Hugh James

Dispute Resolution | Social housing 

Bethan is head of the housing management team as a result of her capability and specialist knowledge in her field of law, having exclusively practised in the area of social housing and anti-social behaviour since qualification in 2003.

A specialist in social housing law and practice, anti-social behaviour and landlord and tenant (residential), Bethan assisted in setting up Wales’s first anti-social behaviour unit at Hugh James. Bethan is recognised as an experienced advocate by clients and peers alike.

Bethan has over 15 years’ experience advising local authorities and registered social landlords on all issues of housing management and tenancy enforcement, particularly in relation to measures to combat nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

She regularly handles cases involving complex Equality Act defences as well as public law and human rights challenges and advises clients on matters ranging from succession to disrepair. During the final stages of debate, Bethan was approached by Community Housing Cymru to provide advice in relation to the Renting Homes (Wales) Bill 2014 which formed the basis of later legislation.

Bethan is renowned within the sector as an accomplished trainer and regularly provides training to social housing providers. She is often invited to speak at events hosted by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Community Housing Cymru and the Welsh Government. Bethan and her team are well known in the sector for acting for some of the largest and well-regarded housing associations in Wales such as Hafod, Merthyr Valleys Homes, Newport City Homes, Trivallis as well as a growing client base of registered providers in England.