Russell Cooke Putney London 2

About Paul

Since 1995 I have been seeking to solve people’s property disputes. I bring a professional, energetic but most of all sensible approach to my clients' concerns, whether it is a neighbour dispute or a Supreme Court case.

Paul advises businesses, charities and individuals on all aspects of property disputes and their avoidance. Paul’s work covers enforcement of lease terms, recovery of money, real estate property disputes, and he has particular interests in business tenancy law, restrictive covenants and rights of light.

Paul joined Russell-Cooke in 2002 and was appointed partner in 2005

Paul Greatholder pays great attention to detail and looks to the practical position as well as the theoretical position. He is readily available and when not, makes clear why and when he will be, even though, to him, it is necessarily one case amongst many.
The Legal 500 (2025)

Experience

  • Advising a range of occupiers and developers in respect of property development and the impact of Rights to Light – how they might be avoided or if they cannot be avoided then managed and where necessary, acting in court proceedings

  • Advised and acted successfully for Alexander Devine Children's Cancer Trust in the leading Supreme Court case about restrictive covenants - the case clarified the relevance between securing a planning permission for a development and a developer's conduct in engaging with neighbours and ADCCT's legal rights have been reinforced

  • Acted successfully for a law firm in a case which came to a virtual three day trial about an alleged mistake in a rent review clause - the claim by the landlord was dismissed thereby saving the law firm a considerable amount in rent and costs

  • Advising and acting (including in proceedings) for a client in respect of restrictive covenants over one of its sites which, if upheld, would impede a substantial development

  • Advising a central London property owner in defence to a valuable claim for adverse possession (squatters’ rights)

  • Acting successfully for the landlord Norfolk Square in Norfolk Square (Northern Section) Limited v M&P Enterprises (London) Limited in a number of legal claims, including securing an order for possession under the LTA 1954 following a six day trial

  • Acting successfully at first instance and on appeal in Huntsmore House (Freehold) Limited v Snowball Assets Ltd – an important enfranchisement case

  • Advising on the property management and litigation issues arising from a number of landmark London buildings, including Shell-Mex House, The Plaza, the Barkers Centre and the Kensington Roof Gardens building

He understands the law inside out and brings a kind of serenity to his approach.
Chambers UK (2024)

Memberships

  • Member and former chair of the Property Litigation Law Association

Paul grasps complex and difficult elements with ease and is methodical in his approach. Highly intelligent and a strategic thinker, there is no better person to have on your side.
Chambers UK (2023)
Paul Greatholder … punches well above his weight. He represents his clients forcefully. He won’t ever miss a trick, is entirely on top of everything and has real tactical nous.
Market Commentator (2023) • Chambers

Awards and accreditations

Paul's highlights

News

29.07.2024

What we do in the shadows—Planning in London

Partner Paul Greatholder has written an article for Planning in London that explores the ‘right to light’, citing the City of London Corporation’s...
Paul Greatholder ,a Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors Property Litigation team.
Paul Greatholder
1 min Read
News

04.07.2024

Water firms could be sued over sewage after ruling—BBC News

Partner Paul Greatholder has been quoted in an article in the BBC that warns water companies could face legal challenges over sewage discharges following...
Paul Greatholder ,a Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors Property Litigation team.
Paul Greatholder
1 min Read
News

26.04.2024

Building Better—The Law Society Gazette

Property litigation partner Paul Greatholder has been quoted in a feature in the Law Society Gazette which considers whether 70-year-old ...
Paul Greatholder ,a Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors Property Litigation team.
Paul Greatholder
1 min Read
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