Margarita Diacou

Senior Associate

m.diacou@harperandodell.co.uk

Margarita is appreciated not only for her pragmatic and efficient approach but also her ability to cut through complex legal issues to provide relevant commercial advice and solutions with a view to limiting costs for the client.

Margarita has an excellent track record for negotiating disputes amicably without recourse to Court intervention, including representing clients at mediation.

A highly competent Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitor, Margarita combines her expertise with a time efficient, diligent and supportive approach to her clients.

Margarita also has experience acting for tenants and landlords in connection with lease extensions and collective enfranchisements claims under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993.

Prior to joining Harper & Odell, Margarita trained and qualified as a lawyer in the Republic of Cyprus. Her experience included corporate law, advocacy, litigation, and drafting Wills.

Other languages: Greek

Qualifications:

• Admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2016
• Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), 2015
• Admitted as a Republic of Cyprus Lawyer in 2009 (currently non-practising)
• LL.B in Law, 2007

Practice Areas include:

• Civil Litigation
• Drafting and updating Wills
• Estate administration (Probate)
• Preparing and advising on Lasting Power of Attorney forms
• Enfranchisement and Lease Extensions under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993
• Debt Recovery

Legal Experience:

• Acting for a property management company in the recovery of rent and service charge arrears
• Successfully negotiating the settlement and setting aside of a judgment in default in connection with ground rent and service charges
• Acting in a matter relating to monies owed under a share purchase agreement
• Successfully defending a builder in relation to a claim for poor workmanship and succeeding in a counterclaim for further works and unpaid invoices
• Assisting in a £6 million value claim for breach of contract and unfair prejudice  
• Successfully settling an appeal of an Award granted under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and securing our client’s costs
• Acting for clients in vesting order claims under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 including where the landlord is missing
• Acting for a client in connection with mental health injuries as a result of a crime
• Advising executors in connection with claims against an estate