Social Housing
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Wales & Chester (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
02920 375020Chambers Review
Cardiff-based Civitas Law represents registered social landlords, local authorities and private individuals in a range of social housing matters. Members are at the forefront of the current changes in the Welsh housing market brought about by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act. Their work includes allocation policy review and anti-social behaviour mandates. The set also regularly acts on possession claims. Clients appreciate that the barristers "understand how housing providers operate and the challenges faced." Other sources highlight the set's strength in depth: "There are a number of members in chambers who can assist with housing work, so there is always someone available to deal with an urgent query or prepare advice or court papers." Danielle Smith is the practice manager.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are very responsive and always get back to us even when we need to instruct counsel on an urgent basis."
"The set always provides good communication, from clerks through to barristers."
"The clerks are very responsive and always get back to us even when we need to instruct counsel on an urgent basis."
"The set always provides good communication, from clerks through to barristers."
Notable Practitioners
Lucy King is instructed by the Welsh government and various registered social landlords to advise on and draft Renting Homes (Wales) contracts. She regularly handles tenancy disputes, possession claims and anti-social behaviour mandates.
"Lucy is extremely thorough in her paperwork, dealing with matters very quickly. In court she is also very good with clients, some of whom are vulnerable."
"Lucy King is always very approachable and knowledgeable."
"Lucy is very well prepared when attending court."
Owain Rhys James is a leading expert on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, advising the Welsh Government in relation to transitional provisions, as well as representing registered social landlords in reviewing and drafting occupational contracts. His work also spans possession hearings.
"Owain Rhys James is an incredibly intelligent individual who is very knowledgeable and thorough."
"He is very knowledgeable, easy to communicate with and provides sound advice."
"Owain is exceptional in terms of his legal knowledge and responsiveness."
Cathrine Grubb has experience acting for charities and housing associations in cases related to social housing. She advises on matters related to service agreements as well as fire safety liability.
"Her written work is of a high standard."
"She is very intellectually able and astute. If you have a particular point of law, she will present it in the perfect way for clients."
"Cathrine Grubb is very responsive and deals with instructions quickly and efficiently."
Dominic Evans represents both social landlords and tenants in a wide range of matters, including possession, anti-social behaviour injunctions and committal proceedings, as well as disrepair.
"Dominic Evans is very practical and reassuring. He knows his stuff."
"Dominic is on point, commercial, practical and no-nonsense."