Simon Smith

Simon is a highly experienced dispute resolution solicitor who qualified in 1996 and has specialised in commercial disputes ever since, with a particular focus on property-related matters.

Simon helps businesses and individuals to resolve disputes as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible. Simon takes a very hands-on approach and prides himself on being personable and easy to work with – qualities his clients value and return to him for.

His work covers a broad range of commercial disputes, including between businesses about the quality of goods or the supply of services. He also has extensive experience in commercial property disputes, having dealt with a wide variety of matters in his 30 years of experience.

Work highlights include:

• assisting numerous clients with correctly exercising break notices under commercial leases;
• assisting many parties with rights under the Leasehold Reform Act 1993;
• dealing with various complex property interests such as rights of way, forfeiture of commercial leases (and applications for relief from forfeiture), adverse possession, dilapidations, applications for orders for sale and lease renewal proceedings under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954;
• dealing with applications to the court for restoration of companies which have been dissolved or struck off the register of companies;
• bringing claims for significant six-figure sums for breach of commercial contracts for supply of consultancy services, amounting to recovering a seven-figure sum over a period of years.

"I don’t have any airs and graces. I went to a comprehensive school and was the first generation in my family to go to university, so I’ve always believed in making the law clear and accessible. Clients don’t want a lecture on case law from decades ago – they want to understand their options and know what to do next. I won’t be giving any client a law lecture as clients want to know the answer to their problem rather than knowing what case law said decades ago. I pride myself on plain speaking and definitely not using any legal jargon.”

Previously, Simon was a partner and head of commercial litigation for over 10 years, having set up a standalone litigation department in a niche commercial firm. While each case is unique, his extensive experience has exposed him to cases that are likely to be very similar to yours.

Simon lives in Sheffield with his family and plays squash and racquetball to a good level. He is also a keen walker, lover of good pubs and a frequent visitor to the Peak District.