The Legal 500

United Kingdom > London > Real estate > Social housing: tenant

Editorial sections

Other

All countries

Index of tables

  1. Social housing: tenant
  2. Leading individuals

Leading individuals

Anthony Gold’s ‘top-notch’ practice recently acted in the landmark Supreme Court case, Southwark London Borough Council v Austin. ‘Outstanding lawyer’ Andrew Brookes heads the team, which also includes Timothy Waitt, who has ‘a passion for social justice’, and recommended solicitors Giles Peaker and Charlotte Collins. ‘Venerable and distinguished’ solicitor David Thomas, known for his role in the significant case Kay and others v London Borough of Lambeth, joined the firm from GT Stewart Solicitors.

Bindmans LLP successfully postponed a possession order, citing Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, in the Court of Appeal case Nicholas Patrick Smith v UBS. The firm also successfully acted in Osajie v London Borough of Hackney, a high-value disrepair claim. The ‘intellectual and practical’ Paul Ridge is ‘lightning quick at dealing with emergencies’.

The ‘excellent’ team at Deighton Pierce Glynn – the product of the merger between Pierce Glynn Solicitors and Deighton Guedalla – is ‘always willing to go the extra mile’, and recently acted in the Dale Farm travellers’ eviction challenge, R (McCarthy) v Basildon. Stephen Pierce is recommended for his work in welfare benefits; Polly Glynn ‘handles litigation smoothly and efficiently’; and Gareth Mitchell is also recommended.

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP’s ‘attentive, hardworking and knowledgeable’ team successfully defended several possession claims, including claims against vulnerable individuals. Farzana Chowdhury and practice head Ian Greenidge are rated highly. Jayesh Kunwardia is ‘good to have on your side’, and associate Satvir Sahota ‘works tirelessly and with great care for her clients’.

Catford-based firm Morrison Spowart acts in relation to disrepair and homelessness claims, evictions and neighbour disputes, and works closely with local volunteer groups. Department head Anne Spowart and senior solicitor Stephen Penfold are ‘great at keeping local councils on their toes’.

Osbornes’ ‘quality’ practice, which is praised for its sensitive and ‘respectful’ approach to vulnerable clients, acted in the leading Court of Appeal case Farid Hashemi v Gladehurst Properties. Shilpa Mathuradas heads the team, and associates William Ford and Ruth Camp are ‘deeply committed to their clients’.

The ‘outstanding’ Powell Forster Solicitors remains highly regarded for its expertise in disrepair claims. It no longer undertakes legal aid cases, but is praised for its commitment to pro bono work. Deidre Forster is ‘exceptional in her conscientious and thorough approach’, and the ‘excellent’ Tim Powell has ‘a wealth of experience in disrepair and leasehold work’.

The ‘experienced’ and ‘knowledgeable’ T V Edwards LLP’s merger with Blacklaws Davis LLP brought Jane Pritchard into the practice. John Gorringe is ‘an acknowledged expert’ in housing allocation. Practice head Jacky Starling is also recommended.

Oliver Fisher advises on a range of matters, including possession and disrepair. Practice head Russell Conway is ‘quick and decisive’.

Fisher Meredith LLP has particular expertise in complex nuisance and disrepair cases. Jenny Hunt heads the practice.

Hansen Palomares Solicitors’ work includes homelessness, possession and disrepair matters. Practice head Maria Mercedes Palomares and associates Christian Hansen and Lara ten Caten are recommended.

Hopkin Murray Beskine deals with a range of housing and homelessness work. Lesley Curtis has a particular focus on disrepair matters and related asthma cases in children.

The ‘highly professional’ Wainwright & Cummins successfully challenged the council’s decision in the homelessness case Woldeab v Southwark LBC. Practice head Emma Prescott is praised for her commitment to providing initial advice free of charge. Solicitor Sebastian Peattie recently joined from West London Law.

Alan Edwards & Co shows ‘real commitment’ to the sector. Tilly Rubens, Graham French and solicitor Gemma Marrs are recommended.

Birmingham practice Community Partnership Law is ‘the only firm worth talking to about gypsy and traveller law’.

Edwards Duthie has challenged the lawfulness of councils’ allocation policies in the Court of Appeal and House of Lords. James Harrison is recommended.

Hockfield & Co Solicitors’ work includes disrepair claims and matters involving the application of the Equality Act 2010. James Garvey heads the practice.

Search News and Articles

Press releases

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to

Legal Developments in the UK

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

Press Releases in the UK

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
© 2013 www.legal500.com