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Derek Wood CBE QC

Called 1964
Silk 1978
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Areas of practice

All aspects of commercial and residential property law, especially landlord and tenant. Agricultural property law. Housing law. All types of property and construction disputes, including arbitration.

Published comments

Listed as a Leading Silk. Legal 500 (2012)

"Derek Wood QC is spoken of in hallowed terms as a veritable 'godfather' in this area due to his 'superb and wide-ranging knowledge of property issues'. He remains silk of choice for many of the leading solicitors in the sector. Chambers UK Guide 2012 (Agriculture and Rural Affairs).

Listed as a Leading Silk. Legal 500 (2011)

"Derek Wood is a 'tremendous advocate', who is praised for his vast experience in all aspects of property law, including landlord and tenant disputes. He is well versed in the law of the sector". Chambers UK Guide 2011 (Agriculture and Rural Affairs).

Listed as a Leading Silk. Legal 500 (2010)

"Derek Wood QC is highly regarded, and is well known for his expertise in commercial and residential property law. Demonstrating his particular strength in landlord and tenant disputes, he was recently involved in the well-reported Majorstake Ltd v Curtis case, which was taken to the House of Lords." Chambers and Partners 2010 (Agriculture Section).

Listed as a Leading Silk. Legal 500 (2009)

The set's esteemed tenants include the first class, fluent advocate and property litigation specialist Derek Wood QC." Chambers and Partners 2009 (Agriculture Section).

Listed as a Leading Silk. Legal 500 (2008)

"Derek Wood QC is a property litigator whose name 'wields authority' among the judiciary. He can call upon a wealth of experience built over many years." Chambers and Partners 2008 (Agriculture Section).

"Falcon Chambers has a well-established reputation, fielding such luminaries as Derek Wood QC, who has a wide breadth of knowledge". Legal 500 (2007).

"'In the premier league of advocates', Derek Wood QC remains popular and is 'worth waiting for every time'. The set's most senior barrister, Wood is gifted at presenting a complex problem simply. He is visible in the sector through his work as vice-president of the Agricultural Law Association." Chambers and Partners 2007 (Agrculture Section).

"High levels of client service are married to consistent quality, from the very junior level to senior silks such as Derek Wood QC." Legal 500 (2006)

"Derek Wood QC is universally acknowledged as the 'leading light in agriculture'. Commentators regarded him as the finished product. He is 'a stylish and skilled advocate who can make a hopeless case sound good' and has the 'ability to explain everything with complete clarity, even if it is fiendishly complicated'". Chambers and Partners 2006 (Agriculture Section)

"Vice President of the Agricultural Land Association Derek Wood QC also receives positive feedback from solicitors". Legal 500 (2005)

"Sources endorse Derek Wood QC as 'an immensely senior advisor' and agree that he has made his return to practice without missing a beat. 'Absolutely first class,' he is noted for his landlord and tenant knowledge and his authoritative courtroom presence." Chambers and Partners 2005 (Agriculture section)

"Vice president of the Agricultural Law Association, Derek Wood CBE QC is lauded for his 'elegant and short opinions'. Legal 500 (2004)

"Derek Wood is vice-president of the Agricultural Law Association and is a renowned expert in agricultural property law, especially landlord and tenant". Legal 500 (2003).

"After completing his term of office as principal at St Hughs' College, Oxford, doyen of the landlord and tenant Bar, Derek Wood is back in full-time practice. Wood's 'smooth presentation' is said to make him a 'formidable opponent' on tenancy disputes". Chambers and Partners Guide 2003-2004.

"Derek Wood is also widely recommended for the range of agricultural issues". Legal 500 (2002).

"Top silk Derek Wood combines presentation skills with a genuine interst in agricultural affairs". Chambers and Partners Guide 2002/2003.

"Outstanding Silks at Falcon Chambers are the vastly experienced Derek Wood, vice-president of the Agricultural Law Association" Legal 5000 (2001)

".......'genius' Derek Wood can be called upon for the most complex of issues". Chambers and Partners Guide 2001/2002

"First Class Derek Wood still the doyen of agricultural barristers remains active despite his commitments at Oxford". Chambers and Partners Guide 2000/2001

Recommended silks at the set include the very experienced Derek Wood who is a fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers Legal 500 (2000)