Dev is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution Group.

He leads a team of dedicated property dispute resolution experts, serving institutional investors, landowners, lenders, family offices, developers and occupiers.

Clients turn to Dev on cutting-edge market developments and regulation. Collaborating closely with our other experts across disciplines, Dev has spearheaded innovative ESG projects for institutional landlords to meet sustainability goals. In the same vein, Dev maintains a keen interest in prop-tech towards the smart buildings of the future.

Dev’s experience extends across all asset classes into operational property such as hotels, student accommodation and serviced apartments.

Outside of the real estate market, Dev often works in multidisciplinary teams to bring property perspectives to challenges faced by clients in sectors such as renewable energy, transport and infrastructure. Several years in management at Network Rail in the UK, and a six-month secondment as inhouse counsel at a telecommunications infrastructure company, give Dev ready and real-world insight into these industries. In terms of social infrastructure, Dev advises on educational institutions, retail complexes, student accommodation and co-living and other residential developments.

He is a regular legal commentator across media, and editor and contributing author of Butterworth’s Property Insolvency.

Testimonials to the Legal 500 legal directory over the years have said that Dev’s “commercial acumen and experience are second-to-none.” He is commended for his “quick thinking” yet he “looks at a case from every angle.” A “great tactician,” he has a “very hands-on” approach, making him an “excellent man to have on your side.” His team of property disputes lawyers “is particularly strong when it comes to development support, ESG, property-related insolvency and high-class residential matters.” Its “responsiveness marks it out as exceptional” and they “collaborate with all, providing sensible, commercial advice.” He has been commended by Chambers UK for his “very down to earth style” and the “personal touch that makes his clients feel valued.

Show key areas
  • Acting for a leading renewable energy company to successfully rectify compound RPI rent review provisions which would have otherwise lead to exorbitant rental levels and in rent review arbitration.
  • Representing the liquidators of a property finance company in cross claims for economic duress, contractual breaches and enforcement of security.
  • Acting for a developer of luxury residential property in High Court litigation and a mediation against a high-profile financier arising out of breaches of a property swap and development deal.
  • Representing the anchor tenant of London’s iconic Walkie-Talkie building in disputes with the landlord and neighbouring occupiers in relation to defects in the building and private nuisance.
  • Advising a telecommunications operator and infrastructure manager in disputes arising out of network expansion and upgrades and the Electronic Communications Code.

Education

  1. 2002 – 2003 · College of Law (London), LPC
  2. 2001 – 2002 · Nottingham Trent University, Management Diploma
  3. 1999 · MCSE (Systems Engineer, Microsoft-Certified)
  4. 1996 – 1999 · University of London: Queen Mary College, LLB Honours

memberships & associations

  1. Law Society of England & Wales
  2. Property Litigation Association