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Nicholas Dowding QC

Called 1979
Silk 1997
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Nicholas Dowding QC specialises in all aspects of property law, with particular reference to commercial property disputes. In the last two years, he has appeared in the Supreme Court in a leading case concerning residential service charges, and in the Court of Appeal and the High Court in cases concerning (among other things) forfeiture, unreasonable withholding of consent, terminal dilapidations, leasehold enfranchisement, business tenancies and rights of way. He is frequently instructed in large rent review matters and dilapidations claims, in both of which he has particular expertise, and he is often appointed as an arbitrator or legal assessor.

Published comments

"Star individual Nicholas Dowding QC is revered as a 'spellbinding advocate,' and is widely considered 'the best of the best and top-notch in every regard.' Despite having gone on a well-deserved sabbatical, he has returned to practice and recently demonstrated his prowess in the Court of Appeal case Crest Nicholson (Londinium) v Akaria Investments. This matter determined whether a letter amounted to an offer for the purposes of a development agreement. He also acted on the headline High Court rights of way dispute London Tara Hotel v Kensington Close Hotel. Solicitors say: 'Dowding is head and shoulders above the rest - if your future is at stake, you go to him.' They regularly rely on his 'easy courtroom style which makes judges putty in his hands. Unbelievably skilful on his feet but makes it look effortless.'" Chambers UK Guide 2012.

"Nicholas Dowding QC 'is quite simply at the top of the tree, combining hard work with personality and technical brilliance' ". Legal 500 2011

"Star individual Nicholas Dowding QC is foremost among the set's bevy of talented specialists, he is 'a real gentleman barrister' and the best at the Property Bar in many people's eyes. A tremendous performer who displays great attention to detail and has a deep understanding of the law, he is the perfect choice for clients with big strategic problems. Solicitors particularly like him as 'he is someone you can talk things through with, such that you feel like you're dealing with a real human being'. Dowding recently showcased his skills in the Court of Appeal in Pierse Development v Liberty Property Investments, and is noted as a 'real thinker who will cover every single angle of the case'. The market agrees that his 'top-rate advocacy and extremely down-to-earth nature' mean that 'working with him is a great privilege'." Chambers UK Guide 2011.

"Nicholas Dowding QC remains 'simply the most impressive silk in the field' ". Legal 500 2010

"Nicholas Dowding QC barely needs an introduction. A regular in the major matters of the day, he recently displayed his 'consummate skills'in the keenly contested Yeoman Row’s Management Limited v Cobbe in the House of Lords. 'His understated delivery, disarmingly polite manner and simply brilliant legal skills,' particularly in landlord and tenant and dilapidations matters, mean he is 'in a class of his own' ". Chambers and Partners 2010.

“Nicholas Dowding QC remains many solicitors’ “first choice for high level property cases”. Legal 500 2009.

"Members of distinction include the current Chairman of the Property Bar Association, Nicholas Dowding QC. "Superb on his feet" and universally respected, he is "quite simply the best", according to interviewees. Rent review, lease construction, property-related professional negligence and enforcement of covenants form just part of the practice of a lawyer celebrated for his "exceptional legal brain" and "polite and courteous approach to clients". Chambers and Partners 2009

"The pre-eminent Nicholas Dowding QC remains undoubtedly the leading real estate silk". Legal 500 2008.

"The extremely busy Nicholas Dowding QC remains a pre-eminent authority on both dilapidations and rent reviews and has maintained a consistent and high-profile presence in the Chancery Division". Legal 500 2007.

"Nicholas Dowding QC is "simply a brilliant advocate". This "superstar" has continued his steady rise to the top and is now regarded by many commentators as "the best property silk at the Bar". Chambers and Partners Guide 2008.

"In the top tier this year is Nicholas Dowding QC, "a god amongst counsel" and "a real pleasure to work with" according to instructing solicitors, who universally regard him as a pre-eminent authority on dilapidations and rent review". Legal 500 2006.

"Excellent clear and articulate" Nicholas Dowding QC, a "first choice and excellent sounding board" for so many solicitors. Possessed of a "mountain of knowledge" he is one advocate for whom there are not enough superlatives". Chambers and Partners Guide 2007

"Nicholas Dowding QC is regarded as a leading practitioner in property disputes, particularly for dilapidation and repair matters. He is "the outstanding individual for property disputes". Legal 500 2005.

"Nicholas Dowding QC is "an exceptional advocate" whose knowledge on general property disputes can be matched by few. "Approachable, courteous and, best of all, unerringly accurate in his advice", he is an obvious first choice for many". Chambers and Partners Guide 2006.

Nicholas Dowding QC is real favourite among clients. Described as "brilliant, very hard working and very user-friendly," he also provides "clear advice and thorough preparation." Legal 500 2004

Nicholas Dowding QC was said to "leave no stone unturned," and to be "enormously nice, fantastic on paper and a talented and effective advocate." Chambers and Partners Guide 2005

"Other stars include the very able Nicholas Dowding who is outstanding for his mixture of conceptual brilliance, experience, hard work and good humour and was involved in Gribbon v Lutton in the Court of Appeal." Legal 500 (2003).

"Nicholas Dowding is a preferred choice of many property litigation teams across the country. By "putting himself out there" he has widely impressed the market. "Not only is he an excellent advocate, but he also understands the commercial realities", said a pleased client". Chambers and Partners Guide 2003/2004.

"Singled out for particular praise was the user-friendly and commercial, Nicholas Dowding QC". Legal 500 (2002)

"Awe-inspiring Nicholas Dowding QC delivers a dream service according to peers and is praised for his ability with clients, who respond well to his meticulous preparation and approachable friendly manner". Chambers and Partners Guide 2002/2003.

"The set also offers the meticulous and charming Nicholas Dowding who is user-friendly with a good sense of humour" Chambers and Partners Guide 2001/2002.

"Clients appreciate Nicholas Dowding's powers of analysis" Legal 500 (2001)

"Nicholas Dowding is increasingly popular and consequently difficult to get. It appears worth the wait as he is great. An analytical mind he is useful for exploring possibilities and opportunities. Chambers and Partners Guide 2000/2001.

"Nicholas Dowding is one of the strong property litigators at silk level Legal 5000 (2000).

"Wonderfully able, a really nice man": Chambers and Partners Guide 1999/2000

"Nicholas Dowding QC is popular and continues to impress": Legal 500 (1999)

"Nicholas Dowding QC, who recently appeared in the Court of Appeal case 'Maryland Estates Limited v Joseph', was singled out for particular praise. `Nick's the closest thing to David Neuberger at the Bar today .... a special combination of charm and boldness .... a superb cross-examiner .... accurately assesses your chances and outcomes'." (Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession 1998 - 1999)

"Falcon Chambers has the `expert negotiator' and `splendid' Nicholas Dowding QC." (The Lawyer 15th February 1999)

"One of the most in demand ...... is Nicholas Dowding QC who won resounding praise from his peers and solicitors. Although he only took Silk in 1997 his intellect and confident, persuasive manner makes him easy to work with, and many suggested he goes straight to the top of our table." (The Legal 500, 1998)