Year of call: 2018
Harry has particular expertise in construction disputes, property disputes and commercial litigation.
Harry’s experience with construction disputes includes all stages of litigation, from adjudication all the way through to trial. His practice encompasses both residential and larger scale commercial disputes. He regularly represents new home builders both in an advisory capacity and at trial, with particular experience in disputes involving some form of new home warranty (such as the Premier Guarantee). This is in addition to his work on larger commercial disputes, including those which are referred to adjudication.
Harry’s property law practice is equally as strong. He is routinely instructed in matters relating to leasehold renewals, forfeiture and dilapidations claims. This is in addition to his instructions on matters pertaining to boundary disputes, rights of way and nuisance.
Harry’s professional background includes his work in the commercial litigation department at a leading regional firm of solicitors. There he gained experience in a wide range of complex commercial litigation cases including; partnership disputes, intellectual property, construction and breach of contract.
Harry is experienced in all aspects of contractual disputes, including debt recovery, sale and supply of goods and services, consumer credit finance and disputes surrounding directors’ loans.
Harry is regularly instructed to advise and represents clients in all court proceedings, including multi and fast-track trials, small claims and interlocutory hearings. Harry’s busy court practice also includes other hearings such as interlocutory applications and procedural hearings (such as CCMCs).
Alongside his busy court practice, Harry has a busy paper practice drafting statements of case and providing advice.
Successfully acted in a claim against an international shipping agent, which resulted in a settlement of over £100,000 (January 2024)
Successfully secured an order for security for costs on behalf of two out of three Defendants in a long running commercial dispute involving claims of breach of fiduciary duties and fraud (August 2023)
Represented two claimants in a multi-track claim for the recovery of money paid under an agreement to purchase a franchise (July 2022).
Successfully acting for a Claimant in a Fast Track claim for monies owed under a director’s loan (November 2021).
Harry’s practice in construction law continues to develop. Harry has experience across the various areas of construction law, from claims against new home builders to disputes concerning larger commercial construction contracts.
New Home Builders
Harry has appeared on behalf of several of the UK’s well-known new home builders defending claims brought alleging defective works.
With a background in the construction industry, specifically roofing, Harry is very capable of handling complex expert evidence and discussing matters with expert building surveyors in conference. Harry’s recent cases in this area have left him well versed with the specifics of the specific defects which are commonly pleaded in these cases, such as issues with the internal air ventilation system.
Harry understands the value of the reputation of home builders and is able to deal with papers and instructions with this in mind.
Construction work to residential dwellings
Harry has gained a significant depth of experience dealing with cases involving residential dwellings and refurbishment works. He is particularly well versed at handling poorly particularised contracts between employers and contractors and dealing with the evidence accordingly.
As with new homes, Harry’s knowledge of the finer points of residential construction disputes is rapidly developing. For example, Harry’s most recent instructions involved the use of Sarking on a Scottish property.
Commercial Construction Contracts
In addition to his broad experience in dealing with residential dwellings, Harry has handled matters involving JCT Contracts and litigation involving large-scale commercial contracts.
Harry has an active court and paper practice in all areas of real estate litigation.
Commercial Landlord and Tenant
Harry is regularly instructed on behalf of both landlords and tenants in respect of proceedings involving forfeiture and dilapidations. Appearing in court on a frequent basis, Harry has an understanding of the realities of litigation, especially when it involves tenancies covered by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
Boundary & Rights of Way Disputes
Harry is equally well versed in matters involving disputes over boundaries, rights of way, easements and licences.
Agricultural Holdings
In addition to his usual practice in this area, Harry has also dealt with matters concerning the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. Harry is familiar with this area and able to advise on disputes arising from tenancies over agricultural land.
Residential Landlord and Tenant
Harry’s practice in real estate litigation also extends to residential possession cases. Harry understands the complex law in this area and the need to handle each case in a high level of detail to ensure that the requirements to obtain an order for possession are met.
Harry’s expertise in this area is developing on a foundation of his experience prior to coming to the bar. Whilst working in a solicitors practice, Harry assisted a senior partner in several partnership disputes both in the Business & Property Courts and at arbitration. His experience also extends to being involved in several substantial disclosure exercises.
Harry has a developing practice in this area. Most recently he appeared in a EFL Disciplinary Commission hearing.
The Football League Limited (“the EFL”) v (1) Andrew Curran; (2) Darrell Rose; (3) Faical Safouane; (4) David Bottomley; and (5) Rochdale Association Football Club Limited
