Gatehouse Chambers

Laura is a very experienced and sought-after barrister who specialises in residential and commercial landlord and tenant and property litigation, as well as in social housing. She is recommended for real estate litigation and social housing in Chambers & Prs and Legal 500.

She is described as always looking for “solutions rather than problems” and “taking a pragmatic, commercially minded approach to matters”.  It is also noted that she is “compelling and persuasive” in court and has a “steely determination to fight her client’s corner”. She is also known for being “incredibly impressive on the client care front”.

Laura’s landlord and tenant litigation practice is extensive including issues relating to possession, notices, long leasehold, AST, service charge and management disputes, dilapidations, 1954 Act claims, forfeiture, rent reviews and pub work. Her practice encompasses all aspects of real estate litigation including TOLATA claims, rights to light, rights of way, easements and covenants, trespass and nuisance and adverse possession. Laura has particularly strong experience dealing with harassment cases, injunctions and guardian occupation.

Laura has cross-over experience dealing with property related offences in the Magistrates Court and FTT, including HMO licensing, rent repayment orders, civil penalty notices, breaches of the environmental legislation, Housing Act 2004 and s21 and s25 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 service charge claims. Laura is experienced in private prosecutions and appeals in these matters, as well as with rates mitigation.

She is regarded as a leading junior for social housing work. She frequently acts for housing associations and local authorities in relation to all aspects of housing law from ASBIs, closure orders, tenancy fraud, possessions, trials and applications, to bigger policy decisions and strategic advice. Her related property expertise sees her instructed in important cases where property law and social housing law overlap.

Laura is a first-rate accredited mediator and really enjoys her role in settling disputes. Additionally, her experience and insight as a mediator means she is an excellent choice as counsel in mediation.

She is regularly instructed in the High Court, Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber), FTT Property Chamber and County Court and also appears in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

Laura is at the forefront in training on the changes afoot due to Renters Reform and the Building Safety Act. Laura is the editor of the Gatehouse property team newsletter.

Qualified 2007, Lincoln’s Inn; specialised in housing and property since pupillage; joined Gatehouse Chambers 2008. Taught EU law at Durham University; provides regular seminars to clients.