Biography
I advise on all aspects of real estate disputes whether acting for landlords or tenants of commercial and residential property. This covers all landlord and tenant disputes relating to matters such as ownership of property and rights to occupy, recovery of property and trespass, rights of way, enfacement enforcement of covenants, lease renewals whether pursuant to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 or otherwise, boundary disputes, dilapidations and repair, rent recovery, service charge, telecoms issues, rights to light, portfolio management issues and property strategy including an ESG focused strategy. I have experience in advising corporate occupiers, retail and leisure clients, schools and educational establishments and individuals. I also have a specialism in advising charities in relation to their ownership and occupation of property including obligations under the Charities Act.
My focus is on avoiding disputes wherever possible and working with my clients to put in place a working strategy to manage and occupy their property in the most cost effective and sustainable way. Where a dispute cannot be avoided my advice is practical and with an eye on managing the costs of any dispute.
Key Highlights
My experience includes:
- Successfully defending a claim in the High Court to ownership of a building based on the degree of annexation of the structure.
- Acting on behalf of a landlord in a disputed lease renewal claim in which the tenant claimed to have a protected tenancy, which resulted in the client defending this claim and regaining possession of the premises.
- Advising a private equity firm in connection with the exit from its central London headquarters which included defending the client's rights to remain in occupation for an extended period and the right to sub-let part, advising on the one million pound plus dilapidations claim and in connection with issues arising out of the landlord's works to their new building.
- Advising clients in relation to the management of their national property portfolio which work includes lease renewals, rent recovery, possession claims, service charge disputes and providing portfolio management advice.
- Advising almshouse charities in connection with the termination of the appointment of beneficiaries and obtaining possession of premises
- Advising a client as to the legal status of a new of occupiers of residential premises which work included regularising some of the tenancies, obtaining possession of others and working with the client to fully understand its rights and obligations in connection with its residential property portfolio.
Testimonials
Recommended in Legal 500 from 2011-2017
Associate to watch Chambers and Partners 2017-2021
Star Associate Chambers and Partners 2021-2023
Chambers and Partners Ranked Band 5 2024
William provides expert advice and guides clients through the process, responding quickly when needed." and “He is always able to join a call if required, happy to explain or discuss complex issues with everyone involved, deals promptly with queries and has the back up from Bates Wells's other legal teams to advise on other issues immediately when required." and "Will is a down-to-earth professional; he's very helpful and has a sense of humour” Chambers and Partners 2024
“William Scott and Karli Hiscock were a pleasure to deal with. They were professional, diligent, discrete and a pleasure to work with” Legal 500 2022
“Associate to watch” “He is bright, very personable and has an excellent client manner…he has excellent knowledge of property law” Chambers and Partners 2021
“Star Associate” “He is very calm, efficient and makes sure his client understands everything about the case. He is so good at evaluating the merits of a case and will fight the case to ensure it gets won, or otherwise he will get the best deal possible.” Chambers UK 2021
“fast to respond, reactive and thoughtful. He offers good advice and is able to grasp complicated matters very quickly” “Associate to watch” Chambers and Partners 2020
“Brilliant strategist” who “can see the woods from the trees” and” ensures his clients are always one step ahead” Legal 500 2018
