A partner with a Bournemouth-based regional law firm has been appointed as the new Chair of the Property Litigation Association (PLA) for the South Coast.

David Crockford, Head of Property Litigation at Steele Raymond, said he was looking forward to forging stronger relationships with the “exceptional talent” represented by the PLA across the region.

A members’ organisation, the PLA was established in 1995 for legal professionals specialising in all aspects of commercial, residential, and agricultural property litigation.

As well as organising education, training, and networking opportunities for its members, it also plays a vital role in campaigning for improvements in property law.

David said: “The PLA is the most important property entity for legal professionals in the country so I am delighted to have been chosen to serve as Chair for the South Coast region.

“A key priority for me is to provide more face-to-face opportunities for our members across the South Coast to get together to share experiences and ideas by delivering an exciting programme of training and networking events.

“There is a great mix of exceptional talent across the region and I am very much looking forward to helping forge stronger relationships.”

David joined Steele Raymond in 2022 and was tasked with developing the property litigation team.

Today, there are eight in the team, providing advice and support for developers, landlords, tenants, and individuals on a full range of property-related disputes.

David has over ten years’ experience working as a property litigator.

He has a particular interest in advising landlords and occupiers, investors and individuals in relation to commercial landlord/tenant disputes, as well as housebuilders, social housing providers and high net worth individuals on disputes arising from the development of land.