The multidisciplinary social housing team at Ward Hadaway LLP acts for leading registered social providers and developers across the region and on a national level, leveraging the strength of its network of offices. The group has recently seen an increase in instructions related to housing disrepair, development acquisitions, and the disposal of affordable housing. Key names in Newcastle include Neil Williamson, who handles the construction aspects of developments, and Kamran Hyder, a key contact for planning issues. The firm further strengthened its offering with the arrival of Kelly Pearson from DWF in February 2024; Pearson has extensive experience across the full range of social housing issues including s106 agreements, disposals, option agreements, and refinancings. Julia Thomson left the team in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very experienced individuals, great links to its busy house builder practice, comprehensive service with planning, construction, specialist housing litigation, unique plans service, good resource for major projects. Recent arrivals of Robert Emson and Kelly Pearson will make this a national team standard.’
‘Jen Robinson is technically very strong and very hard-working. Kam Hyder and Carolyn Akerman are very knowledgeable and supportive Neil Williamson very unflappable and commercial for construction work Robert Emson calm and assured for housing litigation Kelly Pearson technically strong and experienced in the sector.’
‘The team are highly knowledgeable about the law in respect of the matters we refer to them. This extensive knowledge is invaluable in determining the best way to handle particular claims, in order to both successfully resist unmeritorious claims, but also to discourage more of the same. ’
‘Simon Thirtle and John Murray demonstrate an in depth knowledge of the subject area, as well as a helpful awareness of the changing attitudes of the Judiciary and the changing tactics of predatory claimant law firms. They, along with their teams who share the dedication of their leaders, are a hugely valuable source of advice and guidance, as well as effective representation in Court. ’
Key clients
- Karbon Homes Limited
- Together Housing Association Limited
- Yorkshire Housing Limited
- Places for People Group
- 54 North Homes
- Livin Housing Limited
- Leeds Federated Housing Association Limited
- Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust
- South Lakes Housing
- Gentoo Group
Lawyers
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Other key lawyers
Kelly Pearson; Neil Williamson; Kamran Hyder