claims.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, History, Literature and Culture

Solicitor (SQE)

Rory can be contacted by email: RFL@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032336

Samantha has recently qualified as a solicitor in June 2025 within the Dispute Resolution Department. Samantha works closely with Claire Whiteman on Property Litigation, Enfranchisement and General Litigation cases. 

During Samantha's training contract, she undertook the following seats: 

• First seat was in our Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team, assisting Alex Brown, head of the Personal Injury department with claims in relation to severe and life changing injuries resulting in Brain Injury, Birth Injury, Severe Orthopaedic Injuries and Spinal Cord Injury. 

• Second seat was in the Private Client department undertaking a range of work including Wills, Probates and Trust work under the supervision of Julian Potter.

• Third and final seat was in the Dispute Resolution Department working on Property Litigation, Enfranchisement and General Litigation cases.

Samantha previously worked as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team running her own possession claims assisting landlords recover their residential property along with any rent arrears owed and a successful Judgment for their legal costs. 

Samantha worked closely with a well-known local managing agents to help clients achieve the best possible outcome. She also assisted senior members in the team with more general litigation matters. 

Qualifications

• Solicitor
• 1st Class LLB Law (Hons)
• LPC LLM with Distinction in Professional Legal Practice

Samantha can be contacted by email: slb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249298. 

Areas of Specialism

Erin assists our Corporate Commercial team in a wide range of corporate transactions including share and asset acquisitions and disposals, as well as shareholders’ agreements and company restructuring. Erin's main responsibilities include drafting legal ancillary documents, legal due diligence reports and carrying out research.  

Erin graduated from the University of Sussex in 2022 with a first class LLB. Erin aspires to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route, solidifying her dedication to professional growth and contributing to the legal field with her expertise.  

Recent Client Matters

• Regularly assists one of the largest property agents in the UK to acquire letting and block management agents across the country.
• Assisting buyers in purchasing a hospitality business in Brighton;
• Assisting sellers and buyers of estate agency businesses; 

Qualifications, Membership 

• LLB Hons

Erin can be contacted by email: egb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249227.  

Areas of Specialism

Katiee is a Solicitor Apprentice in the Dispute Resolution team assisting on a variety of major and routine legal matters within the department. Katiee manages her own cases and prides herself on getting the best outcome for our clients. Katiee is experienced in rent mediation and section 21 and section 8 claims. 

Katiee also leads the Welsh matters within the team giving her experience in both English and Welsh claims.

Recent Client Matters

• Supporting landlords who have not received rent payments from tenants for an extensive period of time. Drafting notices and proceedings to obtain rent arrears, possession orders and costs in the case.
• Advocating for a client who wishes to obtain their property back from a tenant who refuses to move out after the fixed term has ended.
• Working closely with a wide range of letting agents to assist landlords and tenants with property disputes.
• Drafting letters before action and filing claim forms to help clients get the best outcomes.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons)
• LLM Master of Law Degree
• Currently undergoing her LPC (Legal Practice Course)

Katiee can be contacted by email: KEG@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 032310. 

Areas of Specialism

Michaela is a Senior Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team who specialises in Landlord and Tenant disputes.

Michaela graduated from the University of the West of England in 2014 and has nearly 10 years’ experience in the legal industry. Michaela joined Dean Wilson in January 2024 and has built her background in general litigation, including property litigation, personal injury, debt recovery and clinical negligence matters.

Qualifications

• LLB Hons (2.1) 

Michaela can be contacted by email: MCT@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249250. 

Areas of Specialism

Sara is a Senior Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution department and has extensive experience in all matters concerning residential possession claims. Sara works with both landlords and tenants and also works with providers of insurance cover for landlords. 

Additionally, Sara has experience in regard to breaches of lease in relation to running Holiday Lets, with Dean Wilson LLP acting for both leaseholders and freeholders. 

Sara is fluent in English and Norwegian and has a working knowledge of the Scandinavian languages. 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Bachelor of Law from University of Sussex (LLB)

Sara can be contacted by email: sn@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249276

AREAS OF SPECIALISM

Molly is a Senior Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team, and specialise in Landlord and Tenant matters. Molly assists with lease extensions (both statutory and informal), freehold acquisitions, deeds of variations and a variety of Landlord and Tenant issues. 

Molly has over 5 years’ experience working in the legal industry, having previously worked in a local firm, which included working in Residential Property.

QUALIFICATIONS

History BA (Hons) 2:2 

Postgraduate LLM Merit 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Molly can be contacted by email: moh@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249264

Areas Of Specialism

Edward began his legal career with the firm after graduating from the University of Warwick, currently working as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team.

Edward specialises in residential property matters, where he manages his own caseload and supports landlords through the process of obtaining possession orders and recovering costs. His work also includes handling Section 8 and Section 21 claims under the Housing Act 1988.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts in History & Politics: Graduated with Upper Second-Class Honours from the University of Warwick

Contact Details 

Edward can be contacted by email: eja@deanwilson.co.ukor on his direct dial: 01273 249222

Areas of Specialism

Zoe graduated from Queen Mary University of London in 2024, achieving an upper-class honours. Zoe is a paralegal within our Dispute Resolution team, providing support to the team, while taking on her own caseload. Zoe specialises in Landlord and Tenant Possession Claims, related to the Section 21 and Section 8 proceedings of the Housing Act 1988.

Qualifications

• Global Law LLB (YA at HKU): Graduated with Upper Second-Class Honours from Queen Mary University of London
• Currently undergoing SQE 1&2 with LLM at BPP University

Zoe can be contacted by email: ZYG@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249262

Areas of Specialism

Ethan is a recent law graduate and a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team: He specialises in Landlord and Tenant Possession claims, including but not limited to Section 8 & Section 21 proceedings of the Housing Act 1988. Ethan is currently managing his own caseload of Possession Claims. 

Qualification

• Second Class Honours LLB Degree from the University of Sussex

Ethan can be contacted by email: EJB@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249245

Areas of Specialism

Matilda recently graduated from Durham University and has now started her legal career at the firm, working as a paralegal within Dispute Resolution. 

Matilda currently specialises in residential possession claims, managing her own caseload to assist landlords in gaining possession orders and cost awards. Her work also includes issuing Section 8 and Section 21 notices and proceedings under the Housing Act 1988.

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a landlord to obtain possession of a property that was misused by the tenant for criminal activity and drug use, including various other breaches of the tenancy such as suspected subletting and abandonment.

Qualifications 

• First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography, Durham University
• Was awarded Durham University’s Janet Townsend Award in 2025. This award is given to the student who undertook the most notable decolonial research across the cohort, recognising Matilda’s contributions to decolonial research within her dissertation as ‘outstanding’. 

Lucas is a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution Department, supporting the team on a wide range of property litigation matters. His work primarily centres on Service Charge disputes, including advising on and assisting with Lease forfeiture claims brought under Sections 146 and 147 of the Law of Property Act 1925. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1st class LLB from the University of Sussex

CONTACT DETAILS 

Lucas can be contacted by email: LWA@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249273.

Joseph joined the firm as a Legal Assistant and has since been promoted to Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution team. He specialises in landlord and tenant possession matters and also assists with a broad range of general litigation work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree – Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of York 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Joseph Phillips can be contacted by email: jcp@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249 243.

Vivien is a dedicated Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution Department, specialising in possession proceedings. She assists with rent mediation, as well as Section 21, Section 8, and Section 146 claims. Committed to delivering outstanding support, Vivien ensures her clients receive expert guidance throughout the legal process.

Vivien has just over a year of Legal Assistant experience supporting with drafting and legal research in Canada, prior to joining us at Dean Wilson. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of Sussex in 2023
• Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada) 

Areas of Specialism

Eimer is an experienced Paralegal in Dispute Resolution, specialising in property-related matters. Eimer primarily deals with landlord and tenant disputes and assists landlords in recovering possession of their property and any rental arrears that have accrued. Eimer also has experience dealing with broader Property Litigation matters including adverse possession, rights of way disputes and nuisance claims alongside general Civil Litigation. 

Eimer previously worked as a Paralegal in Conveyancing and later as a Paralegal in Property Litigation, while assisting interdepartmentally.

Recent Client Matters 

• Eimer assisted residential landlords recover possession of their property (and rental arrears) by way of both section 21 and section 8 of the Housing Act 1988.
• Eimer successfully settled a neighbour dispute arising from an alleged breach of easement early in proceedings.
• Eimer assisted in settling a high-value insurance dispute concerning alleged misrepresentation. 

Eimer’s Approach

Client satisfaction is at the heart of Eimer’s work as she understands the legal process is daunting, so maintains communication and breaks the process down to be better understood. Eimer aims to empower clients by using plain English and avoiding using legal jargon to give clients clear advice upon all of their options. Eimer is also a strong advocate for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons) from the University of Sussex
• ILSPA Legal Diploma
• Member of Aspiring Solicitors 

Area of Specialism

William is a recent first-class law graduate from West of England University. This is Williams's first role in law and he is currently assisting the team on Landlord and Tenant matters including the possession proceedings by way of Section 8 and/or Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.

Qualifications

• First Class Honours LLB Degree from the University of the West of England

William can be contacted by email: WXI@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249255

Areas of Specialism

Clayton is a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team, specialising in residential property repossession under Section 8 and Section 21. Clayton helps landlords navigate the legal process with clear advice and practical support, making complex procedures feel more manageable. 

Qualifications

• University of Leeds (LLB Hons)

Areas of Specialism

Maddie is a recent law graduate and a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team. She specialises in Landlord and Tenant possession claims, including Section 8 and Section 21 proceedings. Maddie is currently training to manage her own caseload, with a focus on drafting pleadings and progressing matters through court to obtain possession orders and cost awards on behalf of landlords. She is enthusiastic about developing her career in the legal field and gaining further experience in Dispute Resolution.

Qualifications

• LLB Law graduate (Royal Holloway, University of London)

Areas of Specialism

Shannon is a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution Department working specifically with matters related to Land including transfers of whole or part property and Land Registry applications. Shannon has experience dealing with matters concerning Lease extensions, Notices of Transfer and Charge and Deeds of Covenant.

Qualifications

• Final year Law with Business LLB student at University of Sussex
• Studying LPC and LLM with University of Law in September 2024

Recent Client Matters

• Block Lease extensions
• Post-completion matters, e.g. Notice of Transfer and Charge
• Transfers of Land 

Shannon can be contacted by email: smf@deanwilson.co.uk or on direct dial: 01273 032314

Sarah is the Executive Assistant to Duncan Wilks, Head of our Dispute Resolution team, providing high‑level, proactive support to ensure the smooth and effective day‑to‑day management of his practice commitments.

A highly experienced Executive Assistant, Sarah has a strong track record of supporting senior leaders across a range of sectors, including within a FTSE 250 global insurance company. She is accustomed to operating in fast‑paced environments and is recognised for her discretion, sound judgement and meticulous attention to detail.

Her role encompasses complex diary management, meeting and event coordination, travel planning, and the preparation and formatting of correspondence and documentation. She liaises confidently with internal stakeholders, manages competing priorities effectively, and supports the wider team through clear, accurate and timely communication.

Sarah Brown can be contacted by email: SZB@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249293

Helen is a Senior Legal Assistant in the Dispute Resolution team, specialising in Landlord and Tenant matters. She assists with a wide range of work including statutory and informal lease extensions, freehold acquisitions, deeds of variation, licences to assign, deeds of covenant, and notices of transfer.

Helen has over 15 years’ experience in property law, having previously worked at a Sussex-based firm, where her experience also included Residential Property matters.

Helen, has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Exeter – BA (Hons) 2:1.

CONTACT DETAILS 

Helen can be contacted by email: hsp@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249299.