Sarah Keating

Posted on: July 15th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I joined Lawrence Stephens in July 2024 as a paralegal in the Disputes Resolution team.

I bring over 20 years’ experience to the firm, having previously worked at a top West End law firm as a legal secretary within the Dispute Resolution department, dealing with property litigation and insolvency, bankruptcy and restructuring.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time with my two daughters.

Abtin Yeganeh

Posted on: February 28th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in March 2023 as a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution department. I was promoted to my current role as a Director and Head of Real Estate Disputes in August 2024.

I deal with a wide range of matters including but not limited to, secured recoveries, party wall and developer claims, trespass, rights to light claims, professional negligence, and all landlord tenant matters relating to breaches of covenant, possession, forfeiture, insolvency, debt recovery, contested lease renewals and dilapidation claims.

I have experience of taking matters to trial in the High Court and have also been involved in a number of successful appeals before the Court of Appeal.

My clients include lenders, investors, commercial landlords, local authorities, and insolvency practitioners.

I am married with three boys and live in South West London. Outside of work my interests include football, golf and going out with family and friends.

Experience highlights 

  • Acting for a developer and London Local Authority in a High Court Rights to Light Claim
  • Advising and acting for various lenders in connection with enforceability of security documents, out of court administration appointments, receivership, obtaining vacant possession and enforcing personal guarantees.
  • Obtaining an order from the Upper Tribunal (Land Chamber) discharging a restrictive covenant under s.84 of the Law of Property Act 1925
  • Advising a bank in respect of its occupation of premises at Tower 42 on Old Broad Street and dealing with a claim by the landlord for dilapidations
  • Legget & Ors -v-Giambrone Law LLP (In Liquidation) – €3.5m group litigation claim by 43 claimants against their former solicitors, Giambrone Law (“the Firm”) over its advice the clients in a failed property development that had alleged had links to the Mafia.  It had been alleged that the Firm was under a duty to warn investors of the risks involved in investing in a part of Italy associated with organised crime
  • Acting for a BVI entity (the Applicant) for an order by the Court approving the terms of a contested lease and for it to be executed by a Judge pursuant to section 39 of the Senior Courts Act 1981
  • Successfully obtaining a vesting order against the Crown estate
  • Acting for the successful claimants in various libel claims which have included, Al-Haddad -v- BBC, Sultan Choudhury -v- The Times Newspaper Limited, Huda Television Limited -v- The Henry Jackson Society.

Eddie Johns

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Natasha Cox

I’ve worked for solicitors in the City of London for over 40 years.  Described by my clients as “the least lawyer-like lawyer” they’ve seen, my refreshing preference for plain-speaking and down-to-earth manner inspire trust.

My particular strength is in resolving problems in an efficient, speedy and economical way. I have extensive experience in business crime, commercial litigation, Revenue matters and extradition work.

I’m a member of BASL and represent several sports people, primarily in football; both playing and management staff.  I’ve acted on matters before the FA disciplinary panel and its appeal panel as well as extensive FA investigations.

Recently, I successfully concluded major extradition case after a 21-year battle arising from one of the largest civil litigation matters ever heard by the English Court, involving multi-jurisdictional claims.

I have obtained a multi-million-pound judgment for a major business figure establishing fraud and forgery by the defendant within the civil court.  I’ve also brought to the firm an excellent network of contacts together with a loyal client following, some of whom I have acted for in excess of 40 years.

When time allows for outside interests, I enjoy watching football (this is in spite of being a Crystal Palace season ticket holder), motor sport and travel.  I’ve been married for over 40 years and have 2 grown up children and 2 wonderful grandchildren.

Experience highlights 

  • DW v TJ – Successful prosecution of claim for return of £500,000
  • SA v MA – Successful application for husband dismissing wife’s continuing maintenance claim
  • FKJ v Gov’t Spain – Undecided full application to European Court of Human Rights
  • FKJ v SSHD – Contested Extradition 2000 – 2021
  • JC v DW – Successful strike out of claim against client for £500,000
  • MA v TJ £5m judgment secured having overcome jurisdictional challenge
  • FA v X Successful dismissal of FA suspension after 2.5 years