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St Ives Chambers

Social Housing

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Midlands (Bar)

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St Ives Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Social Housing - Midlands (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

St Ives Chambers represents a wide range of housing clients in the full spectrum of different housing issues in the Midlands. The set remains pre-eminent in this market, and its barristers act in complex possession proceedings and antisocial behaviour injunctions, in addition to other related matters. A work highlight for the set was Bromford Housing Association v Nightingale, a High Court appeal following a possession order. A commentator reports: "The set has extensive experience at dealing with the wide range of issues that impact on the social housing sector." Another comments: "No other chambers in the Midlands can match the breadth of the team and broad range of expertise St Ives offers."

David Walters is the practice manager for the social housing team.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks go over and above to ensure our cases are covered particularly when a particular barrister is requested. They are really good with their communication.

    Social Housing respondentUK Bar

  • Their clerks, led by Catherine Merry, interim practice manager, are great: efficient and helpful, calm and friendly.

    Social Housing respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Aadhithya Anbahan
    Aadhithya Anbahan

    Aadhithya Anbahan

    Aadhithya Anbahan is an impressive junior held in high esteem by market commentators for her abilities in a range of social housing matters. She acts on behalf of clients in possession proceedings and injunctions, as well as closure orders.

    • Aadhithya's enthusiasm is second to none and she inspires confidence in others.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Aadhithya is very responsive, always a delight to work with her and to learn from her.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Aadhithya is very thorough and detailed while always communicating clearly with clients.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Aadhithya is a very capable barrister and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to all things Equality Act.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Jane Talbot
    Jane Talbot

    Jane Talbot

    Jane Talbot continues her impressive practice as a barrister following a successful career as a solicitor advocate. She regularly acts for local authorities and registered providers in antisocial behaviour, disrepair and possession proceedings. She frequently handles complex cases involving Equality Act defences.

    • Jane is an excellent advocate who is always thoroughly prepared. She gives practical advice, written in a way that makes it easy for clients to understand and make decisions on.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Jane's knowledge of social housing management is second to none. She provides pragmatic advocate and fights for her clients to achieve the desired outcome.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • She is an effective and calm communicator and is a great advocate.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • Jane’s overall attributes make her the preferred Counsel for all housing-related matters, at all levels of complexity.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Michael Singleton
    Michael Singleton

    Michael Singleton

    Michael Singleton is a longstanding, esteemed member of St Ives Chambers who demonstrates great insight and skill in matters pertaining to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. He is also distinguished by his regulatory work in areas such as unlawful eviction, planning enforcement and the Environmental Protection Act.

    • Michael Singleton is a walking housing encyclopaedia; there is nothing that I can think of that Michael doesn't know when it comes to social housing management.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • A safe pair of hands for difficult trials, nightmare defendants and complicated advice.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Tom Lawal
    Tom Lawal

    Tom Lawal

    Tom Lawal continues to offer a wealth of expertise in human rights and the Equality Act. He represents both landlords and tenants in disrepair cases. He also tackles antisocial behaviour matters.

    • Tom communicates with passion and enthusiasm and is a joy to work with. In conference he is respectful of client questions, approachable and his advice and skeletons are fantastically incisive.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar

    • An absolute joy to work with. His unique style combines humour with intelligence and he always goes the extra mile to achieve the right results.

      Social Housing respondentUK Bar
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  • Tom Russell
    Tom Russell

    Tom Russell

    Tom Russell specialises in property-related disputes, unlawful evictions and injunctions. He is an experienced mediator and regularly handles a wide range of disputes.

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Ranked Barristers at St Ives Chambers (5)

Midlands (Bar)

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