Shams Rahman
He joined the firm in 2014 as partner and joined the Management Committee in April 2023.
Property Disputes
He works closely with developers, investors, landlords and tenants on matters including contested lease renewals, restrictive covenants, dilapidations, title issues, possession proceedings and high-value development land disputes. Known for his tactical expertise and commercially focused advice, Shams helps clients anticipate and resolve disputes at an early stage wherever possible, while also being a formidable advocate in litigation, mediation and appeals when required.
Shams is passionate about protecting his client’s position and advancing their case firmly but fairly and leading on complex negotiations as well as fighting hard at Court and on appeal where necessary.
Trusts Disputes
Alongside his property practice, Shams is a recognised leader in international trusts disputes, with over 25 years’ experience acting for trust companies, family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and global investors. His work often bridges property and contentious probate issues, including trustee duties, will challenges, capacity disputes, Inheritance Act claims and cross-border breaches of trust involving significant real estate assets.
Shams oversees and leads on substantial disputes relating to trusts, estates and family wealth. He is passionate about protecting his clients’ interests in the most commercial way possible with absolute confidence and navigating sensitively through distressing situations.
Dual-qualified in Pakistan, Shams has acted in high-value matters across the UK, Middle East including UAE and Saudi Arabia, BVI, USA, Switzerland, Jersey and Guernsey. Clients value his deep integrity, calm authority and pragmatic approach, as well as his ability to navigate sensitive disputes with confidence while keeping long-term commercial objectives firmly in sight.
A summary of his work includes the following:
- Projects involving substantial development contracts including JVAs.
- Substantial claims of adverse possession and disputed ownership of high value development land.
- International trust disputes involving property assets including claims of beneficial ownership.
- Family wealth and inheritance claims across multiple jurisdictions including under Islamic shariah law.
- Professional negligence claims arising from formation of trusts and property transactions.
- Company and family business/shareholder partnership disputes including corporate governance aspects of high-value freehold residential companies.
- Property aspects of planning disputes including judicial reviews.
- Substantial asset protection work on behalf of international clients