The ‘market-leading’ cross-departmental offering at Devonshires Solicitors LLP is well-equipped to advise the entire range of social housing providers, including registered, unregistered, and private registered, for profit and not-for-profit, and local authorities. The team is jointly led by Triya Maicha, who is highly sought after by registered providers and is especially skilled in large-scale regeneration projects, and Jonathan Corris, who is a key name for property joint ventures. Andrew Cowan is noted for his expertise in banking and governance-related social housing issues, and Donna McCarthy's practice encompasses both non-contentious and contentious mandates; she is particularly experienced in representing housing providers in Human Rights and Equality Act challenges. Matthew Waters frequently handles new registrations and regulatory compliance matters. Local authority housing law is a key area for Jonathan Jarvis, while Samantha Grix is skilled in rent regulation mandates. Lee Russell is a key figure within the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Devonshires is one of the strongest firms I work with. The solicitors are extremely knowledgeable and client focused. Instructions are always clear, full and well-informed. It is very much a collegiate approach when I am instructed by them.'

  • ‘Lee Russell works extremely hard and is on top of all developments regarding his specialisms. He is a dream to work with as it is always a team effort with everyone pulling in the same direction. He is available when you need to discuss something and has a great rapport with clients.'

  • ‘The team is really strong across the range of subjects covered. I consider that Devonshires are the market-leading team in this sector. They also have access to other specialist teams at Devonshires, such as construction and regulatory, so they can cover most of the issues that arise.'

  • ‘Donna McCarthy is excellent at understanding the perspective of the clients and the sector. That comes from a long time spent working in the sector and from having risen through the ranks of seniority.'

  • 'Samantha Grix has focused on a niche and complicated area of rent regulation and has mastered it.'

  • 'Lee Russell is a really good communicator.’

  • ‘Devonshires are very well versed on the current and prevailing challenges in residential development, in particular the challenges in the delivery of affordable housing.’

  • ‘Jonathan Corris has an excellent understanding of the market challenges, and is excellent at communicating the commerciality of the options available.’

Key clients

  • A2Dominion
  • Abri Group Limited
  • Accord Housing Association Limited
  • Anchor Hanover Group
  • Brentwood Borough Council
  • Bromford Housing Group
  • Bromley Council
  • Cambridge City Council
  • Canterbury City Council
  • Charnwood Borough Council

Work highlights

  • Advising the National Housing Federation on certain aspects of the Renters (Reform) Bill.
  • Advised Sage on their first Home Stepper model with Vistry Group.
  • Advised Places for People on a seven RP group consolidation, being one of largest in the sector.

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.

Next generation partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Jonathan Corris; Triya Maicha; Sharon Kirkham; Mark London; Donna McCarthy; Julian Barker

Other key lawyers

Andrew Cowan; Jonathan Jarvis; Matthew Waters; Lee Russell; Samantha Grix