Social Housing: The South

THE FIRM This large firm is very well known in the social housing world, having been in the sector for decades. Both its contentious and non-contentious social housing practices have grown over the past year, with an increasing number of specialists able to cover almost any social housing issue.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Talented lawyer Jennifer Bennett has more than 20 years' experience, and has been handling numerous governance and joint transactions of late. She leads the impressive team, and earns praise for her "go-getting nature" and traditional approach to social housing work. Forceful litigator Scott Greenwood has in-depth knowledge of the sector, having worked in housing for local authorities before becoming a solicitor. He is described as an "obvious choice" for clients looking for a housing management expert. Michael Owen joined the social housing litigation team in June 2008 and has recently worked on some particularly complex succession disputes. Kevin Steele heads up the development and projects team and focuses on large-scale development and regeneration work, including a 400-plus unit development project worth more than £40 million.

THE FIRM This efficient and compact Kent-based team specialises in housing management, handling a very broad range of cases. The lawyers are especially praised by clients for their responsiveness and detailed knowledge of the sector. Market sources emphasise the firm's client care ethos and its excellent and growing reputation in the field of social housing work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Skinner is a particular authority on anti-social behaviour work, with market sources describing him as "immersed in social housing law and policy."

THE FIRM This large, full-service firm is based in Southampton but has offices all over the country. The high-quality team has been doing much more housing management and litigation over the past year, in addition to some stock transfers and a particularly large care development job.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of social housing Nikki Lynds-Xavier received excellent feedback for her highly rated housing management practice. She recently handled a particularly complex deal for the Guinness partnership involving thousands of different tenancy agreements. John Russell is highly experienced and specialises in the acquisition of land for development and regeneration work. 

THE FIRM This team of property lawyers has been recruiting and expanding over the past year, and can now offer a broader social housing practice which includes housing management. In addition, it has been handling an increasing amount of tax advice as well as some significant regeneration work.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Linda Storey is joint head of the firm's social housing group and has an excellent reputation. She focuses particularly on property law and development acquisitions.

THE FIRM According to clients, this well-respected social housing boutique provides an excellent service for reasonable fees. It fields some very senior and talented lawyers, and market sources highlight its quality client roster and strong presence in the local sector.

Sources Say: "A great team." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Locke splits his time between RSL and local authority clients, while Gillian Metcalf generally represents RSLs. Clients praise the pair's knowledge of the sector and the excellent working relationships they form.

THE FIRM This Tunbridge Wells-based firm has maintained an impressive stream of social housing work over the past year. The hard-working and responsive team focuses primarily on property law, conveyancing and development/construction contracts.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sarah Ferguson is the main contact.

THE FIRM This small development firm is increasingly working on disposals and commercial aspects of joint ventures, in addition to maintaining a solid housing management practice.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Anne Nurse is a very experienced social housing property lawyer and a valuable asset to the firm. She is a major figure in the social housing sphere and enjoys a well-earned reputation for high-quality work.

THE FIRM This specialist housing management firm maintains an excellent reputation and is praised by market sources for its efficiency. The team primarily works on housing litigation and has been doing an increasing amount of training for housing associations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mary Martil runs the department and leads on some of the firm's more complex cases. Sources say she is "well prepared and great with clients."