Andrew Whitehead

Biography

Andrew is a Partner based in the firm’s commercial litigation department undertaking work for a national client base. Andrew joined Stephensons in 2012 after completing his law degree at the University of Sheffield and thereafter the legal practice course at the University of Law in Manchester. He is supervised by Louise Hebborn.

Areas of specialism

Andrew specialises in all areas of commercial disputes including:

• Contract disputes
• Construction disputes
• Professional negligence
• Landlord and tenant litigation
• Possession proceedings
• Dilapidation disputes
• Defending disrepair / housing condition claims, including fitness for habitation
• Breaches of covenant
• Right of way disputes
• Debt recovery
• Rent recovery

Andrew is experienced in representing clients in the County Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal. In addition to court proceedings, Andrew has assisted clients in resolving disputes through various methods of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.

Andrew has previously worked in the dispute resolution team representing tenants of local authorities, housing associations, registered social landlords and private landlords. Andrew dealt with a wide scope of issues including homelessness, anti-social behaviour injunctions, possession proceedings, housing disrepair and unlawful eviction.

Andrew has also represented consumers in all manner of property disputes including adverse possession, interim injunction applications, breach of covenant and rights of way disputes.

Case examples

Successfully pursued an interim injunction in the County Court on behalf of a large housing association to prevent trespass and access to its property. The case involved complex property arguments.

Represented a construction company in relation to a complex contract and property dispute at a large residential property in London. Successfully settled the dispute by assisting the client at mediation.

Advised in a multi-party commercial licensee dispute whereby the intermediate landlords had failed to pay rent to the head landlord resulting the lease being forfeited and possession proceedings being commenced. Successfully negotiated settlement with the head landlord’s representatives to ensure that the licensees were able to remain in occupation of the commercial premises.

What our clients say

"I have found the work to be consistently of the highest quality with advice provided in a pragmatic, clear and friendly manner. The management of a number of cases has given me complete confidence that the interests of our organisation are in safe hands."

"Thanks to Andrew Whitehead and Stephensons for my case. We had several challenges along the way that was out of our control (e.g. the pandemic, the other side's actions) nevertheless Andrew and team kept me updated and reassured. I appreciated the level of detail given, guidance, expectations, etc. This really helped clarify the status at the time and enabled me to explain it to other interested parties. Thank you so much for your help on my case, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders after the conclusion and I'm so happy I can finally move on"

"Fast, efficient service, clear billing, pragmatic and balanced advice. I recommend Stephensons."

"Andy has dealt with several client cases for me and the team at Ryans Chartered Accountants. The service has always been; prompt, professional and concise. Delivering positive results each time. He remains our go to commercial litigation solicitor."

"Andrew Whitehead was the solicitor, and Matthew Smith the paralegal, for a case regarding trespassers on a commercial property I owned. Andrew explained the process clearly to me at the start, kept me updated throughout and answered any questions that I had promptly. He was able to complete the case for me in four weeks. Although it was a difficult time, having a team who were proactive and efficient really helped to make it a less stressful experience."