Call: 2002
Simon Lane is a barrister and accredited mediator specialising in property and estates, and maintains a niche practice in the law of village greens. His practice often lies at the crossover of property, chancery, and occasionally, public law, giving him a unique advantage in complex, multidisciplinary cases.
Simon frequently acts in claims where issues of property and inheritance overlap – especially those left in occupation and involving the risk of losing a home, farm or business following a death. He is known for his sensitive handling of emotionally charged disputes between family members, both as counsel and mediator.
He is based in London but maintains a national practice, particularly across London, the South and the West of England.
Simon has extensive experience in contentious probate and private client litigation, including:
Much of Simon’s work is heard in the Chancery Division (Property, Trusts and Probate List) and in the County Courts at Central London and Bristol.
Recent Inheritance, Wills & Probate cases:
Simon’s longstanding property litigation practice spans the High Court, County Court and First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). Areas of expertise include:
Simon acts in both residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters, including:
Recent Landlord & Tenant cases:
Town & Village Green, Highway, Planning and Compulsory Purchase
Simon has developed a niche practice in Town & Village Green (TVG) with a strong track record of representing clients at inquiries and in the High Court. He also advises on Highway Law, including rights of way and public-private land-use conflicts.
Recent TVG and Highway cases:• R (oao Goodman) v Secretary of State for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs [2015] EWHC 2576 (Admin) – Simon (led by Douglas Edwards KC) successfully challenged the refusal to register Eastern Fields in Exeter as a new Town Green. The Court held that there was no authority for the planning inspector’s proposition that an appropriation of land to open space use could be simply inferred from the planting of trees on the land.
Simon’s expertise in Town & Village Greens extends to broader planning and environmental matters, especially where restrictive or compulsory purchase issues overlap with land use.
Recent Planning and Environmental cases:
599 Developments Ltd v NMB Generation C0 HPC) Ltd [2019] UKUT 235 (LC) – Simon acted for the Claimant in a matter of the Compulsory Purchase Act before the Upper Tribunal.
Simon has been an accredited mediator since 2006 and mediates widely in his core practice areas. He also represents clients at mediations and joint settlement meetings.
Disputes mediated include:
Simon is also a member of Chambers’ Inheritance and Probate Mediation Team.
Simon regularly accepts Direct Access instructions in his core areas of practice, particularly in property disputes, contested probate, and town and village green matters.
He is known for being approachable and cost-conscious, and he is happy to offer initial guidance directly to clients. In suitable cases, he will recommend experienced solicitors to assist with case management.
Simon can assist clients in preparing bundles and documents, supported by case management software and a dedicated personal assistant to keep matters efficient and cost-effective. Where appropriate, he can collaborate with KCs and specialist solicitors on complex or appellate matters.
Recent Direct Access cases:
The members of Pump Court’s Business & Commercial and Insolvency Teams […]
Pump Court Chambers’ Inheritance, Wills and Probate team, in partnership […]
To instruct Simon or if you require help or advice please contact our clerking team.
Call +44 (0)20 7353 0711 or email clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com.
Simon enjoys travel – particularly to France, Italy, Greece and, above all, South Africa.
London Chambers
3 Pump Court
Temple
London
EC4Y 7AJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7353 0711
Fax: +44 (0)845 259 3241
Email: clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com
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Winchester Chambers
31 Southgate Street
Winchester
SO23 9EB
Tel: +44 (0)1962 868 161
Fax: +44 (0)845 259 3240
Email: clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com
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Swindon Chambers
3 Newbridge Square
Aylesbury Street
Swindon
SN1 1HN
Tel: +44 (0)1793 539 899
Fax: +44 (0)845 259 3242
Email: clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com
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Canterbury Chambers
6 - 8 Longmarket
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 2JS
Tel: +44 (0)1227 764 899
Email: clerks@pumpcourtchambers.com
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