Social Housing

4-5 Gray's Inn Square is home to a highly regarded bench of experienced practitioners acting on an exceptionally wide range of housing matters. Members represent clients in possession proceedings, homelessness appeals and housing benefit disputes, among other complex cases. Work highlights for the set this year include Jaberi v Westminster City Council and Moge v Ealing, a homelessness accommodation dispute. One source says: "4-5 Gray's Inn Square's barristers are subject matter experts in the field, which allows them to view any situation from a variety of angles." Another says: "A specialist set that is very strong on all aspects of housing."

"Ellie Barra, practice manager, and Emily Martin, senior clerk, are incredibly helpful and pleasant to deal with."

"The clerks are always helpful both in terms of covering cases, including at very short notice, and in relation to billing."

"The clerks are incredibly efficient and helpful."

Christopher Baker is a specialist in housing who owes his strong reputation in the sector to his many appearances in high-profile cases, which are often heard before the Supreme Court. Notable areas of expertise include allocation schemes, homelessness and possession proceedings. He is recognised for the quality of his advisory work on matters such as policymaking and strategic administration. He has further strengths in service charge disputes and disrepair claims. "Christopher Baker is very experienced."

Jonathan Manning is known particularly for his local government and judicial review work, and he regularly appears for individual applicants and tenants, as well as local authorities and registered providers. He has been involved in high-profile cases relating to housing benefits and also undertakes cases regarding anti-social behaviour powers. Other core areas of his extensive expertise include homelessness appeals and cases with a human rights crossover. "A very good advocate, able to meet any situation in court with expertise and humour. He brings his considerable experience and attention to detail to all aspects of a case."

Andrew Dymond is considered an extremely powerful practitioner in technically complex cases. His written advice wins particular praise, as does his insight into matters concerning proposed housing schemes and statutory compliance. He also authors and edits key housing law commentary. In court, he impresses as being both authoritative and an honourable opponent. "He's one of the most experienced barristers in social housing and he has a lifetime's worth of expertise." "Andrew is personable and pleasant. He brings his considerable experience to bear with humility and a good awareness of the impacts for the client."

Ian Peacock is renowned for his adept representation of clients in housing, homelessness and allocation cases at all levels of court, and has appeared unled in the Supreme Court. He has notable experience handling judicial review cases. "Ian Peacock is often in high-profile work and he is a very pleasant opponent."

Toby Vanhegan is a talented junior who is highly thought of for his innovative approach. He is sought after by both landlords and tenants, and demonstrates particular strength in housing cases containing human rights or immigration elements. In addition, he has a niche practice acting for occupiers in challenges to lawfulness regarding their exclusion from secure tenure. He has further strengths in matters concerning anti-social behaviour, nuisance claims and rent arrears. His sterling practice regularly sees him appearing before the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the ECtHR. "Toby Vanhegan is extraordinary when it comes to judicial reviews for homelessness proceedings." "Toby Vanhegan is an exceptional barrister. He is clearly passionate about representing the most vulnerable in society and deals with clients with a high level of professionalism and compassion." "A great advocate who is able to help in urgent situations for vulnerable clients."

Annette Cafferkey is regularly instructed by housing associations and local authorities to act in a range of housing cases. Her work includes complex possession, anti-social behaviour and homelessness cases. "Annette Cafferkey gets on top of a matter quickly, prepares immaculately and performs well."

Iain Colville primarily handles housing cases and homelessness appeals on behalf of public authorities and individual applicants, and is also widely experienced in landlord and tenant litigation, including possession proceedings. He is regularly instructed in cases in the lower and higher courts, and has made several appearances in the Supreme Court. His complementary knowledge of the wider aspects of local government renders him a formidable opponent. His experience of housing matters also extends to cases that concern houseboats. "Iain is a fierce advocate. He is clearly passionate about his homelessness practice and fights hard for his clients." "Iain brings a wealth of experience in the social housing sphere. He fights tooth and nail for clients." "An excellent and experienced advocate with drafting skills to match." "Iain is very sharp and fearless."

Stephanie Lovegrove is regularly instructed on behalf of local authorities and is well respected for her adroit handling of complex leasehold disputes. She demonstrates prowess across all areas of landlord and tenant law, including residential and commercial possession matters and homelessness appeals, and has appeared in courts of all levels, including the Court of Appeal. "Stephanie is very competent and knowledgeable. Her drafting is excellent." "Stephanie is wonderful to work with and has fine attention to detail."