Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Social Housing - London (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
Field Court Chambers continues to boast a well-respected team with a notable presence in the social housing sector. Members represent tenants, housing associations, local authorities and other landlords in cases such as homelessness appeals, possession proceedings and disrepair claims. The barristers continue to act in a wide range of cases that involve human rights considerations. A source comments: "Field Court has detailed and broad expertise in various areas of law." Another interviewee enthuses: "The set has great barristers who are helpful and brave." A recent work highlight for the set is Moge v London Borough of Ealing, a case concerned with the duty to accommodate applicants within the borough under Section 208(1) of the Housing Act 1996.
Strengths
A really friendly clerking team who are always ready to help.
I really value the professional yet personal approach taken by the clerks, especially Mark Townsend, deputy senior clerk, who is my go-to.
An amazingly supportive and professional team of clerks.
Notable practitioners
Emma Godfrey is an established public law practitioner with a specialism in housing law. She frequently acts for both landlords and tenants in homelessness appeals, challenges to allocation schemes and possession proceedings.
Emma Godfrey provides a fast turnaround for written work and adheres to strict deadlines.
Emma Godfrey consistently provides high-quality advice.
Genevieve Screeche-Powell regularly acts on a range of housing matters, including anti-social behaviour, homelessness and accommodation issues, as well as possession claims.
She deals with a wide range of complex areas, is always available to provide advice and is very good with matters with vulnerable clients and Equality Act discrimination matters.
Genevieve Screeche-Powell provides excellent advocacy and drafting, as well as advice on complex matters.
Sarah McKeown acts for both tenants and local authorities in a wide range of housing cases. She advises on anti-social behaviour matters, homelessness proceedings and Equality Act issues. She is also a deputy district judge.
Sarah is a fantastically experienced barrister who excels in written submissions or advocacy. She is also a pleasure to work with.
