Social housing in North West
Brabners LLP
Brabners LLP's practice has a 'wide variety of strengths to support the social housing sector' and advises on affordable housing and private disposals, housing management issues and litigation. Ian Alderson possesses a 'sound knowledge' of housing and tenancy matters; Alistair Fletcher, who is 'incredibly experienced', heads up the housing and regeneration team; and Angela Clearkin leads the development group, with experience representing registered providers and charities. Lisa Robotham co-leads the non-contentious home ownership team alongside Andrius Roos, who acts on commercial leases and site-set-ups. Peter Barlow has advised NHS bodies, local authorities and developers, and the 'commercially strong and pragmatic' Rupert Gill is noted for his governance advice to registered providers of social housing. Josephine Morton is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Alistair Fletcher; Ian Alderson; Angela Clearkin; Lisa Robotham; Andrius Roos; Peter Barlow
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team have a wide variety of strengths to support the social housing sector. I have worked and engaged a number of their team for projects from development, finance and social housing.’
‘Very comprehensive range of real estate services with incredible experience.’
‘Brabners know our business and sector very well and so are able to offer a truly tailored service that meets our exact needs. This alone sets them apart from many of their competitors.’
‘Jo Morton – outstanding, thorough and understands client needs well. Has a high quality practice. Well regarded by the courts.’
‘I can’t speak more highly of this team in particular, Zoe Glacken and Josephine Morton. Zoe and Josephine are both extremely personable, never make you feel silly and are always willing to help or give advice and never make you feel like you are a nuisance.’
‘Rupert Gill – commercially very strong, pragmatic and honest assessment of potential opportunities. Ian Alderson- in depth knowledge and extremely pragmatic. Alistair Fletcher – incredibly experienced and excellent at seeing potentially hidden exposures/risks.’
‘Alistair Fletcher has useful knowledge to share freely on development and merger/acquisitions. Ian Alderson is great to deal with through provisions of practical support and ideas and a sound knowledge on housing/tenancy matters.’
Key clients
Torus62 Limited
The Riverside Group
Jigsaw Group
Onward Homes Limited
Regenda / Redwing Living
Cobalt Housing Limited
Castles and Coasts Housing Association
Arcon Housing Association
Together Housing
Your Housing
Work highlights
- Acted for Riverside in three separate Environmental Protection Act (EPA) claims brought on the back of S.11 housing disrepair claims.
- Advised AHA on it joining a group of companies with Bolton at Home.
- Advising Torus62 Limited on its acquisition of Liverpool Football Club’s Melwood training ground.
Forbes Solicitors
Forbes Solicitors is 'a leading and growing social housing firm in the North West.' Stuart Penswick heads up the housing and regeneration team, with expertise in housing management and leasehold matters. Jennifer Hankinson is active in home ownership and development work, and Lachlan McLean is noted for his litigation experience as well as his 'excellent advice' on leasehold matters. Shirley Faragher and Daniel Milnes handle anti-social behaviour, and regulatory and governance mandates respectively. Sarah Rogers has expertise in housing management and anti-social behaviour issues, and Kirsty Varley is 'very experienced in court advocacy.'
Practice head(s):
Stuart Penswick; Jennifer Hankinson; Daniel Milnes; Jonathan Holden; Lachlan McLean; Shirley Faragher
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Forbes offer exceptional customer service and advice – nothing is ever too much trouble and they consistently go above and beyond to help.’
‘The team based approach that delivers a one stop for Registered Providers is unusual and really beneficial. They have an attention to detail that is excellent but understand the industry and the needs of their clients.’
‘Forbes are a leading and growing social housing firm in the north west.’
‘Jennifer Hankinson is now managing the development team and performance has improved significantly as has their customer focus. Francesca James has helped us to resolve issues that we have had around highway agreements and adoptions. Her dedication, knowledge and hard work has provided significant benefits for our business.’
‘Kirsty Varley – she is very popular with clients, and has an impressive knowledge of housing law. She is also very experienced in court advocacy and is therefore able to provide a complete service to her social housing clients. Kirsty is hard-working, reliable and a wonderful individual to work with.’
‘Have had excellent work and advice from Lachlan McLean. He is exceedingly knowledgeable and always happy to explain things simply and in great detail on very complex areas of work.
‘The level of knowledge, and the level of service, that Lachlan McLean provides is outstanding. I can always rely on Lachlan to provide excellent advice – he has an extremely high work ethic and whatever he says he will do, he commits to.’
Key clients
Together Housing
Guinness Partnership
Riverside
Trafford Housing Trust
Community Gateway
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
Mosscare St Vincent’s (MSV)
Onward
EMH
ONGO
Regenda
Progress Housing Association Limited
Torus
ACIS
Places for People
CHIC Framework
North West Legal Consortium
NEPO
Crown Commercial
Leeds Federated Housing
Work highlights
- Instructed by THT & L&Q Developments LLP on the development of a former local authority site to provide residential units, a library, GP, pharmacy and public car park.
- Acted for a housing association in obtaining an interim possession order against unknown persons who squatted in a former pub in Manchester scheduled for redevelopment.
- Recently instructed by THT/Laurus Homes on the site set up and plot sales for a 171 unit site.
Knights plc
Knights plc's team 'has a wealth of experience' demonstrated by the breadth of the firm's social housing practice. Managing partner Simon Leighton is on the board of two housing associations - Forum Housing and Peaks & Plains Housing Trust. Melanie Dirom provides 'sound legal advice on a consistent basis' and is an expert in housing issues, tenancy enforcements and leasehold management matters; while Arthur Chapman acts on a broad range of social housing and regeneration matters including acquisitions, sales and building contracts; and Julie Loggenberg advises on accommodation which supports people with severe learning difficulties. Senior housing practitioner Jo Loake is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Simon Leighton; Melanie Dirom; Arthur Chapman; Julie Loggenberg; Bob Agnew; Jo Loake; Helen Kevens
Testimonials
‘They are very responsive to queries made and offer excellent advice regarding legal matters. We have had several high level cases which have been successful, in my opinion, in a great part due to the work that Knights have undertaken on our behalf.’
‘The team has a wealth of experience and are always on hand to assist where required.’
‘Melanie Dirom – Partner – quick to respond, nothing is too trivial to query and offer sound legal advice on a consistent basis.’
‘My main contact at Knights is Arthur Chapman who has many years of experience in this field, he is always my first port of call when seeking legal advice, particularly in respect of issues within the housing sector.’
Key clients
L&Q (London & Quadrant, Trafford Housing Trust)
Your Housing Group
Onward Homes
The Regenda Group
Sovini Group
ForViva
Jigsaw Group
Great Places Housing Group
Plus Dane Group
Torus
Irwell Valley Housing Association
Places for People
Progress Housing Group
Work highlights
- Carried out a legal review for L&Q in order to ascertain comprehensive records of maintenance and fire safety liabilities in respect of 860 purpose built tower blocks owned or managed by L&Q.
- Advised North Wales Housing on possession claims and injunctions for a property that had been taken over by drug users.
- Acted for Irwell Valley on a linked office rationalisation program which involved action to close ancillary office locations.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Trowers & Hamlins LLP advises housing companies and housing associations on property transactions and major regeneration schemes. Suzanne Benson heads up the team and has a wide range of experience acting for registered providers, local authorities and house builders; her expertise encompasses regeneration projects, new-build sales and leasehold management issues. Richard St John Williams leads the governance team within the wider practice, specialising in housing law and regulations. Janet Winrow acts on regeneration projects, while Melanie Comer advises housing provider clients on security issues, and associate Tom Wainwright advises on housing stock transfers and public/private projects.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Richard St John Williams; Janet Winrow; Melanie Comer; Tom Wainwright
Testimonials
‘The experience was very good.’
‘Melanie Comer and Nicola Almond were both very professional.’
Key clients
Homes England
Clarion Group
Great Places Housing Group
Guinness Partnership
Community Gateway
Trafford Housing Trust
Regenda Group
First Choice Homes Oldham
Onward Homes
Jigsaw Group
Accent Group
Progress Housing Group
Plus Dane Group
One Manchester
Work highlights
- Acted for Latimer, which is working in partnership with Peel Group and Glenbrook Property, on the delivery of a 280-apartment scheme at MediaCityUK in Salford.
- Advising Homes England on the £66m re-procurement of its national network of Help to Buy Agents.
- Supported Incommunities, one of the largest social housing providers in the UK, on its £250m maiden bond issuance and bank refinancing project.
BLM
BLM's practice is 'second to none when it comes to client commitment and overall case preparation.' The team is jointly led by Stephen Lintott and Matthew Hyam; Linott advises on development, planning and funding agreements for housing providers, and Hyam has a broad practice spanning social housing matters, housing management issues and litigation. Tessa Leonard is also a key figure with experience acting on development and regeneration projects as well as handling work for local councils on housing renewal schemes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at BLM are second to none when it comes to client commitment and overall case preparation, management and progression.’
‘I hold BLM in the highest regard. They are the third solicitors I have dealt with in relation to disrepair cases. Their service is exceptional, and based on current performance I would not move away from them.’
‘The team is headed up by Matthew Hyam. Matthew is highly skilled litigator who exhumes an infectious confidence which permeates through the whole team. Having spoken with clients over the years, without exception all speak highly of Matthew and his team leadership. Alongside his leadership role he has his own caseload of complex and technical cases of significant value and complexity. Collette McCauley (Associate) has a long background in non-contentious housing matters, but has developed her practice into litigation specialising in leasehold and housing management disputes. She is particularly strong when she can drawn on her impressive knowledge on cases involving land dispute matters and allegations of nuisance.’
‘All of the individuals I have dealt with have been very professional, knowledgeable and helpful. They are very good at explaining any legal jargon so myself and colleagues fully understand each case.’
Key clients
Urban Splash
First Choice Homes
The Riverside Group
Halton Housing Trust
Places for People Group
Peaks & Plains Housing Trust
Wolverhampton Homes
Clarion Housing Group
Sanctuary Housing Group
Phoenix Community Housing Group
Lancaster City Council
Work highlights
- Acted for Wolverhampton City Council in the dismissal of two separate appeals made by joint tenants against a possession order.
- Represented Halton Housing in a complex hoarding possession case involving the Official Solicitor.
- Successfully obtained an order striking out a claim brought against Clarion Housing Group involving issues of housing disrepair, personal injury, disability discrimination and breaches of human rights.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Clarke Willmott LLP acts on various matters in the social housing field including anti-social behaviour issues, disrepair claims and lease and tenancy agreement mandates. Lindsay Felstead is the head of team and has notable contentious experience; she regularly acts in housing management matters including committal proceedings and anti-social behaviour injunctions.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘The knowledge of the social housing industry is exceptional and the team has strong leadership in Lindsay Felstead. She ensures that all the team practice to her own high standards. They are all very approachable and personable.’
Key clients
Housing Plus (aka South Staffordshire Housing & Severnside)
Sovereign
One Manchester
Plus Dane Housing
PA Housing
Clarion
Regenda
The Guinness Partnership
Community Housing Group
Honeycomb (aka Staffordshire Housing)
Work highlights
- Represented Phoenix Community Housing in striking out several claims issued by a former tenant.
- Acted for Framework Housing Association in obtaining a without notice injunction order.
- Acted for South Staffordshire Housing Association in obtaining an injunction order for offensive comments regarding employees to be removed from the tenant’s website.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP's practice advises registered providers, landowners, residential developers and local authorities. The team is led by Helen Robinson, whose expertise lies in housing regeneration schemes; she has assisted local authorities, developers and housing associations. Scot Morrison undertakes procurement issues seeking to secure joint venture partners and investors in order to ensure housing deliveries, and Mike Pocock acts for public and private sector clients on social housing mandates.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The practice has rounded and balanced experience of affordable housing, as they act for the public sector partners but also act for private sector bodies involved in development. This gives Pinsent Masons the edge over other firms who mainly act for one side or another.’
‘The standard of advice throughout the team is stronger with Pinsent Masons. Even with more junior team members, the quality of service and experience in general is higher than competitors.’
Key clients
Heylo Housing Group Limited
BoKlok Housing Limited
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
Legal & General Affordable Homes
Homes England
Transport for Greater Manchester
London Borough of Harrow
HIMOR (Carrington) Limited
Keepmoat Homes Limited
Manchester City Council
Morgan Sindall Investments Limited
Rowlinson Constructions Limited
London Legacy Development Corporation
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council
Work highlights
- Advised Heylo Housing on all of its site purchases from both a property and planning perspective.
- Appointed to BoKlok Housing’s legal panel and recently completed two of its first transactions in the UK, in Worthing and Swindon.
- Advising Rochdale Boroughwide Housing on its College Bank and Lower Falinge development scheme.
Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP
Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP displays a 'first-class, in-depth knowledge of social housing and leasehold issues.' Jonathan Cox co leads the team. He has a wide range of experience advising the firm's housing association clients on housing legislation and regulation. Lucy Worrall co leads alongside Cox, and brings an expertise in development and regeneration matters. Senior associate Catherine Simpson is 'extremely knowledgeable and reliable.'
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Extremely professional service and always available at the end of the telephone of via email to provide sound legal advice. The practice is knowledgeable and reliable and responds in a timely manner.’
‘We can rely on first-class, in-depth knowledge of social housing and leasehold issues. When relying on a legal partner this is a huge strength as we know the advice we receive is rock solid, based on real-life experience and not just from a book. This sets ACS apart from others in the sphere.’
‘The primary lawyer I have dealt with is Catherine Simpson. Catherine has a wealth of strengths; she is extremely knowledgeable and reliable, and responds to complicated governance issues immediately. Her professional attitude and her ability to explain the complexities around governance issues is of an extremely high standard. Catherine is very helpful and friendly and willing to assist in whatever matter I ask of her. Catherine also delivered training to our Board on charity law which was extremely well received and commented upon favourably by our members who found the session and the information imparted by Catherine to be useful in their role as Board members.’
‘Jonathon Cox has a unique blend of vast and technical expertise and hands-on knowledge combined with an approachable, friendly manner. He stands out as one of those rare experts who is a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Trafford Housing Trust Limited
Irwell Valley Housing Association
Housing Plus
Stafford & Rural
The Guinness Housing Partnership
Great Places Housing Group
Knowsley Housing Group
The Riverside Housing Group
Salix Homes
Work highlights
- Advised Trafford Housing Trust as it joined the L&Q Group as a subsidiary.
- Advised Guinness on significantly reducing the cost, time and paperwork in relation to gas and electricity suppliers by engaging with residents.
- Advised Clarion Housing Group Limited on the procurement of 20-year planned maintenance contracts.
MSB Solicitors
MSB Solicitors is 'very much at the forefront of the housing market' and advises on social housing regulations and developments. The team is jointly led by Thomas Knox and Louise Murphy; Knox provides a 'personal service that is tailored' to his clients' needs, handles leasehold management issues, and governance and regulation matters, and advises social housing providers on the impact of welfare reforms on rents. Murphy is 'honest and efficient', known for her work representing tenants in disrepair, homelessness and possession proceedings. Jenna Tym's expertise focuses on injunction and possession proceedings involving anti-social behaviour.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Extensive experience and knowledge in the sector and incredibly responsive to our requirements. With other firms we’ve engaged, we have had to chase them for updates, we have always found the complete opposite with MSB.’
‘The team is very knowledgeable on housing matters.’
‘The solicitors/staff at MSB are very knowledgeable, very professional and nothing is to much trouble for them, their response is always very quick. We have had many good outcomes to legal disrepair cases that they have undertaken for us.’
‘The team is very much at the forefront of the housing market in the North of England and rightly so. It has an in-depth knowledge of all housing matters ranging from anti-social behaviour to disrepair.’
‘Jenna Tym who again has proved to be very approachable, knowledgeable, trustworthy and likeable.’
‘Tom provides a very personal service that is tailored to our needs. It often feels that Tom is in fact one of our team. He is always honest with his advice and always works for what is best for us. Due to the advice, guidance, knowledge and representation, we have never lost a case in court.’
Key clients
Arches Housing Limited
Arcon Housing Association Limited
Barrow-in-Furness Borough Council
Bamboo Lettings
Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
Brighter Futures
Bury Metropolitan Borough Council
Care Housing Association
Cheshire West and Chester
City South Manchester Housing Trust
Clarion Housing Association
Community Gateway Housing
Connect Housing
Eastlands Homes
Eden Housing Association
Work highlights
- Advised a housing provider on and re-drafted the occupancy agreements across the client’s general needs social housing stock, circa 12,000 properties following the creation of a new registered provider after the merger of two separate providers.
- Acted for a client on a without notice application to exclude a tenant from a high rise property due to setting a number of fires pursuant to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014.
- Provided training to a client’s Executive Board on the introduction of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 on how to minimise the risk of future disrepair claims and ensure effective compliance with the new implied duties on landlords.
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Stephensons Solicitors LLP's social housing practice has a 'wealth of experience and knowledge'. David Baybut co-leads the team and has experience representing housing developers and builders. Fellow co-head Louise Hebborn acts for local authorities, housing associations, builders and landlords, and co-head Philip Richardson is also a key name to note. Chris Graves advises on residential property developments.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The regional/local knowledge of the team and clear familiarity with the client and how the client ran transactions was a positive. They had a good working knowledge and partnership with their client which enabled transactions to run smoothly as a result. They were also good at mobilising their staff on project work and we found them to be responsive.’
‘Wealth of experience and knowledge.’
‘Specialist knowledge in the SSH sector and accessibility of senior staff.’
‘The partners and associates I have worked with have been personable and collaborative in their approach to transaction management.’
Key clients
South Liverpool Homes
Fairhome Group PLC
Kirklees Council
My Space Housing Solutions
Houses for Homes Ltd
Partners Foundation Limited
Change Housing
Quay Housing
Encircle Housing
Leeds Housing Federation
1st Enable Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Change Housing in relation to it being granted 17 leases on a portfolio of care home properties.
- Acted for South Liverpool in preparing new leases and supporting documents on a new site for development that consists of 22 apartments being sold on a mixture of outright sale and shared ownership leases.
- Instructed by My Space Housing Solutions on a 25 year lease for supported living accommodation.
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP's social housing practice is led by Sian Evans, who principally acts on housing management matters including disrepair claims and anti-social behaviour issues. She is ably supported by Thomas Starkey, who handles developments, regeneration issues and home ownership work. Principal associate Matthew Wilson has represented landlords in possession claims and committal proceedings.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Starkey; Matthew Wilson; Karen Neald; Gary Jones; Tom Collins
Testimonials
‘The Weightmans Team are always keen to assist in any matter regardless of its complexity. They are reliable, always available and always perform well.’
‘Sian Evans as a partner is extremely knowledgeable and always available for ad-hoc advice or assist with more complex matters.’
‘Thomas Starkey and Beth Williams are both very knowledgeable and keen to assist with any matters that we request assistance with. They are both very personable and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Matt Wilson is very thorough and his knowledge of the law is exceptional.’
Key clients
The Sovini Group
Jigsaw Housing Group
Torus Housing Group
Forviva (City West)
Halton Housing Trust
Clarion Housing Group
The Guinness Partnership
Regenda Housing Group
Pierhead Housing Association (Prima Group)
Plus Dane Housing Group
Capsticks LLP
Capsticks LLP's team is 'reliable and adaptable' and acts on housing and leasehold management issues, asset management work and development mandates. Michael Owen heads up the national practice from Winchester, while Paul Lloyd, who operates out of the Chorley office, handles housing management and regeneration matters. The firm is also noted for its cross-sector expertise encompassing the housing and health industries, advising on health, social care and housing matters.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team at Capsticks are reliable and adaptable. They can act at short notice and go over and above in regard to getting the job done. They give helpful honest advice putting the customer first.’
‘Capstick’s are very good solicitors. They have a very good team of solicitors and paralegals. They also have very good support from their back office to provide an excellent service for our needs. Overall Capsticks are a very professional company.’
‘The team is very strong, it has many capable individuals at all levels which is reflected by the growing client base. It is gaining clients that other firms are losing due to its reputation as a leading firm but also due to the personalities of the team. All are approachable, friendly and team players.’
‘We work with Tom Bradbury and Paul Lloyd, both are reliable and helpful. They go over and above in regard to service. They are helpful and honest and provide a regular free surgery to assist with cases.’
‘Ian Larkins is a very professional solicitor and conducts cases very diligently. He is very thorough and always provides information and advice in a structured manner. Overall an excellent solicitor for our requirements. Paul Lloyd leads on Disrepair for Capsticks. Paul’s knowledge is very very good; he is the go to person when an answer to a question or query is needed. Overall he provides support and assistance to the whole set up of Capsticks and ensures a good level of service is provided to One Vision Housing.’
‘Ian Larkins is a new addition to the team but has a large client following and is well respected and liked. The team is lead by a strong leadership team who is thought of as leaders in the social housing field.’
Key clients
Mosscare St Vincent
One Vision Housing
Stonewater
New Charter Homes
Wandle Housing Association
Onward
Villages Housing Association
Great Places Housing Group
ForHousing
Work highlights
- Acted for Mosscare St Vincent when a tenant’s solicitors knowingly served at an old address and entered judgement in default. Applied to have it set aside, securing costs and ultimately successfully defended through to the final trial.
- Acted for Great Places Housing Group in a drug dealing matter. In this instance possession was sought on the back of a conviction.
- Represented ForHousing in bringing possession proceedings against the child of a tenant.