Nick joined the firm as a trainee in 1993 and then qualified as a real estate disputes lawyer. He became a partner in 2004 and was location head of our Bristol office between 2016 and 2020.

Nick is very experienced in dealing with the full range of contentious property matters relating to commercial property, with a particular focus on shopping centres and office buildings. He has specific expertise in commercial lease renewals under the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, the operation of conditional break clauses, and claims relating to terminal dilapidations and disputed service charges. He also advises frequently on the interpretation of leases/development agreements and original tenant/guarantor liability.

Nick deals with all forms of dispute resolution including court proceedings, mediation, arbitration and expert determination.

Endorsements

• Nick was named in Thomson Reuters ‘Stand-out Lawyers’ list for 2025
• Nicholas is a very savvy and practical lawyer." Chambers and Partners UK, 2024 Edition, Real Estate Litigation - South West
• Nicholas Knapman is well regarded for his experience advising on an array of portfolio management and leasing disputes. "He is incredibly reactive, available at short notice and provides no-nonsense advice. He gets to the point and solves problems quickly..." Chambers and Partners UK, 2021