Author

Vanessa Joll

Published
8th May 2025
Summarise Blog

We are delighted to have appointed highly respected property litigator Stephen Scott as a partner in our London based real estate disputes team.

Qualified in 1992 and bringing 32 years’ experience, Stephen joins from Howard Kennedy. His career includes senior leadership roles at Child & Child and CMS, where he built a 12 lawyer real estate disputes team. He was also part of the board and executive management committee at Narbarro prior to its merger with CMS.

Stephen advises investors, developers and asset managers across the industrial and logistics, retail, leisure, office and sports sectors on the full spectrum of commercial real estate disputes, from development and asset management issues to complex portfolio litigation.

Stephen, who will work nationally from our London hub, said: “I am delighted to join Shakespeare Martineau at this stage of my career. The firm’s culture, depth of expertise and impressive client base immediately stood out, as did its entrepreneurial approach.

“I’m eager to help raise the profile of our London office, support colleagues in other locations and add strategic, problem solving value for clients as they pursue transformative real estate projects.”

Stephen’s arrival strengthens our national real estate disputes offering, enhancing its capability to advise on development, investment and asset management challenges for clients across the UK.

Vanessa Joll, who heads the real estate disputes team said: “Stephen’s reputation in property litigation is outstanding. His track record in building successful teams and steering high stakes, commercially critical matters makes him a perfect fit for our fast growing practice. Clients will benefit from his strategic mindset, sector knowledge and genuine passion for supporting both people and projects.”

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About the Author

She is highly skilled at working closely with her clients to develop a strategy to resolve any dispute in a way which meets their commercial objectives. She is calm but proactive and highly focused on achieving the required outcomes, whilst retaining her down to earth and relatable manner. Clients say: “We have total confidence in any real estate litigation situation where Vanessa is advising us.” Chambers 2022 “She is a great strategic thinker with a practical mindset to get the best outcome for her clients.” Chambers 2022 Vanessa’s clients range from developers to local authorities and a range of landlords…