Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Social Housing - Northern/North Eastern (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
The barristers at Manchester-based Cobden House Chambers offer representation to landlords and tenants in a range of housing matters. They act for clients in a variety of antisocial behaviour cases, possession claims and injunction proceedings. Members of the set are well versed in the Equality Act 2010. One client says: "Cobden House Chambers is excellent on housing disrepair." Another adds the set has "a number of barristers able to undertake very complex cases with a variety of challenges." A work highlight for the year was Tabassam v Manchester City Council, a case concerning the deemed service of notices by Local Authorities.
Christian Crook is the senior civil clerk.
Strengths
The clerks have always been able and happy to assist.
Christina Crook and Mitch Bibby, civil and family clerk, are always a huge help; they tackle challenges with a smile and are very responsive.
Notable practitioners
Gary Lewis is a talented junior receiving instructions on behalf of landlords and tenants in a range of social housing matters. Possession proceedings, homelessness cases and disrepair claims are among his areas of expertise.
He is just impressive; what he doesn't know about social housing is not worth knowing.
Gary Lewis is great on his feet and once instructed, instantly becomes part of the team.
Gary is a highly skilled advocate who is adept at dealing with problem cases.
Paul Whatley has considerable experience advising both landlords and tenants, including local authorities, individual landlords and public and private sector tenants. His practice takes in the full range of housing law matters, and he has deep experience in possession, disrepair and trespass claims.
Paul keeps is up to date with progress on any piece of work and makes himself readily available to give advice to clients and instructing solicitors.
He is technically excellent. A favourite among clients for complex matters.
Sam Keeling-Roberts is a well-regarded chancery and commercial junior whose broad practice includes a specialism in housing disputes. He acts for both claimant and defendant clients in connection with an impressive range of matters including antisocial behaviour orders and possession claims.
Sam is an excellent advocate; his technical knowledge is excellent, and his friendly approachable style assists with supporting clients through litigation.
Sam is very intelligent, great with clients and an excellent advocate.
Anna Short has a broad housing practice with expertise in antisocial behaviour, possession claims and disrepair matters, among many others.
Anna Short is technically excellent.
Anna is an excellent advocate.
Lucie Wood has a strong social housing practice acting for both landlords and tenants. She has significant experience in unlawful eviction, disrepair and selective licensing appeals.
Lucy is a skilled advocate with excellent technical knowledge.
Lucie is very personable, providing a thorough analytical approach to matters. She can be relied upon to assess the strengths and weaknesses of any proceedings and advise accordingly.