In the latest edition (2008) of the independent legal directory Chambers & Partners, Denison Till is recommended for excellence in 4 categories. Visit the Chambers website at www.chambersandpartners.com
Quotes from the directory are as follows:
1) Agriculture & Rural Affairs - Yorkshire
The multidisciplinary capability of this practice makes it a one-stop shop for landed estates seeking advice on a diverse range of agricultural, commercial property and residential issues. The team of four partners has experienced an uptake in instructions involving the conversions of properties for business use and the putting up of telecommunications masts. Another major development of the past year was the firm’s appointment as adviser to the Church of England on the voluntary registration of land. This is a vastly complex and challenging undertaking, given that up to half of the properties concerned have no deeds. Inevitably, with so many of the titles lost over time, the firm is encountering numerous adverse possession claims. Its work for landed estates continues to encompass purchases and tenancies, sporting rights, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and highway issues. Sources remark on the outstanding efficiency of “technically sound” commercial property lawyer David Grice. His areas of expertise include agricultural tenancy issues, problems under the Rent Act 1977 and freehold sales and purchases. Clients/Work Highlights:The firm witnessed an increase in development work through the commercial leases for Castle Howard Estate, Newburgh Priory and Hovingham. The major instruction of the past year entailed advising the Church of England on voluntary first registrations. Other notable instructions include assisting on the purchase of High House Farm near Easingwold.
2) Construction - Yorkshire
Based in York, Denison Till’s solicitors score highly with clients for their flexibility: “They always make time for us, and are always helpful and approachable.” The group has secured some impressive work of late, ranging from a major arbitration in the Midlands to contracts work on the building of a crane rail system in Panama. Higher education continues to be a specialism, and construction chief Gareth Hevey has recently advised on appointment documents and building contracts for the £8.5 million extension of York St John University.
3) Corporate Finance - Yorkshire
York is the stronghold of the firm, with the “well-established team” working on the “highest quality deals,” say peers. Offering advice to businesses and companies across the region, the team works on public company as well as discrete private company transactions. In addition to MBOs, cross-border work is part of the workload and the firm is a member of Geneva Group International. Especially highly regarded in the sciences sector and offering specialist knowledge in IT and e-commerce, the team supported Venturefest, an event for technology-based businesses. The group is also a member of the Law Society's Lawyers for Your Business scheme. Andrew Lindsay is head of the corporate department. Clients/Work Highlights: Clients include Pivotal Laboratories.
4) Real Estate - Yorkshire
As finding sites for residential development becomes more difficult, this acclaimed York group has widened its expertise in dealing with the legal issues surrounding the acquisition of ‘problem sites’, including environmental, structural and legal complications. The firm wields this expertise in acting for Evans Easyspace on the acquisition of development land, as well as in its representation of Thirsk Farmers in the sale of their old auction mart to a national house builder and the acquisition and construction of a site for their new mart. The group runs a successful seminar programme for clients and non-clients alike.
