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Headed by Jennifer Bennett, Coffin Mew LLP’s team is ‘one of the few true specialists’ in the sector. The group acts for a wide range of housing associations and developers on the full range of issues, and in 2011 handled a number of contentious housing benefit and tenancy matters. Litigation expert Michael Owen is ‘a clear leader in his field’, and attracts praise for his anti-social behaviour expertise.

Batchelors’ ‘knowledgeable and approachable’ team acts on contentious and non-contentious matters, specialising in housing management issues. Recent work includes representing Origin Housing in several high-profile ASBO hearings. Other clients include Sentinel Housing and Network Housing Group. Andrew Harmer heads the group, and Daniel Skinner has ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of social housing law’.

Blake Lapthorn added six new lawyers to its housing development team in 2011, including John Russell, who joined from Clarke Willmott LLP. Team head Martin Hirst, solicitor Emma Stainwright and consultant Chris Taunt are also recommended.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s ‘superior’ cross-office team won several panel appointments in 2011, including with Synergy Housing Group, which it advised on the purchase of 150 units from Persimmon homes. Team head Anne Hayward is a ‘standout individual’, and asset management team head Jonathan Hulley is ‘a pleasure to work with’.

Linda Storey’s ‘excellent’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP represented Family Mosaic Housing in nuisance possession proceedings with mental health, Human Rights Act and Equality Act elements. Also recommended is London-based Andrew Casstles, who joined from Devonshires in May 2011.

The ‘professional, prompt and thorough’ team at social housing boutique Perrins Solicitors LLP has ‘in-depth knowledge’ of the sector. Highlights of 2011 included successfully advocating at the Court of Appeal in a redevelopment dispute. Litigators Angela Byrne and Simon Braun attract praise, as do managing partner Fred Perrin and Amanda Miller on the transactional and strategic legal planning side respectively.

Andrew Harbourne’s team at Cripps Harries Hall LLP advises clients such as Town and Country Housing Group and Golding Homes, primarily on non-contentious matters. Highlights included acting for Amicus on the purchase of 20 residential units valued at £3.4m.

Manches LLP’s ‘pragmatic and industry-aware’ team advises on acquisitions, disposals and stock transfers for Sovereign Housing Association, One Housing and new client Catalyst Housing. Charlotte D’Avola became head of the department following the move of Elizabeth Hussain to Boyes Turner in January 2012.

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