The social housing team at Osbornes is led by William Ford, a ‘standout’ expert in all aspects of social housing who is ‘involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work'. Ford is particularly notable in community care matters and its crossover with housing law, an area which is a growing specialism for the team. The team has demonstrable experience in advising clients on issues involving vulnerable clients who have claims against local authorities and housing associations. Senior associate Edward Taylor is dedicated to acting for disadvantaged individuals, particularly those who are homeless and individuals with mental health problems. The group has developed expertise in several specialist areas, such as advising EU nationals on their legal status and bringing challenges in asylum age assessment cases. Senior associate Alex McMahon has experience running Equality Act and human rights defences.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A large, experienced, and capable team with in-depth knowledge covering the entirety of housing and homelessness law, together with adjacent areas such as welfare benefits and community care.’
‘Will Ford is hands down one of the best housing lawyers out there. Clever, pragmatic, good with clients, reasonable with opponents, incredibly knowledgable and, as a result, extremely effective. His knowledge of welfare benefits and EU law, which is virtually unparalleled in the sector, as well as community care law, complements his housing and homelessness practice so as to make him truly unique.’
‘The social housing team at Osbornes is exceptional. The solicitors are highly competent, professional, and committed. It is pleasure to be instructed by them.’
‘Will Ford is a highly respected practitioner who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of housing law. He is extremely intelligent and very hard-working. He is involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work and brings the same focus and dedication to both. Edward Taylor is also a brilliant and committed solicitor who is well-respected in this field.’
‘There are some incredibly committed and knowledgable lawyers, such as Will Ford. Their mix of private client work and legal aid means that legally aided clients are (unusually) able to access a professional and top-flight law firm and get treated with real respect.’
‘Will Ford is a stand-out expert and is incredibly dedicated to the field.'
‘Modern practice headed by Will Ford who has developed an excellent team. Able to take on the most difficult cases at short notice and prepare excellent electronic paperwork for the courts. Noted for a number of high-profile appellant cases in the last couple of years.’
‘Will Ford is a great lawyer who effortlessly takes on the most complex of cases and get excellent results for his clients. Adele Pinkett is excellent in dealing with vulnerable clients and equality act cases.’