Kirsty Smith

I specialise in all aspects of real estate litigation, from property misrepresentation claims, to landlord and tenant disputes (relating to security of tenure, dilapidations, applications for consent), and land owner disputes involving issues such as trespass and nuisance.

I have experience acting on a broad range of contractual disputes, including enforcement of property agreements and interpretation of property contracts, as well as advising on professional negligence claims against property professionals.

As well as representing clients in “live” proceedings, I provide strategic advice on a range of property management matters, including but not limited to possession, forfeiture, arrears recovery and property related insolvency issues. Our role is not limited to being hard-hitting litigators; it is as much about spotting issues before they occur and providing pragmatic advice to protect your interests/assets.

I have acted for a wide range of clients including commercial landlords and tenants, investors, public sector bodies, charities and lenders, in a range of sectors most notably in the retail sector.

• Successfully recovering substantial arrears from high street retail tenants.
• Representing the defendant in a High Court claim regarding an allegation of fraudulent misrepresentation in connection with the disposal of an asset.
• Acting on behalf of a leading UK retailer in respect of a high value terminal claim for damages issued by its former landlord.
• Acting on behalf of a global real estate service provider in relation to a high value negligent commercial valuation claim.
• Representing a landlord opposing a nightclub tenant’s business lease renewal application on the own occupation ground.
• Concerning an iconic Central London office building, representing a tenant seeking repayment of very substantial service charges paid by mistake.