Real estate
Osbornes is recognised for its strong public law practice, with particular expertise in judicial review. The firm frequently acts in housing-related challenges, including those involving social care, children’s rights, and NHS charging decisions. It is experienced in holding both local and central government bodies to account. William Ford leads the team, bringing extensive experience across public law, including housing, welfare, community care, and migrant support. He has acted in numerous successful judicial reviews on behalf of vulnerable clients. Edward Taylor works closely with charities to promote access to justice and regularly acts for asylum seekers, particularly in the context of legal aid restrictions and hostile immigration policies. Alex McMahon focuses primarily on public law litigation, with much of his practice involving judicial review.
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Profile
Work Department
Housing and Social Care
Position
Partner
Career
William is Partner and Head of Housing and Social Care.
William is a highly experienced housing and public law solicitor who is committed to achieving great results for his clients.
Willilam regularly brings challenges against public bodies in the High Court by way of Judicial Review. He often acts in cases where clients are extremely vulnerable, as well as in cases involving significant legal complexity. As well as brining claims on behalf of individuals he also has experience of pursuing strategic litigation where cases involves issues of wider public importance.
William specialises in in housing, public law, welfare benefits and community care law. His achievements include the following:
- Named as a leading partner for public law and in the “hall of fame” for housing in the Legal 500 directory.
- Ranked in Band 1 for Housing and Band 3 in public law in the Chambers and Partners directory
- Winner of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the year in the Social Welfare Law category in 2019, and a finalist in 2016 for Legal Aid Lawyer of the year in the category of Children’s rights.
- Involvement in numerous reported cases in the higher courts involving significant cases
Memberships
William is a member of the executive of the Housing Lawyers Practitioners Association (HLPA). He also represents client on the duty advocate scheme at the County Court at Clerkenwell and Shoreditch. William is also frequently invited to speak at training sessions and conferences.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have truly enjoyed working with Osbornes and have always received top-quality service. The team has a thorough knowledge of the subject and makes sure they respond to all the clients' needs and wishes.’
‘Edward Taylor is very knowledgeable, is very responsive, and goes far and beyond to make sure his clients' needs are met. Edward is very professional and efficient in what he does, but also shows enormous amounts of empathy and kindness, which I think is very rare in this profession. I wholeheartedly recommend working with him.’
‘Osbornes is just a phenomenal team. They have a real reputation for excellence, strategic approaches, and obtaining positive outcomes for clients. Their work is always of the highest standard with an unwavering focus on supporting vulnerable clients through litigation.’
‘William Ford is a powerhouse. He is extremely sharp and has great tactical judgement. He is rightly regarded as a leader in the fields of both housing and community care and a real go-to for complex claims.'
- 'Edward Taylor is truly exceptional. He brings a breadth of expertise in migrants' rights and broader community care, and is extremely bright and diligent. He is rightly regarded as one of the leading solicitors in the field of age dispute challenges and brings real creativity to his cases.'
- 'Alex McMahon is a delight to work with. He brings expertise from across the fields of housing and community care and is dogged in getting positive outcomes for his clients.’