Donal is an Associate Director in the real estate disputes team in London. He specialises in commercial landlord and tenant disputes. He has acted in matters concerning all aspects of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and regularly advises on matters relating to dilapidations, service charge, forfeiture, alienation, break notices, possession claims, enforcing agreements for lease and general breach of contract disputes.

Donal acts for a broad range of clients, with a particular focus on real estate funds and investors, together with a number of corporate occupier clients with extensive property portfolios. He is a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 (2017).

Donal is also an expert in property-based disputes in the Tech, Media and Comms sector – in particular disputes relating to the Electronic Communications Code. Having assisted various Mobile and Fixed Line Operators with the management of their property portfolios he has a wealth of Telecoms sector experience. This experience includes a secondment to act as in-house counsel for Vodafone.

Donal is often invited to give presentations on telecoms issues, such as the proposed reforms to the Electronic Communications Code and on the City of London Standardised Wayleave Agreement. He also provides regular training to clients and intermediaries on all aspects of commercial landlord and tenant disputes.

Investor

Acted on behalf of the successful applicant in the case of UK Leasing Brighton Limited and others v Topland Neptune Limited and another [2015] EWHC 53 (Ch) (heard with Zinc Cobham 1 Limited and others v. Adda Hotels and others), the ground-breaking decision on the reversal of unlawful assignments and associated guarantees.

Corporate Occupier

Acted for a Private Equity fund in the renewal of its head-office lease, in a dispute worth over £7m Possession.

Asset Management

Working in tandem with property agents to manage shopping outlets, shopping centres and other property asset portfolios on behalf of investor clients.

Possession

Enforced a High Court Order for Possession, which resulted in the removal of 40 professional squatters from industrial premises owned by a Pension Fund, and required the co-ordination of 20 High Court Enforcement officers and 100 police officers.

Contact Donal
  • +44 207 105 7330
  • +44 778 048 4080
  • English, German
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