Leading regional law firm, Steele Raymond, has strengthened its property litigation team with two key appointments. Farouk Vahdati joins as a Solicitor, following the addition of Lauren Meade as Senior Associate earlier this year. These appointments further enhance its expertise.
Over the past two years, the team has grown from three to seven litigators and it is now one of the largest standalone property litigation teams on the South Coast. This growth has enabled Steele Raymond to expand both the scope and size of the commercial and residential property work they handle. Clients nationwide are receiving invaluable support on a broad spectrum of property-related disputes.
Commenting on the team’s remarkable expansion, Partner and Head of Property Litigation, David Crockford, who also serves as the new Chair for the South Coast Region of the Property Litigation Association, said: “I’m immensely proud to lead a hand-picked team of exceptional quality litigators in what has become a busy practice. Over the last two years, we have strengthened the team and are now well-placed to provide our clients with responsive, tailored services to help them resolve complex matters effectively and favourably.”
Based in Bournemouth, Steele Raymond’s property litigation team – including David and fellow Partner, Hannah Dare – covers high-end residential property disputes and general commercial property issues between tenants and landlords and works with developers and housebuilders to resolve disputes. They also help with property insolvency work.
Farouk, a Bournemouth and Solent University alumnus is recently qualified and joins Steele Raymond from Warner Goodman LLP. He advises landlords and tenants on a range of residential and commercial property matters, specializing in lease extensions, boundary disputes and adverse possession.
Lauren, who came to Steele Raymond from Womble Bond Dickinson, is an experienced and highly skilled litigator across all aspects of property litigation, with significant expertise in asset management work. She specialises in commercial landlord and tenant disputes, focusing on lease renewals, dilapidations, and forfeiture and possession proceedings. As a member of both the Property Litigation Association and the Bournemouth Property Association, Lauren’s appointment further strengthens the property litigation practice and the expertise Steele Raymond offers its clients.
The team’s expanded expertise ensures they are well-equipped to handle the evolving needs of their clients in property litigation.