Niamh O'Brien

Career

Niamh has specialised in housing law since she started practice in 1999, acting for local authorities, housing associations, private landlords, tenants and the homeless. She has particular expertise in the areas of homelessness, judicial review, disability discrimination, anti-social behaviour, right to buy, shared ownership and housing fraud. Her notable cases include:

• Fybrace v London Borough of Lambeth (2022): Niamh successfully represented the Defendant local authority in its application for summary judgment in a claim based on direct and indirect disability discrimination,

• Bibi v London Borough of Hackney (2021): Niamh successfully represented the local authority in high-profile housing dispute which was preventing the start of multi-million-pound redevelopment.

• Guiste v London Borough of Lambeth [2020] HLR 12 (CA): Represented Lambeth in the Court of Appeal in an appeal which considered the issue of vulnerability in the context of priority need for accommodation.

• Circle 33 Housing Trust v Nelson [2014] EWCA Civ 106: Successfully represented the Claimant landlord at the subsequent trial.

When representing landlords Niamh’s aim is always to find the most practical and cost effective way for clients to achieve their goals in any social housing litigation.

When representing tenants particular care to the emotional aspect of the litigation, whether it involves preserving their existing housing rights or addressing their current housing needs.

Professional Memberships

Niamh is member of the Social Housing Law Association.