Simon Serota
Simon Serota
Partner, Head of Litigation
+44 (0)207 467 8759
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Simon is one of London’s top property litigators. He established Wallace’s pioneering and much-admired dedicated Leasehold Enfranchisement team in 1996, and has built a team with a formidable reputation and a proven track record of precedent-setting work.
Simon specialises in all types of property litigation and dispute resolution including landlord and tenant disputes, breaches of covenant and leasehold enfranchisement.
Simon was recently consulted by the UK Home Office in relation to its proposals to amend the right of first refusal provisions of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987. Simon was apparently consulted because the Home Office department had been advised that he was renowned for finding loop-holes in the current legislation and the Government was eager to avail themselves of Simon’s expertise in order to address those issues in its proposed amended legislation.
The Legal 500 notes that “Simon Serota has an incredible depth of knowledge and imaginative ideas to deal with knotty problems”. The directory also describes Simon as “an out of the box thinker and a true expert”.
Simon has been a part-time Deputy Cost Judge for 20 years.
“Simon Serota is a highly experienced and effective solicitor with vast experience of enfranchisement claims…he is full of ideas.”
Work Highlights
Acting on behalf of Lexgorge Limited in the Supreme Court appeal on a landmark case on the definition of ‘a house’.
Being a key member of the legal team acting on behalf of US private equity group Westbrook Partners in its claim to acquire the freehold of Dolphin Square from Friends Provident; this is the largest enfranchisement claim to date.
Advising Companies and individuals with large property portfolios including the Freshwater Group of Companies.
Successfully advising numerous landlords and/or groups of tenants on Right to Manage claims including appearing as advocate both in the First Tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal.
Acting for and advising Dorset House Residential Limited and its parent company in multiple Tribunal proceedings concerning a prestige property located in Central London including successful resistance to an application by the tenants seeking to set aside the company’s acquisition of the headlease pursuant to section 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (transactions defrauding creditors).
Involved in multiple claims on behalf of the tenants of Point West, a 400 unit premier block of residential flats in Cromwell Road, London.
Recently instructed to advise and act for the Tribunal appointed manager of the Canary Riverside Estate in respect of ongoing disputes with the landlord concerning the estate.
Qualifications
Qualified: 1977
Accolades: Recommended by the Legal 500