Simon Woodhead
Simon joined Birketts in 2005 and leads our Property Litigation Team in Norwich.
He acts for clients in a wide range of commercial property disputes, acting frequently in landlord and tenant disputes (involving retail, office and warehouse space), contractual disputes (e.g. options and overage) and disputes concerning easements and restrictive covenants. Simon takes a strategic approach, focusing not just on the detailed factual and legal position, but also ensuring his advice reflects commercial realities and his clients’ objectives.
Whilst Simon acts for both landlords and tenants, he has extensive experience acting for corporate occupiers and in particular advising in connection with surplus property portfolios. His work often involves devising strategies for corporate occupiers to successfully operate break clauses and minimise their liabilities for dilapidations.
Simon has had articles published in the Estates Gazette and is a member of the Property Litigation Association. Simon is a co-author of the Corporate Occupiers Handbook published by Estates Gazette books. Simon regularly presents seminars to clients and has given lectures to the RICS.
Recent work highlights
Providing strategic advice to, and acting in property disputes for, Surplus Property Solutions in relation to its management of surplus lease portfolios for Rentokil, Carillion, Santander, B&Q, Morrisons and NatWest.
Acting for a local authority in an expert determination resulting in the recovery of deferred payment of £8m for the purchase of a building in central London.
Five day High Court trial acting for a landowner who successfully defended a claim by the Highways Authority that a road which crossed his land was a public highway – Norfolk County Council v Mason [2004] EWHC B1 (Ch).
Acting for a local authority in a test case involving a challenge to its ownership of the river bed and foreshore and its right to charge for moorings – Ipswich Borough Council v Moore and Duke [2000] ALL ER (D) 856; The Times (2000) July 4; Court of Appeal [2001] ALL ER (D) 349.
Acting for a local authority (as counsel) in a housing case involving complex issues of administrative law, jurisdiction and procedure – London Borough of Hackney -v- Lambourne (1993) 25 H.L.R 172.
Experience & education
2005 to date Employed Barrister with Birketts LLP
2004 Employed Barrister with Mills & Reeve
1996 – 2004 Employed Barrister with Eversheds
1996 Employed Barrister with HRK Solicitors
1994 – 1995 Employed Barrister with Devonshires Solicitors
1990 – 1994 Barrister (2 Harcourt Buildings, London) appearing as an advocate in all levels of the courts up to and including the Court of Appeal
1990 Called to the Bar
1989 Graduated in Law LLB (first class honours)
Areas of Expertise
Simon is exhilarating to work with.
Chambers [UK 2025]
