Social Housing
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7628 7576About
Provided by Devonshires LLP
Social Housing – Decades of experience, built-in
The story of Devonshires began in 1840 when we first opened our doors and began dispensing legal advice, quickly establishing a reputation for cutting edge expertise combined with down to earth approachability. By the early 1970’s we were specialising in the housing sector, developing an expertise in social housing which today forms a vital core of our business. This lengthy track record has led to a level of expertise and depth of knowledge which means we can work with a range of Registered Providers (RPs), safe in the knowledge that, whilst every provider is different, each has to work within the existing statutory framework, a framework which we, in our work for the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), have played a key part in developing. Our longevity indicates to clients just how experienced and dedicated we are when it comes to working within this sector.
Our excellent working relationship with the Regulator of Social Housing, the Department for Communities and Local Government, the National Housing Federation, Charity Commission, Financial Conduct Authority and the Care Quality Commission, means that we are ever alert to the very latest developments in the field, and we combine this knowledge with a determination to work hand in hand with our clients.
Find out more about our expertise on our website.
Chambers Review
Devonshires has an esteemed practice with longstanding experience in social housing issues. The firm acts for a vast array of registered providers, as well as local authorities, developers and funders, on matters including housing management and governance. It provides wide-ranging expertise in the field, spanning fraud, regulatory issues, procurement and development projects, and offers further experience in finance matters.
Work Highlights
- Devonshires advised Sage Homes and Leaf Living on their £819 million acquisition of 2,915 new build homes from Vistry Group under a forward-funded agreement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The social housing team at Devonshires seeks to offer pragmatic solutions for its clients to achieve fair, cost-effective outcomes."
"The lawyers at Devonshires have an excellent depth of knowledge and are exceptionally responsive."
"The team at Devonshires provide us with confidence in our legal positions and next steps. They deliver good quality advice in a digestible format, ensuring that we have clarity on all matters."
"Devonshires are very experienced within social housing. Their team know the key items to address and the pitfalls to avoid."
"Their delivery is user-friendly and they create a space that allows us as clients to engage, interrogate the advice, seek clarification and discuss."
"The social housing team at Devonshires seeks to offer pragmatic solutions for its clients to achieve fair, cost-effective outcomes."
"The lawyers at Devonshires have an excellent depth of knowledge and are exceptionally responsive."
"The team at Devonshires provide us with confidence in our legal positions and next steps. They deliver good quality advice in a digestible format, ensuring that we have clarity on all matters."
"Devonshires are very experienced within social housing. Their team know the key items to address and the pitfalls to avoid."
"Their delivery is user-friendly and they create a space that allows us as clients to engage, interrogate the advice, seek clarification and discuss."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Cowan is highly adept at advising major registered providers on noteworthy social housing transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. He is also skilled in advising on governance matters.
"Andrew Cowan is very easy to work with. He is constructive, non-confrontational and absolutely knows his clients."
Donna McCarthy offers notable experience as a housing litigation specialist, representing registered providers in possession proceedings, injunctions and disrepair claims.
"Donna is so responsive and provides a brilliant service."
"Donna is an incredibly experienced lawyer who offers an excellent, pragmatic service to her clients."
"Donna McCarthy is a brilliant lawyer."
Jonathan Corris advises on a broad range of development projects and joint venture agreements for both registered providers and private developers.
"I always very much enjoy working with Jonathan. He is very good at progressing things and moving deals forward."
"Jonathan is very commercially aware."
Jonathan Jarvis is recognised for his practice advising clients on a wide range of services in the housing sector including joint ventures, mergers and regeneration projects.
"Jonathan Jarvis is a very knowledgeable lawyer."
Neil Toner acts for housing associations, developers and local authorities on property acquisitions and disposals as well as advising on development projects.
"Neil is a really good lawyer who is very pragmatic and good at moving deals forward."
Triya Maicha is an impressive social housing practitioner with a wealth of experience advising registered provider clients involved in large-scale regeneration projects. She also has in-depth knowledge of other matters including joint ventures.
"Triya is an excellent lawyer, I really enjoy working with her. She is very quick, pragmatic, always trying to move things forward and takes a good commercial view.."
Ranked Lawyers at
Devonshires LLP
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Devonshires LLP
Aruna Sarwar
Asif Patel
Caroline Mostowfi
Dan Moan
Donna McCarthy
Elad Yasdi
Hannah Langford
James Lyons
Jonathan Corris
Jonathan Jarvis
Katie Maguire
Kirsty Thompson
Kris Kelliher
Lee Russell
Mark Foxcroft
Mark London
Matthew Cocklin
Michelle Mullen
Neil Lawlor
Triya Maicha