David Richards

Partner

I am a Partner in the Defended Litigation Department of Brethertons. I have moved from a leading Northamptonshire firm to take a senior position in the rapidly expanding and dynamic litigation team at Brethertons.

I qualified as a solicitor in 2002, starting with a varied case load of civil and commercial disputes. I have now developed a specialism in property litigation, reflected by my membership of the Property Litigation Association. I concentrate primarily in commercial property disputes, dealing with matters such as dilapidations, disputed renewal of leases under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, forfeiture, breaches of covenant and rent arrears.

I have experience with residential Landlord and Tenant disputes, including possession claims, rent arrears, recovery of deposits, wrongful eviction and breaches of covenant.

In addition I have a portfolio of work dealing with other aspects of property litigation. This includes boundary disputes, cases under the Telecommunications Act 1984 and trespass.

I have successfully taken cases to the Court of Appeal. One case involved a disputed lease renewal where we were able to illustrate to the Appeal Court that the original Judge had not applied the law correctly when calculating the rent which significantly increased the amount our client received from the tenant.

In another Appeal case, disputing a boundary, we introduced aerial photographic evidence to throw doubt on the conclusion reached by the original Judge. The decision meant the case was sent back for a new trial. In light of the decision the clients subsequently achieved a favourable settlement with the other side.

I recognise the importance of acting quickly with disputes and the fact that - quite literally - time is money for the client.

Experience and Accreditations

Qualified as a Solicitor in 2002
Graduated and obtained Legal Practice Course from Anglia Ruskin University
Experienced in all aspects of Property Litigation and specialising particularly Commercial Property disputes
Member of the Property Litigation Association

Get to Know David

Outside work I enjoy various sports, although more often watching than participating these days. I keep fit by running and occasionally swimming. I also read when I have time.