Joanna is a Partner in the firm's Property Litigation group, within the Real Estate department. She has over 25 years' experience specialising in property disputes and risk analysis, advisory and avoidance work.
She advises owners, occupiers, developers and funders of commercial and residential real estate, dealing with all contentious aspects of real estate including development disputes, landlord and tenant disputes (including rent and service charge recovery, lease renewals, consents, forfeiture and possession claims), title, right of way and right to light disputes, real estate related professional negligence claims, and insolvency and corporate recovery work.
In 2020, Joanna was appointed by the Lord Chief Justice as a Deputy Master of the Chancery Division. She sits as a Judge on a part-time basis at the Rolls Building, hearing cases in the Business and Property Courts.
Joanna has extensive trial experience and has been described in Chambers & Partners as "a shrewd and tough litigator who is able to cut through to the essence of a problem", and an "enormous name in the market and a fearsome litigator". Sources add she is "exceptionally astute and very easy to deal with on every level". She is a Solicitor-Advocate and is qualified to represent clients as an advocate in the Higher Courts (Civil) in England and Wales. A skilled negotiator, she also represents clients in mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. She is ranked as a Leader in her Field in Tier 1 in Chambers & Partners 2024 and Legal 500 has referred to her as "dynamic and ruthless". She is a member of the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, which highlights individuals who have received constant praise from their clients for continued excellence.