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We have a large and experienced specialist team dedicated to advising and assisting property managers, freeholders and flat owners in relation to blocks of flats, plus we have lectured extensively to property managers.
We work closely with many firms of managing agents and resident managing companies throughout the country. We can offer a quick and cost effective service in relation to all aspects of the law regarding blocks of flats and in particular:
For many years, we have been recommended for Property Litigation by the well respected clients guide to the best law firms, the Legal 500, with a particular mention for Mark Timberlake, our Managing Partner.
“Mark Timberlake explains complex issues in understandable terms” and is “excellent in really difficult situation”.
For further advice on any issues regarding flats please contact one of our team today to see how we can help.
Direct dial: 01202 377871
“Rob Kelly has been absolutely exceptional in resolving this litigation and so thorough in everything and basically gave the opposition a masterclass of his work that he is so good at.”
“I have had the pleasure of working with several members of the team at Laceys regularly over a period of years. I found Rob Kelly in particular, who worked on a successful litigation case for me over a period of several years to be outstanding in all aspects of the work he undertook, and the manner in which he did it. I now consider him a friend. I would not - and have not - hesitated to recommend Laceys to my family and friends, and continue to use them for all legal matters.”
“ I just wanted to thank you for your great work on the professional negligence case and other cases you have represented Indian Ocean and Tiien through the last few years.”
“A case that was initially very straightforward became difficult and, for me, very frustrating. Rob Kelly's calm, lucid and very professional advice and planning were invaluable and led to a good outcome.”
“Their Fee Management was exemplary and the expertise provided by Rob was exactly what we required.”
“I've worked with a fair few lawyers over the years and Rob Kelly is the most on the ball and efficient lawyers I've ever come across. I'm looking forward to working together for many years to come.”
Rob practices in two main, complimentary areas of work – contentious wills, probate and trust disputes, and property disputes.
Contentious wills, probate and trusts
More than half of Rob’s time is spent dealing with the contentious aspects of wills, probate and trusts, an area in which he has practiced continuously for over 20 years. He advises and acts in disputes relating to wills and inheritance, trusts, the duties of trustees and personal representatives, and the administration of estate.
Rob’s practice embraces:
He has mediated (either as appointed mediator or as a representative) dozens of disputes involving contentious wills and probate issues.
Property disputes
The other side of Rob’s practice is contentious property work. This embraces:
Rob’s style is a mix of listening, asking (tough) questions, diplomacy and reality testing. He’s interested, flexible, and pragmatic. He offers a common sense, realistic approach to assist his clients in searching for solutions to their disputes and brings straight talking and integrity to his work.
Rob is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. He holds an LLB (Hons) degree in law. He successfully completed training as a mediator under the ADR Chambers / Harvard Law Project Scheme in June 2006, was one of the first mediators to have been appointed an IMI Certified Mediation Advocate in the UK with a commercial practice, and is a member of the Civil Mediation Council.
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Direct dial: 01202 377863
“The advice Mark gave was very good value for money and the combination of strictly accurate legal advice and common sense were exactly what I needed.”
“Mark Timberlake is an exceptional solicitor. He has a huge depth of knowledge in his speciality and looks after his clients in a very kind and patient manner. Mark is unfailingly courteous and always a pleasure to deal with. I am always confident in any matter that Mark has dealt with.”
“We have had many years of top class professional advice and assistance in many respects of our property ownership. However great our worries initially, matters have been dealt with in a most professional manner and to our satisfaction.”
Mark qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and since then has specialised in property and landlord and tenant disputes, possession and debt recovery in relation to both commercial and residential property. He has extensive experience in relation to issues involving blocks of flats including representation in the Property Chamber and the courts. He has also dealt with many commercial disputes, professional negligence and insolvency claims.
He has frequently given talks on the law as it affects managing agents through the Association of Residential Managing Agents and other groups.
He has been recommended for many years by the Legal 500 Guide to the Legal profession which has said that Mark ‘is very highly rated by clients’, ‘explains complex issues in understandable terms’ and ‘is excellent in really difficult situations’.
Mark is married with 2 teenage children and at weekends can often be found on his boat which he sails competitively.
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Direct dial: 01202 377815
“Charlotte worked with me to accomplish an almost impossible task. Helping me complete a 10 year on-going issue with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.”
“We were continually kept informed of progress and all matters were clearly explained to us. Charlotte called us when items needed to be addressed and as we live abroad she made the process one of the smoothest we have ever experienced.”
“I feel that Laceys couldn’t have done more. Every query and question was dealt with quickly and with ease. Excellent service.”
“I felt that Charlotte went out of her way to go above and beyond to make sure I reached the best conclusion possible - I will always use her going forward as I felt she "got me" and there was mutual respect all the way.”
“Charlotte has been absolutely brilliant from beginning to end. This was our first home purchase and being first time buyers we were nervous about the process but she explained everything in depth and thoroughly to us. We’re so pleased everything has gone through quickly and smoothly and will certainly use Laceys again whenever the time comes.”
“Charlotte was extremely clear and concise throughout the entire sale and purchase. Her skill set and expertise meant she could give realistic timelines to aid our expectations. It was extremely clear throughout the entire process that everyone looked to Charlotte for guidance and was extremely impressed with her.”
Charlotte, who is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, works within our Residential Property team dealing with purchases, sales, mortgages, remortgages, transfers of equity or equity release matters.
Away from work Charlotte enjoys spending time riding her horse, training her working cocker spaniels and spending time with her husband.
Direct dial: 01202 377862
“Mark and the team take great care of our commercial property requirements. We have always been delighted with their service.”
“Quick, responsive service. Prepared to recommend a way forward and not sit on the fence.”
“Efficient, competent and friendly.”
“Straightforward. Everything kept clear and simple.”
“I appreciate the personal service and the feeling that my business is important. I also respond well to a friendly approach.”
“Mark noted the requirements of the sale and worked very hard to achieve an excellent prompt outcome. He phoned me immediately the deal was done!”
“Excellent service provided by Mark Preece and his team.”
“Everyone at Lacey's seem to have my best interest at heart and act super efficiently. A pleasure to deal with.”
Mark qualified as a solicitor in 2008 after gaining an LLB (2003) and LLM (2005) at university’s in Birmingham. He completed his training contract with the North Dorset and South Wiltshire firm now known as Farnfields LLP and joined Horsey Lightly Fynn (HLF) in Bournemouth in 2011. He became a partner at HLF in 2014 and at merger of HLF and Laceys became a partner in the merged firm in 2015.
Mark is a partner working across our Commercial and Residential property teams acting for a wide variety of clients from property developers, property investors, businesses, first time buyers and those needing advice relating to enfranchisement and residential landlord and tenant dealing with all aspects of property work.
Away from work Mark spends his time with his wife and their three young boys who keep them very busy.
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