Devonshires Solicitors LLP is praised for its ‘expertise spanning many different practice areas within social housing’. The firm is a popular choice for housing associations looking for expertise in banking and securitisation issues, real estate and property developments as well as contentious housing management issues and litigation. Gary Grigor and Chris Drabble jointly head up the Leeds office and are both adept in social housing financing work, including advising on syndicated and bilateral loan facilities, group restructurings and bond issuances. Real estate partner Elad Yasdi and Kirsty Thompson, who is in the firm's employment group, are also names to note.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They are a great social housing practice with lots of expertise spanning many different practice areas within social housing.’
‘A standout Partner for me is Elad Yasdi, who is one of the best lawyers I have dealt with, and an expert in his field. I find Elad very knowledgeable, responsive and capable of breaking down complex issues in an easy to understand manner, whilst at the same time coming up with pragmatic solutions.’
‘All of the interactions I have with Devonshire's employees are professional and solution focused.’
‘Kirsty Thompson - Kirsty is brilliant with advice and her knowledge of the housing sector is exceptional. I haven't worked with another law firm with this level of understanding, practical application and response times.’
‘Friendly, positive and solutions-based team focused on achieving best outcome for clients.’
‘Elad Yasdi is a commercially astute solicitor who is focused on ensuring the best outcome for his clients against the wider context of a transaction. He focuses on solutions to problems and explains where mitigations may be required in a clear and understandable manner.’
‘A professional, friendly and knowledgeable firm, they have been able to provide an all-round service that tackles even the most niche, specialist or left-field queries. I have great confidence in their work and will always hold Devonshires in high regard.’
‘Gary Grigor is simply a joy to work with. His knowledge and expertise keep us out of trouble, whilst also being a fierce negotiator when needed.’
Key clients
- Jigsaw Homes Group Limited
- South Lakes Housing
- Yorkshire Housing
- One Housing Group
- The Riverside Group Limited
- Thirteen Housing Group Limited
- Southern Housing
- Stonewater Limited
- Peabody
Work highlights
- Advised Southern Housing on its acquisition of a social housing stock comprising of circa 800 tenanted properties from L&Q (value circa £100m).
- Advised on the refinance of Jigsaw Homes Group Limited's loan portfolio, new facilities and structuring the property due diligence worth over £851m.
- Acted for The Riverside Group Limited on a £365m private placement.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Practice head
Gary Grigor; Chris Drabble
Other key lawyers
Elad Yasdi; Kirsty Thompson; Natalie Swales; Charlotte Ingram