Eleanor James is a housing finance specialist who leads the ‘well-resourced’ Manchester-based team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, which noted for its ’exceptional' knowledge of the housing association sector. Joanne Judge regularly assists both lenders and borrowers with taking security over property, and development finance transactions. Melanie Comer co-leads the team alongside James, and Neil Waller retired in December 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is really personable and responsive, and they are very easy to work with.’
‘Jane Kirkham really understands our company and always works to get the best result for us.’
‘Exceptional knowledge of the housing association sector, depth and deep understanding of our organisation stand out about this team, as well as the continuity of understanding between practitioners.'
‘Very responsive, exceptional knowledge of the housing association sector and able to grasp the crux of the issue - advice is centred on that.’
‘The firm is responsive to our needs and can pass us on to other team members in different areas of law when required.’
‘Always willing to pick up the phone and explain in simple language what is achievable from a market legal point of view and the implications of certain clauses.'
‘The Trowers team has a deep knowledge of our business, the banking market and the wider sector, allowing them to bring their market experience to bear when making recommendations. The team is also quite diverse, which gives comfort.’
‘I greatly value the ability of the individuals at Trowers to provide straightforward advice and distil complex matters into digestible points.’
Key clients
- Nord L/B
- Peabody Trust
- Mosscare St Vincents
- The Guinness Partnership Limited
- Close Brothers Limited
- Sovereign Network Group
- Adra (Tai) Cyfyngedig
- Bromford Housing Group
- Tirion Group Limited
- Irwell Valley Housing Association Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Nord/LB as lender providing funding to a borrower acquiring properties which will provide 138 housing units for families and individuals on Luton Borough Council’s housingwaiting lists.
- Advised Bromford Housing Group on a new £100m secured, sustainable, step-down private placement with three investors.
- Advised the Greater Manchester Pension Fund as mezzanine lender on the refinance of the Circle Square development in Manchester.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Eleanor James; Melanie Comer
Other key lawyers
Joanne Judge; Rishi Sarin; Jane Kirkham