Social Housing: London

Arden Chambers is an exclusively housing-based chambers with a large number of barristers focusing on various disciplines within that overarching market. Arden focuses on housing management work and public law, and is more or less unique in the market in working for both tenants and providers. The chambers has not stopped expanding and strengthening its position in the market; as one solicitor says, "it isn't simply resting on its laurels - it's still definitely going places."

Leading silk Andrew Arden QC remains "in a class of his own" and peers note that "there is no one at the top who can touch him for appeal cases." He is a constant presence in the most important cases, generally on the side of landlords, and he has an excellent success rate to go with his almost unparalleled reputation. The most senior junior at the set is Christopher Baker, who "works at a very high level," according to both solicitors and fellow barristers. He has focused on tolerated trespasses this year and interactions between the European Human Rights Act and British housing law.

Homelessness specialist David Carter has a "real compassion and heart" that makes him well equipped to deal with cases in his chosen discipline. Solicitors further value him for his prompt work and encyclopaedic knowledge of the area. They also favour Terence Gallivan, who has recently started doing much more local authority work. He "maintains a tenacious approach without ever stepping over the line," and is praised by his opponents for having "complete integrity." Rebecca Cattermole handles anti-social behaviour cases and also does a lot of advisory work on allocation rules. Solicitors flock to her as "she really knows her law and she's always available." 

Andrew Dymond has such a broad and detailed knowledge of housing law that "he's never out of his depth." "A barrister who is headed to the very top of his profession," he offers a combination of "flair and professionalism." The "very sensible, very eloquent and very good" Jonathan Manning generally represents local authorities and landlords in allocations and possessions cases. He is highly rated along with William Okoya, who has a background in local government. Having previously worked for a registered housing agency, he brings considerable practical experience to his work. Justin Bates wins particularly enthusiastic praise for his cross-examination skills and also for being "professional, expert and easily approachable." His co-authorship of a leading book on leasehold disputes has further increased his profile. Appearing in major cases in the field of public law and housing, Clare Roberts is described as an "extremely clever and charming opponent," while new addition Victoria Osler is "great with clients and communicates well with them." She works in both the social and commercial housing areas.

While Garden Court's focus extends beyond housing law, it boasts an impressive number of extremely talented and highly qualified barristers who concentrate on this sector. Specialising in representing the disadvantaged in housing matters, the chambers is involved in a great many of the major cases, and the general market consensus is that it "can give anyone a run for their money." It accordingly ascends to the top band this year.

The chambers' leading silk is the indefatigable Jan Luba QC. He has had a particularly busy year, with barristers confirming that "his domination of the high courts continues." They also acclaim his "unmatched talents, enormous popularity and extremely persuasive oratory skills." Former solicitor Liz Davies is renowned as "one of the most able juniors around." She co-authored the main textbook on homelessness and allocation law and is seen as an "absolute authority" in that area of law. She is also able to maintain particularly good relationships with clients. Stephen Knafler is praised for the sheer amount of work he undertakes. Known as "the brief monster," he devours paperwork and gets through cases at a great rate without ever compromising on quality. His "helpful and reasonable approach" to working with others has won him a lot of friends.

Having been called in 1972, David Watkinson is well established and has a vast amount of experience. Hard-working and "always willing to champion unfashionable causes," he "certainly fights the corner for his clients." Also praised for his willingness to take on the less glamorous causes is Stephen Cottle. "Highly intelligent and committed," he fights extremely hard for clients in difficult situations and has handled some notable work on behalf of travellers. Beatrice Prevatt's background in voluntary services is a boon as it gives her an edge in being able to explain complex legal issues to people less familiar with the intricacies of social housing law. She is also an "unfailingly pleasant opponent," according to those she has met on the other side of the table. The "affable, decent and practical " Edward Fitzpatrick is popular with both tenants' groups and his fellow barristers. He specialises in county court work involving homelessness and disrepair. Finally, John Beckley joins the tables this year. Several solicitors were quick to praise his cross-examination skills and highlight the fact that he "really believes in what he is doing."

Working slightly more with landlords than with tenants, this chambers is definitely heading in the right direction, with market sources commenting on the excellent recruitment drive it has embarked on recently. Clients are especially pleased by the set's excellent customer service and very responsive clerks. Ranjit Bhose combines his "exhaustive knowledge" with great charm and tenacity. He is widely regarded as one of the very best social housing specialists and is extremely popular with solicitors and peers. Bryan McGuire has spent most of his year involved in cases relating to how local authorities deal with children and has established himself well at the chambers in a relatively short time. "His overriding motivation is to make the right decision," say his peers. 

Kelvin Rutledge, "one of the busiest barristers in this area," has worked on a large number of cases, including a particularly significant case in the House of Lords relating to local authorities' requirements to provide housing for applicants in need of care and attention. His excellent career progression is being matched by that of Wayne Beglan. Beglan is noted for his impressive workload and his "efficiency, thoroughness and absolute unflappability." Sian Davies is "a rising star with lots of promise," who has been heavily involved with the first housing case referred to the ECJ. She is recommended along with Jon Holbrook, who acts mainly for local authorities and is praised for his energy and "willingness to make tough calls." Also at the set is Peggy Etiebet, whose work on some notable age assessment cases wins her praise from peers. She is admired for her "willingness to go the extra mile for the client."

This set has a large number of high-quality lawyers and is regarded as a major force in the sector. The barristers generally work for tenants and applicants alone, and pride themselves on their multidisciplinary approach. Robert Latham was Legal Aid barrister of the year and is well known for his "no holds barred" style and ability to put his cases "fearlessly and with enthusiasm." He has been working mainly on allocation cases recently, as well as disability discrimination. Martin Westgate recently broadened his practice into more general housing work. Praise was forthcoming for him due to his "unique ability to store lots of information and his particularly sharp mind." 

Tracey Bloom is "incredibly dedicated and experienced in a wide range of housing work." Interviewees reserved warm praise for her excellent writing and her pragmatism when fighting cases. They were also anxious to press the claims of Stephen Reeder, a strong player who fights his corner well in difficult situations in front of judges. He undertakes a large amount of social housing work. Jamie Burton is "dependable and pragmatic," and is often seen in the highest courts. He attracts praise as a "very forceful advocate" and is a client favourite along with Kate Markus. Markus practises a wide range of law and handles a good deal of community care work and general public law. She is complimented for her skills in social housing and her ability to work closely with solicitors. Dominic Preston has been at Doughty Street for 18 months, primarily working on homelessness cases, and has been in the highest courts. His "sharp mind and impressive workload" were both highlighted by peers.

This "efficiently run and well-organised" set is increasingly recognised as one of the leading chambers in the country as it increases its turnover and involves itself in more and more cases. Its significant social housing practitioners include Andrew Lane, who is a popular choice with clients. He concentrates mainly on working with local authorities and housing associations, particularly in anti-social behaviour cases. The other standout name at the chambers is Kerry Bretherton. She is respected by those who instruct her as she "comes up with new points and runs them well."