Know Your Healthcare Advisor - Philip Sheppard
Philip Sheppard is a Property Litigation Solicitor in our Healthcare Property team, who regularly advises GP practices and Dental practices.
Whether you own property or occupy someone else's, Philip is able to assist with any property management issues and resolving property-related disputes which may arise. Philip is always on the look-out for practical and cost-effective solutions to problems, so that you can focus on what matters to you.
What Does Your Role Involve on a Day to Day Basis?
As a dispute resolution lawyer, every day brings new challenges and new surprises. My role spans the whole range of property disputes, including landlord and tenant issues, security of tenure, termination of occupation agreements, dilapidations and yielding up advice, service charge disputes, rent reviews, claims for rent arrears, title issues, removal of trespassers and much, much more!
Litigation is always the last resort, and so I spend a lot of time providing strategic advice on risk, and supporting my colleagues in the wider Healthcare team, to explore ways to avoid disputes before they arise. The vast majority of disputes can be avoided entirely or resolved at an early stage.
Unfortunately, not everything can be worked out by agreement. If that's the case, then I will also advise clients on their options for having their complaint heard by court or tribunal, and will guide them through that process from start to finish.
What Do You Do as Part of the Healthcare team at VWV?
VWV's strength comes from its commitment to teamwork and collaboration, a commercial approach, and putting you at the centre of what we do. I work closely with colleagues in the wider Healthcare team to ensure that issues are resolved in a joined up way which reflects the needs of your practice.
I often work closely with colleagues in the Commercial Property and Corporate teams on disposals of leasehold property, lease renewals and restructuring and succession matters, to make sure that there are no unexpected surprises. For example, I often advise clients on the termination of leases, applications for consent, and steps that clients can take to minimise the risk of a claim once a lease has ended.
I also work with the Healthcare team on standalone issues, such as partnership disputes and disputes with third parties, including landlords, neighbours, NHSPS and funders.
How Can You Help Healthcare Practices?
Good risk management, early identification of issues, and forward planning are key to making the most of your property portfolio. If you have any concerns about your Healthcare property, or want to know how to minimise your exposure to risk, then I can help you understand the risks and find a solution which works for you.
Tell Us Something Not Many People Know About You?
Before qualifying as a lawyer, I was a trained lifeguard (pool and beach) and took part in lifesaving competitions at the national level.