Devonshires Solicitors LLP remains a leading firm in the social housing finance arena, representing several registered providers and housing associations in a wide range of matters. The team has strong experience in advising borrowers on refinancing, borrowing from local authorities, mergers, restructuring and joint venture funding arrangements. Four experienced partners lead the practice: banking and capital markets head Julian Barker, who specialises in all aspects of finance, including bond issues, bilateral loans and private placements; Sharon Kirkham, who leads the securitisation practice and focuses on refinancing transactions; the Leeds-based Gary Grigor, whose expertise lies in mergers and intra-group funding; and property specialist Chris Drabble. Natalie Swales, also in Leeds, advises clients on a range of financial arrangements, Rachel Orgill-Harris supports clients in public bond issues, and Alice Overton assists clients with loan and security arrangements.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A highly skilled, capable team which is outcomes-focused. They work collaboratively with many stakeholders to meet strict deadlines.'
‘I have worked with Natalie Swales. She is a committed, experienced and exceptional lawyer who has a work ethic that is unsurpassed. A commitment from Natalie is certain that the goals will be achieved on time in a highly professional way. A talent which is as unbound as her energy.’
‘The team is proactive, pragmatic, and seemingly never too busy to take a call and pick up extra work. We have a longstanding working relationship with them and great respect for the Devonshires team.’
Key clients
- London & Quadrant Housing Trust
- Anchor Hanover Group
- bpha Limited
- The Riverside Group Limited
- Your Housing Limited
- Broadacres Housing Association Limited
- Paradigm Housing Group
- Abri Group Limited & Octavia Housing Limited
- Tai Tarian Limited
- Wythenshawe Community Housing Group Limited
- Trivallis Limited
- Stonewater Limited
Work highlights
Advised on the refinancing of Anchor’s £325m revolving credit facility.
Acted for Abri and Octavia on all finance and property security aspects of their merger.
Acted for Southern Housing on the establishment of its £1 billion EMTN Programme.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Gary Grigor
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Julian Barker; Sharon Kirkham; Gary Grigor; Chris Drabble
Other key lawyers
Natalie Swales; Rachel Orgill-Harris; Alice Overton