Celebrating the retirement of Stephen Eccles – our esteemed Partner and Head of Property Disputes

After a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, Stephen Eccles, Partner and Head of our Property Disputes team is retiring from Pinney Talfourd.

We take this opportunity to celebrate Stephen’s outstanding contribution to the firm and the wider legal community.

A career marked by excellence and leadership

Stephen Eccles studied Law at Durham University, graduating in 1983, and subsequently completed his Law Society Finals at the University of London. Qualifying as a solicitor in 1986 after his completing articles at Dowse & Co, Stephen’s early career included civil litigation work.

Joining Talfourds as a partner in 1997, Stephen took charge of the Dispute Resolution team. Under his leadership and guidance, the team grew and ultimately divided into specialist teams including Property Disputes, Contentious Probate, Employment, Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence, and Commercial Disputes. When Talfourds merged with Pinney Rogers in 2009 to form Pinney Talfourd LLP, Stephen remained a central figure in litigation and dispute resolution.

Expertise in Property Disputes

Stephen’s expertise lies chiefly in property disputes, particularly those relating to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. He has focused on complex commercial lease issues including termination, renewal, dilapidations, title disputes, and professional negligence claims related to property.

He has successfully managed high-profile portfolios, including acting as primary external solicitor for a nationwide corporate client with over 1600 leasehold properties.

Recognition and achievements

Stephen is widely recognised for his knowledge and ability by peers and industry guides such as Legal 500. He holds memberships in numerous professional bodies, including the Property Litigation Association (PLA), Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP), and the London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA).

Among his notable legal achievements are landmark cases in the Court of Appeal as well as complex residential and commercial property disputes.

A message from our Managing Partner

Philip Cockram, Managing Partner at Pinney Talfourd, pays tribute to Stephen Eccles:

“Stephen’s retirement marks the end of an era at Pinney Talfourd. His expert knowledge, dedication, and leadership have been invaluable to the firm and our clients. Beyond his considerable legal skills, Stephen’s mentorship and guidance have shaped the careers of many colleagues. We will greatly miss his wise counsel, steady presence and sharp wit. We wish him all the very best as he embarks on this well-earned next chapter of life.”

Personal notes and next chapter

Outside the office, Stephen is an avid runner with impressive half marathon and marathon times, a dedicated yoga practitioner, and competitive sailor. He also enjoys music and reading in his leisure time.

We offer our heartfelt thanks for his dedication to clients, colleagues, and the firm. We wish him a fulfilling and joyous retirement. He will certainly be missed.

Looking ahead

We remain fully committed to delivering the highest standards of property dispute services. The Property Disputes team, which Stephen expertly led, continues to provide robust legal support to our valued clients and will now be led by Lisa Eastwood.  Lisa is a very experienced property disputes solicitor and Partner of the firm and has worked with Stephen for many years.

For any property dispute matters or to connect with our team, please contact us through our website.