Ashfords LLP has an enviable client roster of large registered providers, local authorities and housing associations, whom it advises on issues across property litigation and tenancy management, property and development work and procurement. Jointly leading the team, Sian Gibbon‘s workload comprises contentious property matters, including more complex tenant management issues, succession disputes and injunction applications, while Michael Gay assists on development acquisition work with a number of registered providers. Victoria Bonnet is recommended as an ’exceptional property lawyer’ who acts on behalf of social housing landlords.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Ashfords social housing team is extremely well organised and very good to work with. They are very responsive to all queries and ensure that the client's best interests are protected at all times. They are careful and efficient and ensure that instructions and witness evidence are detailed and clear. An excellent team to work with.’

  • ‘Victoria Bonnet is a Partner with the firm. Her approach is detailed, precise and firm. She takes an active role in cases, ensures that she is available to answer urgent questions on complicated negotiations at court and is overall excellent to work with.’

  • ‘Victoria is an exceptional property lawyer. I don't mean she just has good technical knowledge, which she does in a diverse range of topics in property law -she knows how to conduct a case so that the likely outcome is a satisfactory settlement for her client.'

  • ‘Powerhouse for social housing in the South West.’

  • ‘The firm has ample staffing resources allocated to our contract, and I have never had any reason to doubt their capacity to deal with our cases effectively. We have devised a protocol to facilitate the process of completing necessary work, and there is clear evidence of the care and detail taken with preparing their advice.'

  • 'They are highly organised, competent and talented lawyers, many of whom are at the start of what will undoubtedly be bright legal careers, and it has been a pleasure working with them.’

Key clients

  • Sovereign Housing Association
  • Aster Group
  • Bromford Housing Association
  • LiveWest Homes Limited
  • The Guinness Partnership Limited
  • London Borough of Lambeth
  • Cornerstone Housing
  • London Borough of Wandsworth
  • St. Mungo Community Housing Association
  • HFL Group Limited
  • CURO
  • Brick by Brick Croydon Limited

Work highlights

Advising The Guinness Partnership on disrepair claims.
Advising Sovereign Housing in connection with the acquisition of 172 units across two deals.
Acting for St Mungo on a multitude of housing matters ranging from issues relating to temporary accommodation, commercial arrangements to secure housing and on possession and injunction actions.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Sian Gibbon

Practice head

Michael Gay; Sian Gibbon

Other key lawyers

Victoria Bonnet