Social Housing
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Northern/North Eastern (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0161) 817 6377Chambers Review
With a deep bench of housing law practitioners, Garden Court North Chambers continues to represent tenants and charitable organisations in a wide variety of cases, including possession claims, injunction proceedings and a range of judicial reviews. The barristers at the set are well known for their abilities in complementary areas, such as immigration, human rights and community care law, and bring this expertise to bear in complex cases. Interviewees highlight the set's market-leading knowledge, with one source enthusing that "due to the expertise offered, it is usually our first choice of Chambers to go to," while another states: "The counsel are renowned in the field for their expertise in complex matters." A recent instruction for the set was R (Shakeel) v Manchester City Council, a claim involving a judicial review pertaining to unlawful gatekeeping.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are reliable and pleasant."
"Nicola Carroll, senior practice manager, and Michael Johnston, practice manager, in particular are excellent. They will go out of their way to ensure all is in place."
"Annmarie Nightingale, head of practice management, and Michael Johnston provide great practice management service."
"The clerks are reliable and pleasant."
"Nicola Carroll, senior practice manager, and Michael Johnston, practice manager, in particular are excellent. They will go out of their way to ensure all is in place."
"Annmarie Nightingale, head of practice management, and Michael Johnston provide great practice management service."
Notable Practitioners
James Stark regularly advocates before the Court of Appeal and enjoys a formidable reputation in the sector. In addition to his in-depth knowledge of public and private landlord and tenant law, he has broad experience in trespasser and Traveller cases, and frequently takes instructions from the Official Solicitor to represent those with diminished capacity and mental health issues. His housing cases often overlap with community care.
"James has an encyclopedic knowledge of housing law. He is extremely tenacious, clear-thinking and leaves no stone unturned."
"James Stark is one of the best housing barristers."
"James is very experienced."
Joseph Markus is a public law practitioner who often appears in housing-related judicial reviews. He has a strong knowledge of equality and human rights issues and draws praise for his work on homelessness cases.
"Joseph Markus is quick, clever, always helpful and very knowledgeable."
"Joe is an amazing barrister with such a wide range of knowledge and expertise. He has a way with clients and is prepared to answer any questions they may have. Joe is extremely approachable."
"His pleading is always good: academic and presented in a clear way."
Sonia Birdee covers a range of housing cases and has particular expertise in discrimination-related matters. She defends her clients in possession claims and accommodation issues, and frequently acts in homelessness cases.
"Sonia Birdee is great - good to work with, collaborative and caring."
Elizabeth Mottershaw acts in possession, injunction proceedings, unlawful eviction, disrepair and homelessness cases. She often represents clients with vulnerabilities including mental and physical disabilities and lack of capacity.
"Her attention to detail and approachability are second to none."
"Elizabeth is very easy to work with, keeps you informed and communicates well. She is very thorough and knowledgeable in this area of work."
"Elizabeth is a strong advocate."
Kevin Lister is an experienced housing barrister with vast knowledge of social housing matters. He is well known for his public law expertise.
"Kevin is an expert in his field. His advice is brilliant and he is brilliant with clients."
Rory O'Ryan offers notable capabilities in housing cases which overlap with asylum and immigration law. He acts for local authority and private landlords in a range of proceedings, including disrepair claims and homelessness cases.
"Rory is an excellent Barrister. He has a vast knowledge and a wealth of experience."