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(020) 7815 3200Chambers Review
Five Paper continues to be well respected for its social housing expertise. The set is home to highly experienced barristers covering a range of matters, including disrepair claims, tenancy disputes, homelessness cases and possession proceedings. Members of Five Paper regularly act for local authorities and housing providers, as well as individuals. The barristers are regularly called on to act in complex cases that challenge existing policies. Instructing solicitors describe the chambers as having "excellent junior and senior barristers with a wealth of knowledge, especially with complex social housing cases." Others note that there are "some truly fantastic barristers at this set who are always a pleasure to work with." This year, the set appeared in Rahimi v Westminster CC, a case concerned with succession to a secure tenancy and surrender by operation of law.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"David Portch, senior clerk, has a great team of clerks. Their ability to deliver to budget and overall value for money is strong."
"The clerks are very responsive and helpful."
"The clerks are very accommodating where they can be, professional and always courteous and appreciative."
"Led by David Portch, the clerking team is fantastic. They have great knowledge of the barristers and the diaries, and can provide an answer on fees or availability efficiently and without delay."
"David Portch, senior clerk, has a great team of clerks. Their ability to deliver to budget and overall value for money is strong."
"The clerks are very responsive and helpful."
"The clerks are very accommodating where they can be, professional and always courteous and appreciative."
"Led by David Portch, the clerking team is fantastic. They have great knowledge of the barristers and the diaries, and can provide an answer on fees or availability efficiently and without delay."
Notable Practitioners
Terence Gallivan acts primarily for housing associations and local authorities, although he is also recognised for his representation of legal aid clients in the sector. Much of his housing practice involves human rights and mental health issues, and he routinely handles a number of homelessness and possession appeals. He is also known for his expertise in acting for tenant management organisations.
"Terry has provided some staunch legal advice on complex housing cases. He has shown tenacity and long experience, and has provided excellent legal advice along with a flexible approach."
Nicholas Grundy KC is an experienced senior advocate with a specialism in social housing cases that interact with real property, European law or discrimination issues. He regularly advises local housing authorities on policy matters and earns praise for his dedication to clients. He has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court.
"Nicholas is thorough, technically excellent and manages to deliver advice in a firm yet charming manner."
"Nicholas continues to be the leading light in the sector, particularly in relation to emerging issues surrounding building safety and its interrelationship with established landlord and tenant law."
Sam Phillips is a strong junior who routinely handles a range of housing matters, including possession proceedings and cases that raise Article 8 challenges. He gained significant sector expertise from his time working for one of the largest social landlords in the country before being called to the Bar. He also has notable experience handling succession of tenancy disputes.
"A natural and creative problem solver. Sam is always calm and commercial and an excellent communicator."
"Sam has excellent client care skills and is a brilliant yet calm and focused advocate."
Stephen Evans is considered an authority on the Equality Act and disability discrimination in relation to social housing. He is also experienced in judicial review of homelessness decisions, leasehold valuation and dilapidation claims. He frequently appears at all levels of court, including the Court of Appeal. He counts several local authorities and registered providers as his clients.
"Stephen Evans takes a very robust approach."
"He is always willing to go the extra mile to assist, whether that be turning round work on a tight deadline or robustly arguing the lay client's position."
Tina Conlan is recognised for the breadth of her practice; she is often instructed in possession proceedings, disrepair claims and anti-social behaviour matters. She has appeared before all levels of court, including the Court of Appeal. She is also commended for her work on homelessness appeals and subletting cases.
"Tina is a very experienced housing barrister who has bags of specialised court experience combined with high specialist legal knowledge and a pragmatic approach."
"Tina is a very safe pair of hands."
Angela Hall operates a dynamic practice and is favoured by leading solicitors in the field, as well as a number of key local authorities and housing providers. She acts in homelessness cases, allegations of anti-social behaviour and harassment, and a variety of regulatory matters.
"Angela is and always has been excellent. She's extremely tenacious and will always come away with the best result possible for her client."
"Angela Hall is an experienced and safe pair of hands."
"An exceptional advocate with an approachable and affable manner."
Elizabeth England is a housing specialist who acts for a range of clients in possession proceedings, unlawful eviction cases, and harassment and anti-social behaviour matters, among other cases. She regularly handles cases concerning human rights issues and the Equality Act.
"A superb all-rounder with particular strength in complex anti-social behaviour cases involving Equality Act issues."
"Elizabeth is clear and concise when making submissions and is fantastically analytical."
Josephine Henderson is an established junior barrister with a comprehensive knowledge of the full range of social housing issues. She is frequently instructed by both tenants and landlords to act in homelessness appeals, anti-social behaviour cases and service charge disputes. Her broad housing practice has frequently taken her to the Court of Appeal, and she is particularly commended for her work on cases with a human rights element.
"Josephine is my top choice for my difficult cases in the London Courts."
"Josephine is exceptional and thorough in her approach."
"Josephine is very helpful in giving timely legal advice on complex legal issues."
Jennifer Moate's social housing experience includes overcrowding and Equality Act mandates. She also has notable expertise in a wide range of complex matters including those related to infringement of a person's freedom, homelessness, anti-social behaviour and possession.
"Jenny is an excellent advocate with a real eye for detail."
"Jennifer is usually my first choice. Her handling of our cases has never been anything short of first rate."
"A thorough and meticulous barrister with excellent client service. She is very well liked by clients."
Michael Mullin is the head of Five Paper's social housing practice and frequently acts on possession claims, accommodation suitability matters and EPA prosecutions, among numerous other cases. He has experienced of appearing at all levels of court including the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Millie Polimac regularly acts for local housing authorities, as well as individual tenants, in cases ranging from claims for possession to allocation policy challenges. She has considerable knowledge of EU law.
"Millie Polimac is very good and academic."
Tristan Salter is a promising junior with a broad social housing practice. He represents registered providers and local authorities in succession matters, unlawful evictions and possession proceedings.
"Tristan always keeps the bigger picture in mind when advising on ongoing matters. He has the ability to explain complex matters in a way that can be easily understood by clients."
"Clients like Tristan's confident relaxed manner and ability to get to the core issues."
"An excellent lawyer who is very pragmatic and gets the job done."