Ed Smith joined Levi Solicitors LLP in October 2014 as a trainee solicitor. He qualified into the dispute resolution department in 2015 and was made a partner in 2020. Ed deals mainly in commercial and property disputes, professional negligence matters and licensing issues.
Dispute resolution
Ed has expertise in commercial and residential property litigation. He acts for both commercial landlords and tenants in lease disputes, dilapidations claims and forfeiture actions. On the residential side, he can assist in matters such as boundary disputes, possession claims, nuisance issues and rights of way disputes.
Ed also acts for clients in relation to professional negligence. While Ed’s professional negligence work is mainly acting for claimants, he also has experience on working on cases on behalf of professional indemnity insurers of solicitors in defending professional negligence cases. Ed has recently taken the case of Stoffel & Co v Grondona to the Supreme Court.
Licensing
Ed is also an established licensing practitioner with over 10 years’ experience. He has acted for operators of licensed premises of all kinds. He appears before Licensing Sub-Committees and has been extremely successful in obtaining and protecting licences for all of his clients.
Ed acts as a primary contact for local authorities and police forces in respect of his clients’ licensed premises. He advises design companies and Premises Licence Holders in respect of investment projects and has guided clients on training programmes for staff. For larger PLCs, Ed is experienced in delivering large-scale projects and regularly offers urgent support to clients as and when unforeseen issues arise.
In his spare time Ed plays football, squash and golf. He is also a member of the Management Committee of Hyde Park Unity Day.
| Ed's clients' testimonials speak for themselves
"Worth every penny. Totally delighted with the outcome of my protracted conflict with a problem Tenant. A huge thank you to Connor and Ed in achieving such a small time frame through the labyrinthine judicial paper trail associated with evictions which had previously had me frustrated beyond belief. Cheers guys."
Mrs M, Leeds
"I had many dealings with Ed Smith when I worked in the licensed trade. He was always courteous, knowledgeable and patient and a pleasure to work with. My job was often high-pressured but Ed was always cool, calm and amusing. Most importantly, he always delivered, without fail, and I felt I could always trust his advice and judgement."
Mrs B, Sheffield, licensed trade professional
"We approached Levi Solicitors LLP about highly anti-social behaviour. We are very pleased at the way this matter was successfully resolved by Ed Smith of Levi's Dispute Resolution Department."
Residential Property Dispute client
"Absolutely first class service provided by Ed Smith, can’t thank him enough for the most prompt, efficient and reliable service he provided in getting our premises license for our restaurant. Highly recommended."
Mr H, Leeds
"What great service Ed provided me with , the end result was what i wanted . cheers again"
Mr B, Leeds
"Thank you so much for your expertise, guidance, encouragement and support"
Ms M, Manchester
"Thank you for all your help on my harassment matter. It wasn't easy for me... and I really appreciate your professionalism"
Miss D, Middlesex
"I’d like to thank you again for all your efforts in this case. I have always felt confident throughout that we would reach the right conclusion and it has been seamless. That has been in no little part to your reassurance and diligence along the way."
Mr M, Leeds
"Absolutely delighted with the outcome at court! A massive thank you to Ed Smith and his team for his hard work, professionalism and attention to detail. Highly recommend!"
Mr P, Wakefield