James Freeman

Summary

James is a solicitor based at our Preston office and specialises in property litigation.

He represents a broad range of clients across the North West (and further afield) including companies, commercial landlords and tenants and private individuals.

James understands that clients require pragmatic commercial advice -  not just a summary of the law – and strives to ensure all clients achieve the best possible outcome. He prides himself on being able to act decisively for the client when the situation demands, but equally being able to quickly identify the client's commercial objectives as well.

Specialisms

James regularly handles cases in the County Court, the High Court and the Land Tribunal and is also experienced in alternative dispute resolution and mediation. He advises clients on a wide range of issues including Dilapidations/disrepair, Service Charge disputes, Lease Renewals, Break Clauses, issues regarding security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, distraint, forfeiture, alterations, subletting and surrender. James also deals with Insolvency (bringing claims for landlords regarding arrears and defending claims for tenants). Not limited to commercial property disputes, James also advises regarding rights of way, boundary disputes, Injunctions, Declarations, modifying restrictive covenants and adverse possession.  He also deals with Planning Law issues including objecting to Planning Applications, breaches of Permitted Planning, Enforcement Notices and niche areas such as amendments to the Definitive Map and Modification Orders. James also deals with professional negligence claims involving property.

Examples of James’ recent cases include:

• Professional Negligence claim against a surveyor regarding a defective survey;
• Breach of a lease relating to a failure by the landlord to reinstate the premises within a reasonable period of time;
• Threat of Judicial Review in respect of a local authority’s decision to erect electrical “cabinets” outside a tenant’s shop;
• Commercial Injunction regarding permitted planning in breach of a restrictive covenant;
• Exercise of a Break Clause contingent on an onerous a repairing covenant;
• Non-contested lease renewals;
• Contested lease renewal (acting for landlords and for tenants);
• Unauthorised assignment and;
• Unauthorised alterations.

Feedback from James’ clients has been as follows:

" I would like to say how grateful we are and a huge thank you for your brilliant and efficient handling of the problem we were having with the Rent arrears. We know that if there are any further problems we can rely you to deal with them. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone needing Legal help." M. Cookson

"We used Napthens Solicitors when selling off some land and we were given James Freeman to represent us. He was fault less throughout the process and look forward to working with him again sometime in the future". P. Hewitt

"James dealt with a dispute I had regarding recovering a substantial sum of money paid to a well-known national property developer who failed to complete a building a high-rise flat on time, triggering a default position. The Developer was reluctant to satisfy their contractual obligations. Despite the additional challenges posed by COVID-19, James was able to recover all monies paid. I would not hesitate to instruct him again". S. Malcolm

"James was a brilliant with our situation. I had used a different solicitors firm at first and they were no help. James then came in a did everything we needed. There was never a point where I didn't feel completely comfortable with the advice I was being given and how everything turned out. I cant thank James enough". R. Meekins

 "Our comments regarding the work for us can be summarised in a few words- focused, efficient and effective". Mr. & Mrs. S.

 "We would just like to thank you for all the hard work you put into winning our case . You were always available for us and if you were busy you always returned our calls and emails very promptly. I would have no hesitation in using or recommending your service and company . Very pleasant and happy person to deal with and once again thank you". Mr & Mrs. Whiting

Background

James joined Napthens from the Lancaster branch of Simpson Millar in 2019, having qualified as a Solicitor at BSG Solicitors in Preston.