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Chris Preston

Partner

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About

Chris is a partner in our Real Estate Dispute Resolution team.

Described in Legal 500 as ‘excellent and extremely user-friendly’, he acts for clients across all sectors on a full range of contentious and risk management issues relating to their real estate portfolios. He has a particular specialism and extensive experience in advising clients on all aspects of development projects from devising and implementing complex vacant possession strategies to advising on development agreement disputes.

He is also recognised for his expertise in the telecoms sector, regularly acting on behalf of landowners and fibre operators in all matters relating to the Electronic Communications Code.

Chris is listed in Chambers & Partners and in Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner, and is a member of the Property Litigation Association.

Experience

  • South West Water: Advising on its £millions claim against multiple Defendants relating to a pipe strike which interrupted water supply in Cornwall.
  • St Modwen: Advising on contentious risk management issues across its development and logistics portfolio including on development agreement disputes with landowners.
  • Pennon Group and Severn Trent Water: Advising on Electronic Communications Code issues relating to mast agreements across their regulated portfolio of water and sewage treatment sites.
  • Greater London Authority: Advising on contentious risk management issues on multiple sites across its £billion portfolio including the high profile termination of a Development Agreement relating to The Royal Albert Dock.
  • John Lewis Partnership: Advising on the asset management of its John Lewis and Waitrose stores including on 1954 Act issues, service charge disputes and repairing covenant disputes.
  • The Crown Estate: Advising on a range of contentious asset management issues across The Crown Estate’s Windsor, Traditional and Strategic Land portfolios.

Credentials

  • Admitted as a solicitor: England & Wales (2008)

Areas of expertise

Sector focus

Office

“He's an exceptionally wise and talented head.”

Chambers UK, 2025

“Chris Preston is very approachable and provides clear and excellent advice.”

Legal 500 UK, 2025

“Chris Preston continues to be excellent and extremely user-friendly. His pragmatic advice prioritises problem-solving over litigation for the sake of it - a breath of fresh air. Chris has repeatedly demonstrated that he can be relied upon to identify unseen challenges and ably navigate strategy on complicated disputes.”

Legal 500 UK, 2025

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