Hodge Jones & Allen‘s social housing team has strong experience in a variety of issues, including possession, illegal eviction, anti-social behaviour, harassment, discrimination claims and domestic abuse. Department head Jayesh Kunwardia handles a broad range of social housing matters, including disrepair, possession, judicial review claims as well as planning and environmental appeals. Farzana Chowdhury focuses on cases involving tenancy fraud, anti-social behaviour and succession issues, as well as group litigation matters. Sophie Bell represents tenants in eviction matters and homeless appeals, while Edward Sharp, who was promoted to partner in May 2024, focuses on injunction proceedings and discrimination law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘HJ&A is a dedicated and professional firm that provides an exceptional service.’
‘Edward Sharp's work ethic is exceptional, kept me informed on every step of the case and always worked tirelessly to achieve every goal we set out.’
‘Relatively large department for this type of work, vastly experienced, including experience of court representation if required.’
‘Edward Sharp has outstanding technical knowledge of housing law and wider property law; he also has a thorough understanding of the litigation process and knows what works best to prepare a case for trial.’
'The team is very client-focused. Having multiple disciplines within the firms means that they can offer a full service.'
'Farzana Chowdhury has an extensive knowledge of housing law.'
Work highlights
Represented a student protester using human rights arguments after the University initiated trespass proceedings in the High Court against a student encampment.
Litigating in the Court of Appeal to advance the rights of those who become homeless after fleeing domestic abuse.
Litigated to a permission application to the Supreme Court to advance the rights of the homeless with social care needs.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Jayesh Kunwardia
Other key lawyers
Farzana Chowdhury; Sophie Bell; Edward Sharp