Florence Maher

My Approach

I am noted as a Key Lawyer in the Legal 500 directory (2024). I am quoted as being an “exceptional and diligent solicitor”, and renowned for being able to “navigate complex legal and factual disputes with ease and focus”.

To that end, I strive to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients by providing robust advice as to both the commerciality and legal aspects of their dispute. I take pride in delivering a high-quality service, by adopting a straightforward, pragmatic, and pro-active approach to representing my clients.

I have a property background, with a particular focus on commercial property. I work closely with property developers, surveyors, and managing agents, together with our Commercial Property team to find resolution where possible, without recourse to the Court or Tribunal.

Client feedback:

“I worked with Florence Newton who helped guide me through the process of securing a commercial lease for my business. She was swift and efficient in all communications and always ready to answer my numerous queries right away. It was a real pleasure dealing with her and if I ever need to go through the process again, she will be my first port of call.”

Area of Expertise

I act on a diverse range of legal matters with particular interest in property disputes and construction work.

Commercial Land Ownership and Property Disputes

• Right of Way Disputes
• Right to Light Disputes
• Restrictive Covenants (restrictions on use of land)
• Trespass and Nuisance
• Adverse Possession Claims
• Trusts of Land / Co-ownership Disputes (TOLATA)
• Professional Negligence Claims against Surveyors/Architects/Solicitors
• Party Wall Disputes
• Boundary Disputes

Commercial Landlord and Tenant

• Lease Renewals
• Forfeiture
• Rent Arrears
• Commercial Service Charge Disputes
• Breach of Lease
• Possession Claims
• Dilapidations
• Surrender of Lease
• All issues of land development

Individual Land Ownership and Property Disputes

• Right of Way Disputes
• Right to Light Disputes
• Restrictive Covenants (restrictions on use of land)
• Trespass and Nuisance
• Adverse Possession Claims
• Trusts of Land / Co-ownership Disputes (TOLATA)
• Professional Negligence Claims against Surveyors/Architects/Solicitors
• Party Wall Disputes
• Boundary Disputes

Recent Work

• Acting as lead lawyer for a residential owner in relation to a restrictive covenant dispute with a Gross Development Value in excess of £7million
• Acting for a commercial landlord in a multi-million pound construction dispute against a national and renowned construction company
• Representing a luxury watch brand in 1954 Act renewal proceedings for one of its flagship London stores
• Advising a property group in relation to its industrial estates and in relation to Landlord and Tenant matters
• Advising on all types of commercial landlord and tenant disputes ranging from enforcement of covenants to forfeiture and Distress under CRAR
• Advising in relation to service charge issues and recovery
• Advising in relation to all residential tenancies
• Advising in relation to all contractual and professional negligence property claims.

Professional Associations & Qualifications

• Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 UK 2025 for Property Litigation - "Florence Newton is extremely diligent in her preparation of a case and punches above her weight. Her property knowledge is excellent."
• Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 UK 2024 guide for Commercial Litigation and Property Litigation and is described as being an “exceptional and diligent solicitor " and able to “navigate complex legal and factual disputes with ease and focus”
• President of the Bournemouth and District Junior Lawyers Division (2022 – 2023)
• Qualified as a Solicitor in April 2022
• Member of the Bournemouth Property Association
• PgDip Legal Practice
• LLB (Hons) Law Degree (First Class Honours)