Email address
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020 7831 0222Chambers Review
42 Bedford Row is a well-respected set with strong expertise in social housing. The social housing team advises local authorities, housing associations, social landlords and private individuals. The barristers work on a wide range of housing mandates, including disrepair, anti-social behaviour, homelessness and allocation issues, and possession and eviction proceedings. A market source says the set has "good expertise". Another interviewee adds: "I am very confident with the experience, skills, ability and practical know-how of this set." A particular work highlight for the year is Akanbi v LB Lewisham, a homelessness appeal.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"42BR Barristers has a great clerking team. Chris Collison, deputy senior practice manager, is a pleasure to work with."
"A great, responsive clerking team - it always has been and it still is."
"The clerks are second to none."
"The clerks are friendly and prompt to respond."
"42BR Barristers has a great clerking team. Chris Collison, deputy senior practice manager, is a pleasure to work with."
"A great, responsive clerking team - it always has been and it still is."
"The clerks are second to none."
"The clerks are friendly and prompt to respond."
Notable Practitioners
An established junior barrister with considerable expertise in property law, Desmond Kilcoyne focuses his practice on representing local authorities in social housing matters. He is especially commended for his strengths in homelessness appeals and leasehold disputes.
"Desmond Kilcoyne is very knowledgeable and approachable."
"Desmond is our go-to barrister for complex cases. His knowledge and skills are outstanding."
"Desmond Kilcoyne is an exceptionally knowledgeable and skilled barrister who is also very client-friendly and will go out of his way to help."
Iris Ferber is an accomplished barrister who is well versed in acting for both landlords and tenants on a range of housing matters. She is particularly known for her ability to work with clients with mental health issues who are involved in homelessness appeals.
"Iris Ferber is a robust advocate who advises clearly on next steps."
"Iris Ferber is very clever and has built up enormous legal knowledge and court-based experience which she will bring to bear for your benefit."
"Iris Ferber is an amazing KC who provides advice to the client in terms that they are able to understand."
"Iris is very pragmatic and determined to find solutions. She is charismatic and warm in front of court, but with killer cross-examination skills."
Mathew McDermott is a respected junior barrister regularly instructed by both social housing tenants and landlords. He is an expert in judicial review proceedings, particularly those relating to homelessness.
"Mathew McDermott is a good advocate and very technical."
"Mathew McDermott is exceptionally knowledgeable and skilled at structuring and presenting complex arguments."
"Mathew McDermott provides clear and concise advice and works hard to achieve the best results possible for clients."
Niamh O'Brien frequently handles housing discrimination and unlawful subletting mandates, as well as evictions and possession claims.
"Niamh provides exceptional advice on complex matters and achieves excellent outcomes for the client."
"Niamh O'Brien is effective, thorough and responsive when advising on highly complex matters."
Angela Piears is highly expert at dealing with possession proceedings, particularly those involving anti-social behaviour issues. She has vast experience acting both for and against London councils.
"Angela Piears fights hard for clients and is a formidable advocate."
"Angela is a very experienced housing barrister who can turn her hand to any claim or requests for advice. Angela is flexible, extremely personable and has a forensic approach to evidence."
"Angela Piears is an excellent advocate with vast experience and excellent client care skills."