Gavin O'Donovan

Gavin is an Associate in the Real Estate department, specialising in Property litigation.

He has advised on disputes relating to commercial and residential property including break clauses, lease renewals (opposed and unopposed), forfeiture, possession proceedings and insolvency matters (including administration and CVAs).

Gavin has acted for landlords, corporate tenants, retailers, investment banks and has had many clients from the transport industry. He is regularly instructed in relation to the removal of squatters and travellers. Most recently, he acted for the successful landlords AEW UK Reit Plc and Bank of New York Mellon (International) Limited in their summary judgment applications for unpaid Covid-19 rents against SportsDirect, Cineworld and Mecca Bingo. The Master granted summary judgment, finding that there was no real prospect of the tenants successfully arguing that the rents were not due as a result of the pandemic or the ensuing regulations. The tenants had sought to defend the claims on the grounds of: (1) the rent cesser clauses in the leases; (2) an implied term in the leases; (3) frustration; (4) supervening illegality; and/or (5) temporary failure of consideration.

Gavin is also a member of the Property Litigation Association.