Nerissa Hatcher

Nerissa is a Managing Associate in the Real Estate department, specialising in Property litigation.

With a particular focus on commercial property disputes, Nerissa has wide ranging experience of contentious property matters, acting for property owners, developers and occupiers.

She regularly advises on rights of way, nuisance, covenant issues, adverse possession claims and ownership disputes (both in relation to residential and commercial property). Nerissa has also acted in court proceedings relating to complex, high value property related professional negligence claims.

Nerissa has experience in property related insolvency issues and in acting for lenders in possession claims. She recently led court proceedings to successfully establish the validity of disputed loan documentation following a three day trial (whilst at a previous firm).

Nerissa regularly provides advice on a full spectrum of landlord and tenant including rent recovery, service charge disputes, forfeiture actions, and lease renewals. She has particular expertise in relation to lease termination issues, such as break options and terminal dilapidations claims, and has pursued declaratory proceedings at court in relation to the validity of the exercise of break options. Her expertise in this regard extends to advising developers and portfolio owners on optimum strategies for achieving vacant possession ahead of redevelopment. She also has an in depth understanding of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 and advises strategically on tenants' rights of first refusal.

Nerissa has handled disputes in the County Court, the High Court, the Court of Appeal and in the First Tier Tribunal. She also devises and implements tactical strategies to successfully achieve clients' objectives out of the Court forum, through negotiation and mediations.

Nerissa is an active member of the Property Litigation Association, has delivered seminars at external events and has published articles in the property press.