DEFENCE

A specialist law firm distinctly focused on problem solving and delivering real estate, planning, construction, environment and public law solutions to the defence sector.

Organisations in the UK defence sector face the immense challenge of securing, developing and maintaining the infrastructure needed to protect the UK in times of growing geopolitical instability within a constrained public spending environment.

Our specialist team of over 70 lawyers is experienced in advising public sector defence organisations on the full spectrum of property, planning, construction, litigation, environmental and public law issues. From operational military infrastructure to research and development assets, we have supported Defence organisations throughout the lifecycle of your real estate and facility solutions, in a cost-effective and efficient manner, helping to enable military capability through planning, building, maintaining, and servicing infrastructure.

OUR SERVICES

Large scale real estate portfolio management including acquisitions, disposals, lease work, clawback relating to defence estates.

All aspects of Planning, CPO and Highways law to deliver health infrastructure.

Public Procurement law and running an effective procurement process. We have up to date experience of applying the consolidated UK procurement legislation and regularly advise on bid strategies and the effective management of the procurement process.

Public Sector governance, vires and powers.

Sustainability advice including net zero carbon transitioning and green leases.

Partnering, collaboration and joint ventures.

Construction law including bespoke construction contracts, professional appointments, and warranties.

Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, proceedings in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber)and court litigation.

Public Inquiries and other contentious planning law.

Nationally significant infrastructure projects and Development Consent Order work.

Environmental law issues.

Crichel Down issues.

KEY CONTACTS

Madeleine Davitt

Senior Partner

E: madeleine.davitt@djblaw.co.uk

T: 020 3026 8295

Sean Bulman

Partner

E: sean.bulman@djblaw.co.uk

T: 020 3026 8297

Louisa Swanton

Partner

E: louisa.swanton@djblaw.co.uk

T: 0203 026 8346

HOW WE ADD VALUE

Market leading real estate practice with public sector awareness and senior level experience.

Team has acted for over many defence sector organisations, ensuring all advice is politically, commercially and operationally sound.

Supporting your advisory and management teams.

Effective client management linking to external audit, governance and oversight requirements.

A specialist ESG group.

Expertise in net carbon zero transitioning, green leases, and the use and opportunities created by new technologies.

An effective approach to risk management with an appropriate sense of humour.

Effective knowledge transfer and training.

RESULTS FOR CLIENTS

Advised on the bulk asset purchases of over 5,000 properties to be used as barracks by the Ministry of Defence.

Advised on the multimillion-pound disposal of the former Army Medical College in Millbank.

Drafted the precedent clawback clause used by Ministry of Defence.

Advised on the construction of anti-terror infrastructure in Westminster.

Advised on all aspects of delivering military memorials including the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park.

Advised Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory on all issues to arise out of their estate, including at Porton Down.

Advised on the £400m Privatisation of Defence Evaluation & Research Agency (DERA) leading to creation of QinetiQ Ltd on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.