Department profile
42BR Barristers

Social Housing

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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42BR Barristers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Social Housing - London (Bar)

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

42 Bedford Row is a well-respected set with strong expertise in social housing. The social housing team advises local authorities, housing associations, social landlords and private individuals. The barristers work on a wide range of housing mandates, including disrepair, antisocial behaviour, homelessness and allocation issues, and possession and eviction proceedings. A market source says: "42BR Barristers has a good range of barristers that are very knowledgeable with a good skill set." Another states that the members take an "incredibly analytical, thought-based approach in progressing a case." A particular work highlight for the year is Richmond Housing Partnership v Caleeb Yakub-Hughes, a mandatory possession proceedings.

Stuart Ritchie is the senior practice manager.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are very responsive and always revert quickly with a fee estimate and availability of counsel.

    Social Housing respondentUK Bar

  • A great clerking team.

    Social Housing respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks and the barristers are very effective at responding to all communication quickly.

    Social Housing respondentUK Bar

  • Clerks are fantastic and will go the extra mile to ensure that you have the most suitable counsel for the hearings.

    Social Housing respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Desmond Kilcoyne
    Desmond Kilcoyne

    Desmond Kilcoyne

    An established junior barrister with considerable expertise in property law, Desmond Kilcoyne focuses his practice on representing local authorities in social housing matters. He is especially commended for his strengths in homelessness appeals and leasehold disputes.

    • Desmond is experienced, knowledgeable, an excellent advocate,

      and works well with clients and witnesses.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Desmond is very reliable; he provides clear and precise advice on how to achieve the best outcome and is approachable, with a quick grasp of the issues.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Mathew McDermott
    Mathew McDermott

    Mathew McDermott

    Mathew McDermott is a respected junior barrister regularly instructed by both social housing tenants and landlords. He is an expert in judicial review proceedings, particularly those relating to homelessness.

    • Mathew is able to grasp the core issues in a difficult case quickly and offers pragmatic advice.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Mathew has exceptional knowledge in his field and a genuine interest and enthusiasm in the subject area.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Mathew is a phenomenal barrister, an excellent advocate and very knowledgeable in his area of practice.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Mathew's skeleton arguments are incredibly detailed and able to successfully assist matters before even proceeding to trial.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Iris Ferber
    Iris Ferber

    Iris Ferber

    Iris Ferber is an accomplished barrister who is well versed in acting for both landlords and tenants on a range of housing matters. She is particularly known for her ability to work with clients with mental health issues who are involved in homelessness appeals.

    • Iris is a force to be reckoned with. The level of detail and her skill in court is second to none.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Iris is an experienced advocate who has provided excellent training and is very approachable.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • She is very knowledgeable and was able to understand a complex matter very quickly, getting to grips with key issues and achieving a good outcome for the client.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Niamh O'Brien
    Niamh O'Brien

    Niamh O'Brien

    Niamh O'Brien frequently handles housing discrimination and unlawful subletting mandates, as well as evictions and possession claims.

    • Niamh is a great advocate. Knowledgeable in her area of practice and very helpful, empathetic and professional.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • One of my go-to barristers for complex matters.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Angela Piears
    Angela Piears

    Angela Piears

    Angela Piears is highly expert at dealing with possession proceedings, particularly those involving antisocial behaviour issues. She has vast experience acting both for and against London councils.

    • A good advocate that fights for the best outcome for clients.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Angela is immensely intelligent and has the brain the size of a galaxy.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Angela has good oral and written communication skills. She is always prepared for hearings.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Angela is calm and reasoned in her approach and is fully aware of the issues facing social housing landlords today.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at 42BR Barristers (5)

London (Bar)

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