Chris Drabble > Devonshires Solicitors LLP > Leeds, England > Lawyer Profile

Devonshires Solicitors LLP’s ‘exceptional’ multidisciplinary team of social housing experts is particularly well-versed in corporate, transactional, and development matters. The team advises both housing associations and for-profit registered providers on high-value mergers, stock rationalisation matters, project financings, and major development and regeneration schemes. The firm’s Leeds practice is jointly led by Gary Grigor, who regularly advises housing associations on private placements and mergers, and Chris Drabble, who handles real estate financings and securitisations. Real estate lawyer Elad Yasdi and employment specialist Kirsty Thompson are further key contacts.

Devonshires Solicitors LLP’s social housing team frequently acts for registered providers in a range of finance-related matters, including debt finance, bond issues, and ESG loans. The practice predominately acts for borrowers in transactional matters, although the team saw an increase of activity on the lender side in 2022, in addition to a growing number of for-profit housing associations in its client roster. Julian Barker is head of the banking and capital markets team, and is praised for his ‘exceptional knowledge and connections in the sector‘; Barker specialises in finance for both for-profit and not-for-profit registered providers. Sharon Kirkham is head of the securitisation team, and advises clients on the property aspects of securitisation. Alice Overton takes a leading role in the firm’s consumer credit matters, counting a large number of registered providers in her client roster. The group assists clients on a national basis, with Gary Grigor and Chris Drabble heading the Leeds office and advising on a number of the team’s key matters. The firm has also seen recent expansion, with a new office opened in Birmingham in March 2022, and Rachel Orgill-Harris, the ‘exceptional‘ Natalie Swales, and Carlos Fernandes all promoted to partner in April 2023.