Tom Hickingbottom

Tom Hickingbottom is a partner within the dispute resolution team at our Lincoln office.

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2014, Tom has amassed extensive experience in civil litigation and commercial dispute resolution. Having previously been a solicitor in our conveyancing and property advice team, Tom is particularly adept at advising upon property disputes. Using a commercially aware and practical approach, he helps clients with a range of issues from agricultural property tenancies to landlord and tenant disputes.

He was singled out by the Legal 500 as a ‘rising star’ and described as “an excellent lawyer who always picks up quickly on the relevant issue”.

Key specialisms

Agriculture

Taking an active role in contentious work for the agriculture sector, he is a recognised fellow with the Agricultural Law Association. The fellowship of the Agricultural Law Association awards those who have attended advanced training on matters such as agricultural holdings, rural and agricultural property, and estate planning – demonstrating Tom’s commitment to helping rural and agricultural clients with unique and complex needs.

Tom also supports the firm's position as regional panel solicitor for the National Farmers' Union in the East Midlands and advises the farming and land-owning community on a broad range of contentious matters.

Tom further acts for Internal Drainage Boards, advising them on exercising their powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991 and enforcing their bylaws.

Landlord and tenant

His work regularly sees him advising both landlords and tenants on litigious issues. Clients come to him for help in claims centred around trespassing, tenancy agreements, lease renewals, and forfeiture of commercial leases. Tom is also able to advise on the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

He deals with the recovery of service charges and ground rent arrears, including the service of notices under the Law of Property Act, and possession claims under the Rent Act and Housing Act.

Property disputes

He works closely with our commercial property and conveyancing teams, advising clients on a variety of contentious and non-contentious scenarios including property rights, notices, and procedures.

Tom often advises on boundary disputes, disputes around property ownership and cohabitees, and adverse possession. He also deals with applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act, as well as mortgage possession claims.

Corporate and commercial

Tom takes on commercial disputes, advising corporate partners and directors on a range of contentious commercial cases.

He provides advice on partnership and contract disputes. He also advises on claims under consumer credit and sale of goods legislation, including claims brought for fitness for purpose and satisfactory quality issues.