John Shephard

Service area(s): Disputes & Litigation

Office: Northampton

Position:Partner, Head of Public Bodies and Institutions Team

Telephone:01604 233233

Email:johnshephard@hewitsons.com

Overview:

John Shephard has been resolving disputes for some 30 years. His current practise is land and contract based. Land related arguments range from boundary disputes (which the courts hate) to very large scale landlord and tenant issues involving possession, rent, dilapidation and compensation claims. John is a supporter of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for dispute resolution and has represented clients in ADR by Expert Adjudication (£2m claim) and probably some 15-20 mediations from dilapidations (£500k+) to land ownership (£20m) and the application of Triumph (an agricultural chemical) to Timothy (a specialised grass crop).

Experience:

John is seeing his practise in professional liability grow, recovering for clients against errant professionals, usually solicitors and doctors, occasionally surveyors and engineers. He recently settled a £350k solicitor's liability claim at 100% recovery for the client and has the dubious honour of representing two clients who received the highest payments ever made by Northampton General Hospital following clinical errors made (totalling c£6m).

Background:

John read law at Worcester College, Oxford, followed by articles in London before moving to Northampton on his marriage in 1978. He was a TA officer for 12 years and has served as a district councillor for the last 24. In available spare time he sails on the south coast.