Social Housing

Andrew Lane is a talented advocate who is praised for his unwaveringly dedicated approach, regardless of whether he is handling high-profile cases in the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court or in County Court possession claims. His practice encompasses all areas of social housing law, including welfare reform, housing fraud and advisory work for registered providers. He is further known for his strength in handling disrepair claims. He also has a growing policy practice and is able to assist housing associations in drafting allocation and rent reduction schemes.

"Andy is great to work with. Always happy to talk matters through and very client-friendly."

"Andrew is a specialist in homelessness law. He is also very approachable and provides really thorough and simple-to-understand advice."

"Andrew Lane is an experienced advocate. He has a very calm manner and his clients like him."

"Andrew looks at the bigger picture and is always a few steps ahead. He provides clear and thorough advice. He is consistently brilliant and a real pleasure to work with."

Catherine Rowlands predominantly advocates on behalf of local authorities and housing associations. She offers expertise across all areas of housing law, and regularly handles cases relating to succession disputes, possession claims and unlawful evictions. She is also a notable expert on homelessness law and has acted in multiple major cases regarding the law in this area.

"Catherine Rowlands is flawless."

"Catherine Rowlands is great on complex community judicial cases."

"Catherine is always excellent at what she does."

Dean Underwood is a housing and administrative specialist adept in the representation of local authorities and social landlords at all levels of court and tribunal. His areas of particular expertise include possession proceedings, homelessness challenges and disrepair claims.

"Dean is great - a silk in waiting."

Kelvin Rutledge KC is a highly experienced silk with a particular focus on matters concerning local government. He offers respected expertise in a range of cases, such as those involving homelessness allocation schemes and outer borough placements. He also makes frequent appearances before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He complements his housing expertise with an impressive community care practice, and is able to act in a range of cases where the two spheres intersect. He also regularly provides counsel to local authority clients on issues of policy.

"Kelvin is really the fount of all knowledge in housing and local government matters. I really value his wealth of experience. He is excellent with the client and so approachable."

"Kelvin's knowledge of housing and homelessness law is unparalleled. He is widely regarded as a leading expert in this field. His analysis of the issues in the most complex of cases is excellent."

Lindsay Johnson is a housing specialist known for his strong track record in judicial reviews and in public law challenges covering a range of issues, such as failure to comply with homelessness duties, anti-social behaviour policies and failure to follow allocation policies. His diverse practice also includes areas such as stock transfers, unlawful eviction and possession proceedings. He is also known for his ability to handle disputes over tenancy agreements and service charges.

"Lindsay is very capable."

"Lindsay Johnson is very thorough."

Ranjit Bhose KC is a well-respected silk with a broad housing practice that encompasses possession actions, housing finance and large-scale regeneration schemes for local authority and housing association clients. He is particularly commended for his expertise in complex leaseholder issues and service charges. Bhose also regularly advises local authorities and associations on fire safety issues, and frequently appears at all levels of court including the Upper Tribunal and Supreme Court.

"Ranjit Bhose provided excellent advice, drafting, strategy and advocacy throughout, and was quick to acknowledge my emails and provide a response."

"Ranjit Bhose is the one you want in complex matters. He gives the clients confidence and is able to digest difficult pieces of information."

"A highly focused mind with excellent advocacy skills and he is meticulously prepared every single time."

Riccardo Calzavara has a notable ability to handle complex possession proceedings. He is also frequently instructed in anti-social behaviour cases and homelessness appeals. His impressive practice has seen him make several appearances in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, often in leading cases.

"Riccardo Calzavara always gives a realistic view of a case."

"Riccardo is a joy to work with. He is so knowledgeable in housing law, and his instructions are clear and concise, especially when there is a short deadline."

"Riccardo is unquestionably a high flyer. His deep knowledge comes from appearing in the cases that change and develop the law."

Victoria Osler is well known for her diverse practice, which covers areas such as possession actions and homelessness cases, among others. She routinely handles matters in the High Court and Court of Appeal, and impresses clients with the high quality of her written advice as well as her oral advocacy. She has a growing practice defending public law challenges to social housing decisions. She has also acted for clients in shared ownership and subletting disputes.

"Victoria is thorough, precise and very approachable and so can assist clients through some tricky matters."

"A phenomenal barrister who always goes the extra mile. She has consistently delivered above expectation, within tight timeframes and with the best of possible outcomes."

"She is technically excellent, her advice is always succinct, and she is always available to assist with queries. Clients love her."

David Lintott is known particularly for his expertise in homelessness matters, and he regularly makes successful presentations before the Court of Appeal. His broad client base includes a number of local authorities. He also shows strength in possession proceedings and anti-social behaviour order applications.

"David Lintott is active in this space."

Matt Hutchings KC is a highly regarded, passionate advocate with a broad housing practice. He is known for his adept representation of local authorities, tenants and homeless applicants before all levels of court.

"He has the ability to dive into complex matters and make them digestible for clients."

Michael Paget offers top-quality advice to an array of clients, including local authorities and housing associations. He is also highly regarded for his direct access and pro bono work on behalf of tenants. He is noted for his adroit handling of homelessness applications and leasehold disputes, and for his work where housing and community care matters intersect. He is also known for his ability to handle unlawful evictions and complex disrepair claims.

"Michael is a strong advocate."

Ryan Kohli is a talented junior who receives regular instructions in anti-social behaviour injunctions, homelessness appeals and possession claims. He is notable for acting in cases where the Equality Act and public law defences are raised. He is highly experienced at tribunal level and has served as sole counsel in the Court of Appeal. His broad practice also sees him advising on fire safety and leasehold disputes.

"Ryan Kohli is a bit of superstar who exhibits the skills of someone far ahead of his call."

"He has excellent client service, is well prepared and is a great advocate."

Sarah Salmon is well versed across all aspects of landlord and tenant law, with particular expertise in anti-social behaviour cases and complex possession proceedings. She is widely praised for her advocacy skills and highly respected for her leading commentary on housing law and judicial reviews. Her complementary acumen in public law matters buttresses her enviable practice. She is the current chair of the SHLA.

"Sarah is an excellent counsel - very knowledgeable, with an in-depth understanding of housing law and the intricacies in landlord and tenant property disputes."

"Sarah is wonderful to work with. She takes responsibility for her cases once instructed and is always helpful to those instructing. She has a fantastically sharp legal mind and is brilliant in court."

"Sarah has a strong knowledge of the law and is meticulous in research."

"Sarah is really client-focused and has the breadth of knowledge to cope with the most complex cases."

Wayne Beglan is a junior with a strong reputation for his local government and social housing practice. He routinely undertakes housing work on behalf of local authorities and registered providers, and offers notable expertise across the areas of planning, regeneration and procurement. He has considerable experience appearing before the High Court and appellate courts, and is noted for his experience of judicial review procedures.

"Wayne's work is always of the highest order."

"Wayne is an excellent advocate who cannot be knocked off track no matter what is thrown at him. He is also extremely approachable and values the views of those he is working with."

Alexander Campbell has a growing reputation for his representation in both housing and public law matters. He is able to rely on his extensive experience in human rights and discrimination cases to undertake complex homelessness and allocation litigation and is particularly strong in claims for possession.

"Alexander is efficient and provides advice super quick."

"Alex is communicative and helpful. He provides an excellent level of service and anticipates and advises as a specialist should. He is a superb and persuasive advocate."

Kuljit Bhogal KC is considered an expert in areas such as anti-social behaviour, public law defences and the Equality Act. She is frequently sought out by housing clients for her insight and advice on major policy matters. Her impressive client base includes local authorities and housing associations. Bhogal's broad practice also encompasses community care and Court of Protection work.

"Kuljit has provided excellent advice on cases involving anti-social behaviour, rough sleepers and injunctions."

Matthew Feldman's areas of expertise include housing and property law, along with skills in public law. He often acts for local authorities and housing associations in all courts in England and Wales, including the Supreme Court.

"Matthew is an exceptional counsel with a vast knowledge and experience within housing law. His advocacy is exemplary, with a keen eye for detail, and he places our clients at ease."

"Matthew Feldman is a reliable partner in any situation, with a responsible attitude and integrity, great advocacy skills and the ability to deal with any opponent appropriately."

"Matt is meticulous in his preparation and is a very strong advocate who is clearly well respected by the judiciary."

Tara O'Leary is a talented junior with notable experience in a variety of public law matters. She handles cases relating to homelessness, discrimination and mental capacity issues, among others.

"Her advice, drafting and advocacy is superb and I would happily instruct her again."

"Tara is extremely approachable and collaborative, and provides quick advice which focuses on the key points."

"Tara takes a very pragmatic approach and is able to quickly pinpoint the technical legal points and advise on the best approach."