Specialists in landlord and tenant law, we provide expert knowledge and advice in order to negotiate and/or enforce a lease such as extensions and renewals, forfeiture of commercial leases, service charge disputes, rent reviews, dilapidation disputes, lease assignments and the recovery of rent arrears.

We recognise that a well-documented and drafted commercial landlord and tenant transaction is likely to deliver our clients’ expectations. Equally, where there is a need for litigation, particularly in the world of commercial tenancies, our specialist property litigation team can find solutions.

  • Alterations
  • Assignments
  • Dilapidations
  • Disposals
  • Enforcement of covenants
  • Guarantees
  • Lease renewals and negotiations
  • Licensed premises
  • Possession
  • Qualifying long term agreements
  • Rent deposits
  • Rent reviews
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Security
  • Service charges

  • Strategically advising a Central London estate on the refinancing of their portfolio.
  • Acquisition and financing of a £40m asset of a UK-wide investment portfolio of industrial, commercial and office properties.
  • Acquisition of Central London headquarters for an international US law firm (AM Law 200).
  • Leasing the UK headquarters of a FTSE 250 construction business.
  • Buying and letting a commercial portfolio of properties for a Chinese investment company.
  • Advising estate management company on a prestigious London development and lease with complex qualifying long-term agreement issues.
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John Gillette

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News/Insight

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What they say...

Wills, trust and probate - James McMullan "Efficient, approachable, understanding and affordable."

Ann: March 2018

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Lease extensions: We have been very happy and satisfied with the level of service received and have not had any cause for concern or complaint in any of the dealings with Mr Jacobs or other members of the team.

Ash: February 2018

Cyber Essentials Certification

Employment: Karen Cole dealt with my case, she made the legal jargon very easy to understand, was patient, understanding but to the point.

 Sheila: January 2018

Wills, tax and trusts: I became involved in an extremely contentious and complex legal issue concerning the trust fund of a minor, and the unwillingness of the trustees to disclose relevant information. The case was trying and laborious, but James and Alex were ...

Dispute Resolution: Daniel Downes’ ability to read the request, take a commercial view and give options is why I will continue to use. Saves hours of debate. He is a pleasure to instruct.

Jane Darkin: December 2017

RIAA BG have been an outstanding support to our organisation for ten years since our inception. Not only in setting up processes and contractual documentation but steering us through trickier, unfamiliar legislative waters from time to time.

December 2017

Private Client: Pleased to say that I am completely satisfied with the service James McMullan provided. Thank you so much.

Muriel Goldstein: October 2017

Professional Negligence: Qaiser Khanzada and Steven Barker went out on a limb for me 30+ years ago and I'll never forget that.

Zak Jaggard: September 2017

Professional Negligence: Qaiser and Steve’s dedication and professionalism guided me safely through a legal minefield, and went well beyond a solicitor's remit. They care - and to this day I think of them as family.

Zak Jaggard: September 2017

Personal Injury: Knowing our daughter was with RBG was hugely reassuring for both my wife and I. We knew one of our family was in safe hands with the RBG family, so again, thank you.

Zak & Fru Jaggard: September 2017

Employment: I found Karen Cole to not only be engaging but extremely helpful, knowledgeable and professional, I would use her again should the need arise.

 August 2017

Employment: I spoke with Karen Cole regarding an issue I had with a client and payments. Karen came up with a solution very quickly and a resolution was concluded within 14 days.

 Andy: August 2017

Family: As a novice in legal matters, Mr McMullan and his staff were always ready to help me in a complex case.

June 2017

Commercial: Ben Brownscombe provided me with excellent advice. He was easy to communicate with, he was able to explain the implication of each clause and very reliable.

 May 2017

Employment Law : "Karen provided invaluable guidance and support throughout the process and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services in this field."

 May 2017

Private Client: I am very satisfied with [RBG's] services as I was in London for a very short visit but managed to arrange an appointment to see one of your partners who was able to help explain and complete the matter in question.

Eman Kassem: April 2017

The advice and service that was given to us was invaluable to our business and [we] would use and recommend Karen Cole for her professional, clear and prompt service.

Sally Lusher, GO-Coach Hire Ltd: January 2017

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Corporate: Extremely knowledgeable and able to convey this knowledge clearly and concisely. Would definitely recommend.

Stephan Buxton: February 2017

Corporate: Excellent experience of working with Veronica and the team. Always friendly and approachable.

Stephan Buxton: February 2017

Corporate: RIAA Barker Gillette made the company both investable to Business Angels and overall commercially viable.

Niall Haughian, CFA: Chief Operating Officer: February 2017

Corporate: RIAA Barker Gillette has taken my start-up company that lacked structure and provided us with sound legal and business advice.

Niall Haughian, CFA: Chief Operating Officer: February 2017

Corporate: Solaris Photonics is truly grateful for the tremendous professional effort undertaken by the RIAA Barker Gillette team.

Niall Haughian, CFA: Chief Operating Officer: February 2017

Company Commercial: [Veronica] used her expertise to suggest crucial additions that gave additional benefits to my business interests, that I had not even considered.

S. Arnold: February 2017

Company Commercial: Excellent service and I wouldn't hesitate to use Veronica again and recommend her.

S. Arnold: February 2017

Company Commercial: The contracts my business required were complex. Veronica was efficient, friendly and took the time to ensure everything we needed was covered.

S. Arnold: February 2017

Residential Property: Simon is always helpful, clear and meticulous. I always feel that he has our best interests at heart.

M. Orteu: January 2017

Dispute Resolution: Alex “really protects his clients to the best of his ability. I would not hesitate to recommend him. Excellent manner with clients and highly gifted.”

Morris Nourani, Hastings International: December 2016

Dispute Resolution: Alex Deal is a “very bright, hardworking individual inside and outside working hours.”

Morris Nourani, Hastings International: December 2016

Dispute Resolution: Alex Deal “attains a very sharp grasp of extremely complicated issues including cross border commercial matters.”

Morris Nourani, Hastings International: December 2016

Dispute Resolution: Alex Deal “is, simply, in a class of his own. Focused, dedicated and genuinely caring about his clients, he excels in getting into every tiny detail quickly.”

Morris Nourani, Hastings International: December 2016

Wills, tax and trusts: “We were always happy with the service from James McMullan.”

Josephine Sullivan: December 2016

Steven Barker gave us his personal attention no matter how small the detail.

Mr J Patel: December 2016

We are very thankful to Steven Barker for helping us out on our difficult times, and being there for us whenever he was required.

Mr J Patel: December 2016

Laura St-Gallay, Dispute Resolution: “Fees have in all cases been very reasonable and I have very much appreciated the responsiveness of the team when I have needed advice at short notice.”

Peter Scholes: October 2016

Laura St-Gallay, Dispute Resolution “The advice I received was helpful and timely, and a satisfactory settlement was reached quickly in large part due to the high quality of the advice given.”

Peter Scholes: October 2016

Alex Deal, Dispute Resolution “I would not hesitate to recommend the Firm for any matters relating to litigation/dispute resolution or employee/partnership law matters (where Alex has previous provided valuable advice).”

Peter Scholes: October 2016

Dispute Resolution: Alex Deal and Laura St-Gallay responded immediately to my request for assistance even though the amounts at stake were relatively small.

Peter Scholes: October 2016

Stuart Jacobs, Property Litigation: “It was very important for us to feel confident and be cost efficient with our legal case.”

Loretta Martinelli: October 2016

Laura St-Gallay, Property Litigation “The numerous changes were well understood and have been taken on board each time we changed our mind on our strategy.”

Loretta Martinelli: October 2016

Laura St-Gallay, Property Litigation “The matter was dealt with in a very kind and calm manner while keeping us informed of the cost implications throughout.”

Loretta Martinelli: October 2016

Stuart Jacobs, Property Litigation “The firm was very understanding and patient with our request and regular requirements for explanations and changes.”

Loretta Martinelli: October 2016

Jodi Newton: We received very good advice from the very first phone call and a fully professional approach which enabled us to deal with every aspect of a demanding and potentially damaging process.”

Alan Syrop: October 2016

Jodi Newton, Personal Injury “A wonderfully personal and supportive service.”

Alan Syrop: October 2016

Wills, trusts and tax: James went above and beyond in looking after the entire process.

Ian Cuthbertson: July 2016

Criminal Defence: Simon “I would not hesitate to recommend [RIAA Barker Gillette], I do not think I could have done any better, they have my eternal thanks and gratitude.”

Rob Meekcoms: June 2016

Criminal Defence: “Steve and his team were absolutely brilliant, they supported me through the toughest times I have ever been through.”

Rob Meekcoms: June 2016

Commercial Property - Simon Levi: "Very satisfied and happy with the results and professional communication of Mr Levi during the legal process. I will definitely use RBG again in the near future and will highly recommend Mr Levi to all my friends and relatives." 

 Eran Ezra, ...

“I was very happy with Jodi Newton, who, despite having a complicated case, came through with a satisfactory conclusion. I felt safe in her hands.”

 Britt Poole, September 2016

“Vinay Verma demonstrated exceptional professionalism and sensitivity from start to finish.”

Mr I C and Ms N K

“I was extremely satisfied with all aspects of the service. Veronica was extremely personable and she made me feel very comfortable when dealing with an unfamiliar situation.”

Vanessa Lorenz

“Both Alex and Veronica have been extremely professional and easy to work with.They know how to listen to your needs and are helpful in giving advice.”

Susan Keese, Director

“Alex and Veronica talk things through with you (not at you like many solicitors!) in a language you can understand and ensure that your needs are fulfilled.”

Susan Keese, Director

“Veronica Hartley is a very capable solicitor who acted for me on an important and complex case which ultimately had a satisfactory conclusion.”

Stephen Deverell, Chairman

“Veronica Hartley was extremely friendly and informative. Complex legal terms were explained in an easy to understand manner.”

Peter Low

“I was left feeling comfortable that Veronica had my best interests at heart and a lot of stress and worry was taken away as soon as we began speaking to her.”

Peter Low

“I found Veronica to be professional, conscientious and able to maintain a healthy balance between following our commercial instructions with that of focused legal advisor.”

Gary Watts

“Not only is Veronica excellent at her job she is also very genuine and a pleasure to deal with.”

Deborah Haw, Director

“After several bad experiences with other solicitors it was such a pleasure to have Veronica look after our interests in the UK.”

Deborah Haw, Director

“Whatever questions and problems we put in front of Veronica she seems to resolve with ease. I cannot recommend her more highly.”

Deborah Haw, Director

“Relaxed and personable working.”

Damian Griffiths

“I really appreciated all the hard work Jodi did on this case. I have had a lot of dealings with solicitors over the past few years and Jodi is certainly one of the best.”

Sherrie Bogle

“Jodi’s judgement and advice was always sound. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

Sara Newman

“Jodi Newton is an incredible ally and an accomplished lawyer. The sum she won on my behalf exceeded expectations four fold.”

Sara Newman

“I would recommend Jodi for her legal expertise in personal injury and dental negligence claims as well as her accessible and supportive approach.”

Sandra K

“Jodi was approachable, gave clear and detailed advice throughout and achieved a successful settlement in a short period of time despite facing a challenging opponent.”

Sandra K

“We discovered terminal lung cancer that had not been spotted on the X-ray. Jodi was very compassionate, made home visits, and secured a compensation payment for the family.”

Rafic Kazan

“Jodi was knowledgeable, patient and sensitive, securing the costs of a very successful operation and compensation that helped my employee move forward with her life.”

Rafic Kazan

“Jodi’s handling of our traumatic case - clarity of communication, choice of barrister and medical expert - was brilliantly resourceful and reassuring from start to finish.”

Julian Forsyth

“After contacting several well-known, nationally advertised law firms who would not represent me, I approached Jodi who successfully obtained generous compensation for me.”

Geoffrey Henshaw

“Jodi was immediately sympathetic and listened carefully to the details of my accident. Determining responsibility proved difficult but Jodi persisted successfully.”

Geoffrey Henshaw

“Jodi Newton never gave up and persevered right until the very end, creating a case that the defendant had no option but to settle. It felt more like a family than a law firm.”

Cedric Bloch

“I was incredibly impressed with the high level of legal advice and client service. Jodi's vast legal experience and knowledge meant any issues I had were dealt with.”

Angela Simpson

“James was throughout very kind, calm and polite which makes him in my view the perfect divorce lawyer.”

Mrs A K

“James dealt with all my emails and phone calls extremely efficiently.”

Mrs A K

“James McMullan is a very professional lawyer and I always felt that he advised me very well and importantly very realistically. ”

Mrs A K

“James assisted me with my difficult divorce this year. He was professional and supportive at all times. I could not recommend him highly enough.”

Madeline Fleming

“Friendly and professional.”

Jonathan Pullum

“My solicitor is excellent. I have not really dealt with anyone else but calls to the office are fine.”

Jerry Morgan

“Patience, understanding, concern, compassion, expediency”

Jeffrey Lambert

Carly Aitchison Kept me informed all the time.

Ritagate Ltd

“We have the highest regard for the expertise and client commitment they demonstrate. They are responsive, conscientious and always go the ‘extra mile’.”

Stuart Leaman

“Alex's mind is skilled, brilliant and tactical in all of his dealings, especially if so required in court, his solution is pragmatic and commercial.”

Tony Muskat at AS MUSKAT

“As a client, I have always felt in safe hands and it has always been my pleasure to work with Alex.”

Tony Muskat at AS MUSKAT

“Alex provides sound, considered advice and has the ability to analyse and appraise the merits of any case, with the best interests of his client always in mind.”

Tony Muskat at AS MUSKAT

“I first used Alex's legal expertise in 1999 and was immediately impressed by his ability and have continued to rely on him for all my legal matters in the UK ever since.”

Tirapongse Pangsrivongse

“I have total confidence in the other members of the firm that Alex has introduced me to such as Veronica. I cannot recommend Alex more highly and have trust in all his advice.”

Tirapongse Pangrivongse, Chairman

“Alex Deal and his team have provided us with incisive and timely advice over a number of years. His help in employment matters has minimised our exposure.”

Robert Macdonald, Chairman

“Alex always bears commerciality in the forefront of his mind when giving direct and concise advice. We have been happy to recommend him widely.”

Robert Macdonald, Chairman

“For over 15 years, Alex is the first person I turn to with a legal problem.He is responsive, sharp and most importantly invariably right - about the sharpest legal mind.”

Kam Takhar

“Alex's rigorous legal advice has often helped our company avoid protracted legal disputes. Alex offers tremendous external support to our in-house legal and HR teams.”

Jose Miguel Echenagusia,
Vice President Legal Services

“Alex stands out for his sound business judgment, profound knowledge of the law and pragmatic approach to the resolution of disputes.”

Jose Miguel Echenagusia,
Vice President Legal Services

“Our company has used Barker Gillette for many years. Alex and his team have always acted in our best interests offering a prompt, effective and responsive service.”

Jose Miguel Echenagusia,
Vice President Legal Services

I have been a client of the firm for many years and have found them extremely supportive and kind in very difficult circumstances.

Vinayak,Chairman

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