Introduction
Denis called to the Scottish Bar in 2014, and has established himself as one of Scotland’s leading junior counsel for real estate litigation, commercial leasing disputes, planning law and general commercial dispute resolution. He has already achieved Band 1 rankings in Chambers and Partners, and Legal 500.
"He is always on point with his advice and fantastic on his feet."
“A tenacious junior advocate who balances his tenacity with the commercial property knowledge he brings from experience.”
(Chambers and Partners, 2019)
Prior to coming to the Bar, Denis spent 19 years as a commercial real estate lawyer, and was a partner in one of Scotland’s largest law firms. He was recognised by Chambers/Legal 500 as a leading commercial real estate lawyer for many years, and was involved in a variety of complex and high-value property development and investment deals. Clients value Denis’ understanding of the commercial backdrop to disputes, and his advice based on years of working with a range of clients, including individuals, companies (large and small), and local authorities.
Denis is regularly instructed on disputes involving real estate, such as boundary disputes and title rectification, servitude and access disputes, enforcement of missives and development agreements, title burdens and conditions, planning and compulsory purchase, etc. He is also very experienced in leasing disputes, including dilapidations claims and disputed rent reviews.
Denis has represented clients in the Court of Session (Commercial Court, Outer House and Inner House), Sheriff Courts and the Sheriff Appeal Court, the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and the Scottish Land Court.
Denis is contributing author to ‘Commercial Law in Scotland’ (5th ed., 2018) and is co-author of ‘Dilapidations and Service Charge’ (2019), and teaches on the honours level ‘Commercial Leasing’ course at Edinburgh University. He is a member of the Scottish Planning, Local Government and Environmental Law Bar Group, and the UK Property Bar Association.
Specialisms
Real Estate, Landlord and Tenant, Planning
Directory Recommendations
Ranked Band 1 Junior Counsel in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500
Publications
‘Commercial Law in Scotland’ (5th ed., 2018) - contributing author
‘Dilapidations and Service Charge’ (2019) - co-author