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Barristers

Justin Bates KC

Justin Bates KC

Position

Justin's practice covers all aspects of housing, property and local government law.

He is the Deputy General Editor of the Encyclopaedia of Housing Law and is the author or co-author of a number of other books and annotated statutes.

In recent years, Justin has given evidence on housing law reform to the All Parliamentary Committees on both Legal Aid and the Private Rented Sector; the Welsh Assembly on the Renting Homes (Wales) Act; and the House of Lords on housing and the Equality Act 2010. He co-drafted the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 for Karen Buck MP and continues to provide legislative and policy support to the Shadow housing team. He has appeared on various BBC news and current affairs programmes discussing housing law. In 2019/20, he worked on the Right to Manage reform proposals produced by the Law Commission.

Justin is an active supporter of Advocate (the Bar Pro Bono Unit) and, in 2020, was nominated for the “Pro Bono Junior of the Year” award.

Education

Qualifications

• BA (Oxon); LL.M (Toronto)

• Pupil supervisor

Awards

• 'Barrister of the Year' at the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards (ERMAs) 2023

• Shortlisted for the Legal 500 UK Bar Awards 2023 Property and Housing 'Junior of the Year'

• Shortlisted for the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2023 Real Estate 'Junior of the Year'

Publications

• Co-author – Homelessness and Allocations (12th edition, as he has been since the 10th edition)

• Co-author – Halsbury’s Laws of England (Volume 69, Local Government)

• Co-author – Leasehold Disputes

• Contributor – Arden & Partington on Housing Law

• Contributor – Local Government, Constitutional and Administrative Law (Sweet & Maxwell, 2nd edition, 2008)

• Deputy General Editor – Encyclopaedia of Housing Law

• Various Current Law statutes, including Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, Mortgage Repossession (Protection of Tenants, etc.) Act 2010, Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 and Greater London Authority Act 2007

Mentions

London Bar

Property litigation

Other key lawyer1
Justin Bates KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Justin is a highly accomplished advocate. He is considered and creative in his approach. Clients feel safe in his hands.'
London Bar

Social housing

Other key lawyer1
Justin Bates KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Encyclopaedic knowledge of relevant law, and completely up to date. Considered and creative in approach and argument. Superb in advocacy, clear, organised and inviting submissions and deals easily with any questions or interventions.’