Fielding one of the largest dedicated social housing practices in the region, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is consistently sought out by a litany of registered providers and local associations, both within the West Midlands and further afield, for assistance in major transactions and contentious proceedings. The practice is jointly led by senior partner Peter Hubbard, and Jonathan Cox, a seasoned advisor who splits his time between Birmingham and Manchester. Baljit Basra and Helen Tucker head up the housing litigation team, handling a sweep of possession claims, leaseholder disputes, and sensitive ASB matters before the courts. Victoria Jardine possesses key expertise regarding the implications of charitable status on social housing providers, ranging from applicable vires to funding concerns. Emma Hardman, who was promoted to partner in May 2021, runs the housing management and Right to Buy teams, and is especially noted for her knowledge of service charges and rent reviews. Stock transfer specialist Andrew Dudley recently joined the team from Wright Hassall LLP. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham unless stated otherwise.  

Gowling WLG‘s sizeable social housing practice enjoys a stellar reputation on account of its transactional expertise, working with a diverse roster of registered providers, local authorities, investors, and developers on high-value projects within the sector. Practice head Jacqueline Knox is a ‘stand-out‘ advisor whose broad practice encompasses development, investment, and housing management. London-based Richard Beckingsale heads up the firm’s regeneration practice, working with a plethora of public bodies on procurement negotiations and institutional investment transactions. Legal director Sally Farrall , who runs the affordable housing investments desk, is frequently engaged by major REITs for assistance in big-ticket transactions. Principal associate Gemma Courtenay is recommended for her far-reaching capabilities in development work. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham unless stated otherwise.

Helmed by experienced tenants’ rights expert Digby Morgan, Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s affordable housing practice is frequently instructed by a sizeable roster of local authorities and registered providers – both on transactional and governance-led matters. Yetunde Dania spearheads the housing management team, regularly handling a mix of ASB issues, tenancy fraud, and disrepair issues. Projects and construction practice head Mark Robinson acts for various RPs across the region on procurement strategies and contractual exercises. Senior associate Natalie Owen works with RPs and lenders on the full scope of financing matters, while senior associate Kate Davies handles various stock rationalisation projects and joint ventures for new developments. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Bevan Brittan LLP‘s sizeable team routinely advises housing associations (HAs), local authorities, developers and funders operating at a local and national level. The cross-disciplinary practice is jointly headed up by Sarah Greenhalgh, a RP corporate governance specialist, and Rebecca Pendlebury, who focuses on public sector driven mixed-use regeneration schemes. Litigation department head Adam Kendall advises HAs on health and safety issues, and court proceedings that subsequently arise. Employment law specialist Ashley Norman is highly experienced in representing housing associations in cases before the Court of Appeal, while senior associate Cynyr Rhys is noted for his expertise in landlord and tenant disputes. Senior associate Jaspal Basra works with HAs on the potential implications of performance-related pay structures. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham. 

Roythornes Solicitors‘ ‘fantastic team of exceptional solicitors’ is a strong choice for a number of social housing sector operators seeking assistance on both strategic and transactional mandates. The practice is jointly led by national real estate head Bhavesh Amlani and Bukola Obadun-Craigs, an ‘exceptional’ residential property litigator whose broad practice encompasses the full scope of leasehold management and housing management disputes. Daniel Skinner, who joined the practice from Capsticks LLP in December 2021, is well-regarded by a mix of registered providers and local authorities for his expertise in housing management matters, particularly in relation to anti-social behaviour and leasehold issues. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

Working collaboratively across multiple sites throughout the region, Shakespeare Martineau LLP handles a wide range of projects and housing management matters for a number of registered providers, housing associations, and developers. The team is headed up by Rachel Gwynne , who is noted for her expertise in social housing regulation and governance. Louise Drew runs the building communities desk, where she focuses on sales and asset management issues – most notably for clients in the care and later living sectors. Emma Gamble helms the social housing sales team, where she is responsible for the ongoing delivery of volume transactions within the space. Paula Evans is recommended for her capabilities in major site acquisitions. All named lawyers are based in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Drawing on its sizeable national footprint, Shoosmiths LLP’s interdisciplinary practice works collaboratively across multiple offices on the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious affordable housing matters. Practice chair David Perry is sought out by a number of registered providers for his expertise in multi-unit planning schemes, transactions, and asset management issues. Stuart Tym, who joined the practice from Irwin Mitchell in November 2021, maintains a broad focus that encompasses affordable housing and viability matters. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.