Possessing an acute ability to balance legal ‘professionalism with compassion’, Duncan Lewis Solicitors offers a deep bench of experts on legal aid housing law services, serving as a key port of call for social tenants in complex and critical matters. Manjinder Kaur Atwal heads the team and litigates possession claims and eviction matters, landlord and tenant disputes, and homelessness cases. ’An extremely dedicated, competent and tenacious litigator’, Dianne Cowie represents clients in possession proceedings and homelessness appeals, while the ‘very competent and responsive’ Bernadette Chikwe acts for clients across possession proceedings, homelessness cases, and allegations of antisocial behaviour.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Team lead by partners with a strong background in social housing work. Good team work and use of technology enables the firm to provide high quality services to clients over a broad geographical area.’
‘Incredible foresight and determination to win or settle a case.’
‘The team provides a very good service in a difficult climate for its clients.’
‘The expertise is obvious. The team knows the law well and knows how apply it. Their communications skills were crucial because they were able to explain to me complex legal terms with real empathy and sensitivity.’
‘What makes the team stand out would be its exceptional client care. They took time to explain to explain things thoroughly, providing clear explanations which made complex issues understandable. Ultimately, their commitment to balancing professionalism with compassion was greatly appreciated.'
- ‘Manjinder Kaur Atwal is a brilliant solicitor and supervisor for her team. She is able to think about public and housing law in innovative and creative ways.’
- ‘Bernadette Chikwe is very competent and responsive.'
- 'Dianne Cowie is an extremely dedicated, competent, and tenacious litigator: a great pleasure to work with, practical and great with clients.'
- 'In Social Housing Duncan Lewis are one of the firms at the forefront.'
- 'Dianne Cowie is a very accomplished Director who has taken cases to the Higher Courts and exudes a calmness and confidence, leading a very strong team that are always on the front foot in complex litigation.'
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Leading partners
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Practice head
Manjinder Kaur Atwal; Dianne Cowie; Bernadette Chikwe