Lynsey Ellard

Lynsey Ellard joined Birketts in November 2020. She is a Partner and leads our property disputes team in the Cambridge office.

Lynsey specialises in real estate disputes, with more than 17 years’ experience advising on a wide range of commercial property-related matters. She trained and practised in London for 14 years at global law firm Reed Smith before joining Birketts, where she continues to provide strategic, practical and commercially focused advice to clients across the commercial real estate sector.

Lynsey advises on a broad spectrum of contentious property matters, including contested and uncontested business lease renewals, tenant default and breach of covenant disputes, complex service charge disputes, dilapidations, lease exit strategies, forfeiture and possession proceedings, trespass, nuisance, property-related insolvency issues and contested business rates mitigation arrangements. She also advises on a range of real property matters, including issues and disputes concerning easements, restrictive covenants and title matters.

Recognised for her pragmatic and solution-focused approach, Lynsey acts for a diverse client base, ranging from institutional property owners and charities to commercial occupiers and private individuals. She has extensive experience managing complex and high-value disputes, helping clients navigate issues efficiently while protecting their commercial objectives.

Alongside her commercial real estate practice, Lynsey is one of the firm’s specialist solicitors within the equine team, advising on disputes concerning equestrian property, including commercial livery yards. She is Chair of the Eastern Region of the Property Litigation Association and serves on the Association’s Education and Training Committee, reflecting her commitment to advancing the profession and supporting the next generation of property litigators.

Recent work highlights

Regularly advises a major property investment and development client on complex commercial property disputes, including business lease renewals, contested break rights, nuisance claims, covenant enforcement, and high-value dilapidations and disrepair matters.

Acting for a leading racecourse operator in relation to a wide range of real estate disputes, including possession proceedings against unauthorised occupiers, trespass and nuisance claims, property damage disputes, and breaches of covenant.

Advises corporate occupiers on strategic London office relocations, including the exercise of significant high-value break rights, advising on break conditions, and the resolution of substantial dilapidations exposures.

Experience & education

2023 Partner at Birketts LLP

2020 Joined Birketts as Legal Director

2009 – 2020 Associate / Senior Associate at Reed Smith

2009 Qualified as a Solicitor

2007 – 2009 Trainee at Reed Smith Richard Butler / Reed Smith

Areas of Expertise

Sectors

Services

Accreditations

Property Litigation Association

Member