Leona is a Partner and head of our real estate litigation practice.
Having worked in the industry for over twenty years, advising businesses on real estate disputes, she has developed a deep understanding of the market, a commercial approach to providing strategic advice and resolving disputes, and has deep experience in litigation, arbitration and mediation. She advises corporate occupier clients on their most complex landlord and tenant disputes; developers on disputes arising under their property contracts, tortious issues and easement claims; and has a particular expertise in the Electronic Communications Code.
Leona qualified in 1992 and has been a Partner at Osborne Clarke since 2000. She is widely recognised in the legal directories as a leading lawyer in real estate litigation.
Chambers and Partners 2019 edition says "Sources are quick to praise Leona Briggs", and states that "she exudes calmness and confidence but backs it up with substance." Other interviewees describe her as "measured and unflappable."
Chambers have also described Leona as an experienced practitioner, equipped to advise clients on the full spectrum of real estate disputes.
Leona Briggs is also a first class litigator. She is very hardworking, has sound litigation judgment and really knows the law in her subject areas."
House builder
Advised on the interpretation of a conditional contract and associated documentation; looking specifically at variation issues and the impact of the change in planning approach over a period of time on the contract obligations
Pension fund
Advised on structuring of significant investment in the context of assignment between group companies and retaining sufficient guarantors in place
Developer
Advised on a dispute over the interpretation of a series of inter-related option agreements over adjoining land, specifically on enforceability, expiry dates and whether certain obligations had been breached together with remedies
Digital business client
Acted in a negligence claim against the client's former property advisors for a missed break option advising on strategy, issuing proceedings and reaching settlement of the claim at mediation.
Insights
UK First-tier Tribunal further clarifies Electronic Communications Code agreement terms
The impact of ESG factors on the future of the UK Electronic Communications Code
UK chancellor's 'mini-budget' proposes amendments to draft infrastructure legislation
Tribunal provides welcome guidance for operators and landowners on renewal terms under the Electronic Communications Code
Valuation in business tenancy renewals: don’t assume a rent-free period
The decision in HPUT vs Boots UK Limited provides landlords and valuers with a reference point
'All reasonable endeavours': what does it mean?
Service charges – time is (sometimes) of the essence!
Additional restrictions to be imposed on commercial landlords' enforcement options
Communications Review 2019 – looking back and looking forward
On 5 November 2019 we held our annual Communications Review 2019, where experts from our London, Bristol and Thames Valley...