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Helen Townsend LLB (Hons)

Partner - Team Leader Dispute Resolution | Peterborough, Cambridge, Oundle

T
01733 882803
E
helen.townsend@hcsolicitors.co.uk
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Helen Townsend qualified as a solicitor in 2007 having completed the LPC Course at the College of Law in London on a part time basis, whilst working full time as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. Helen joined Hunt & Coombs as an Associate Solicitor and as the Dispute Resolution Team Leader in 2020. Helen was promoted to Partner in April 2021.

Helen has advised advises partnerships, plc’s, limited companies, SMEs and sole-traders and private individuals on a wide range of complex commercial disputes, including (where necessary) through litigation. She has particular expertise in the following areas of dispute resolution:

  • Commercial contracts,
  • Professional negligence claims,
  • Property related litigation,
  • Debt recovery
  • Insolvency
  • Breach of contract claims
  • Consumer rights claims
  • Enforcement action

Helen’s clients come from a range of sectors including farming, insurance, entertainment, security and construction.

Helen has worked for several regional firms throughout her career gaining a wealth of experience in County Court and High Court matters as well as in the First Tier Property Tribunal. She has nearly 20 years of experience in civil and commercial matters and has expanded her knowledge in the particular area of Contentious Probate by completing the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) qualification. She advises clients in relation to the validity of a Will, Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and applications for the removal of an executor.

Helen has seen the changes advocated by the courts towards mediation and negotiation and supports the recommendation that protracted litigation should be avoided where possible. Helen has been engaged in more than a dozen successful expert mediations in recent years and has a vast amount of experience in drafting settlement agreements.

Helen has been ranked in the legal 500 since joining the firm and she has been quoted as being empathetic to her clients, being very helpful and knowledgeable, and impressing with her attention to detail.

Expertise

Throughout her career Helen has assisted various commercial clients in relation to their contracts, including and not limited to interpretation of terms, retention of title clauses, breach of contract claims and claims for specific performance.

Helen has acted on behalf of consumers and businesses in relation to professional negligence claims against surveyors, accountants and solicitors. She has a sound understanding of the pre-action protocol and has had numerous successes in pursuing claims on behalf of clients which have resulted in either a negotiated settlement or Court Judgment.

In relation to commercial properties Helen is able to provide advice regarding termination/forfeiture of leases, rent arrears recovery, relief from forfeiture claims, claims for breach of contract and dilapidations claims. Helen is also able to provide assistance in relation to agricultural tenancies and the rights attached thereto.

Helen acts on behalf of both landlord and tenants in relation to residential property related matters. She provides advice and assistance in relation to repossessions of properties, both through Section 21 and Section 8 as well as the appointment of a bailiff or sheriff to remove a tenant once an order for possession has been granted. Helen is able to assist tenants with claims for rent arrears and claims in relation to the cost of repairs (dilapidations) to properties which have been damaged; the removal of trespassers; unlawful eviction; breach of contract; and compensation for failure to register rental deposits within the required limits or at all.

Helen has dealt with debt recovery claims throughout her career ranging from several national companies (recovering significant sums owed to them) to smaller companies and individuals with claims which fall within the small claims track. Helen has used her experience of the Money Claims Online System to recover monies owed to clients in the most expeditious and economical routes possible and has acted in the background of client fronted claims, providing assistance on an as and when required basis.

Testimonials

"Helen Townsend was knowledgeable, competent, kind and extremely understanding throughout what for us was an exceedingly stressful experience. I have no doubt that without her calm expertise we would not have resolved the matter as well as we were able to."

Client

"My matter was dealt with expeditiously and Helen Townsend was professional and friendly, couldn't have asked for more."

Client

"My matter was dealt with expeditiously and Helen Townsend was professional and friendly, couldn't have asked for more."

Client

"They are extremely dedicated and will go above and beyond for their clients. I was impressed with Helen Townsend’s attention to detail particularly."

Legal 500 (2024)

"Partner in charge of property services, Helen Townsend, very helpful and knowledgeable And willing to help on all matters with regard to a particularly difficult tenant and negligent property management company."

Legal 500 (2024)

"Helen Townsend showed insight and knowledge in this area and was good to work with to achieve a settlement. She is very empathetic with her clients and their needs."

Legal 500 (2024)

There was always someone on hand to answer questions. The advice given was very detailed, and the approach thorough. Clearly the lawyer and assistants knew exactly how to deal with an eviction and foresaw any potential pitfalls. At all times, they were polite and helpful. Highly recommended.

Dabies Properties Ltd

I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to both Helen Townsend and Justine Leppert. Thank you Helen and Justine you have no idea how you helped us in very dark times.

Additional Information

Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer    

  • Solicitor (2007)
  • Association of Contentious Trusts & Probate Specialists (ACTAPS)

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Hunt & Coombs LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales, Registration no. OC320243, VAT no. 120013160. Hunt & Coombs LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with Registration no. 443035. A list of members is available at 35 Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6AG.
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