Julia Tobbell

Partner, Property Litigation

Julia is a seasoned litigator specialising in real estate disputes, with a particular focus on commercial real estate. Her practice covers both development and investment disputes, particularly those concerning trophy assets and valuable portfolios. She has significant litigation experience, including lengthy and high-profile trials. Julia also has many years’ experience advising on alternatives to litigation, such as negotiation, mediation and early risk identification/mitigation. She is a qualified Solicitor Advocate with rights of audience in the higher courts.

Her core areas of expertise include advising developers on a range of contentious matters such as rights to light, vacant possession strategies/site assembly, trespass, restrictive covenants, easements and overage agreements. Julia is also an expert in commercial landlord and tenant issues including business lease renewals, break notices, tenant arrears/insolvency, landlord consents, dilapidations and service charge disputes. She advises in the areas of enfranchisement, pre-emption rights, party walls and Land Compensation Act issues, and also handles disputes concerning professional negligence and breach of contract arising in the property sector.

She is recognised in the leading legal directories – most recently she has been commended by The Legal 500 as a 'Next Generation Partner' having previously been ranked as both a ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Next Generation Lawyer’. She has also been ranked in Chambers UK: “She was soon on top of absolutely every element. I can’t speak highly enough of her.” Julia is a regular commentator and has written various blogs and articles. She also presents to clients and their advisors on technical issues and the latest legal developments.

Julia joined Forsters in March 2022 from Herbert Smith Freehills.