Social housing

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Suzanne Benson is a real estate specialist and head of the Manchester-based social housing offering at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, which is noted for ‘going above and beyond’ for its clients. Major projects and developments are a key elements of the team’s practice, often advising registered providers, local authorities and house builders. The group is also known for handling the sustainability elements of projects. Richard St John Williams is an expert in affordable housing, while Melanie Comer has experience in assisting with large property portfolio transactions. Ru Anwar and Louise Robinson are regarded as ’very experienced solicitors’ and Tom Wainwright often advises on governance, corporate and contractual matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team at Trowers go above and beyond in their role to assist and provide advice. No request is too much trouble.’
‘The team I work with at Trowers are friendly and approachable and will explain complex matters in layman's terms where necessary. The team have a solid understanding of our requirements through working closely with our business and will always be able to consider and advise on the risks from our perspective.'
‘The notable strength of Trowers is the reassurance that advice is given within the context of detailed and inside knowledge of the sector. The advice is practical and realistic and is mindful of the client's situation.’
‘The Trowers team have a broad experience and are well-attuned to our business requirements.’
‘Ru Anwar and Louise Robinson are very experienced solicitors who provide strong advice and have good commercial knowledge.’
‘The team understand clients' timescales, provide good communication throughout as well as clear and concise reporting. They clearly articulate, are risk proactive and commercial when dealing with issues and risks. A broad-range of expertise and disciplines to call on and they are open to challenge and discussion.'
‘We have been impressed with the professionalism. They respond quickly and stick to deadlines which is vital for us, particularly when dealing with difficult cases.’
‘Lynn James has provided regular updates on regulation which have been invaluable in helping us to make the internal changes necessary to comply with the changes. She represented us at tribunal in a case that became complex and she prepared our arguments in a clear and detailed manner which led us to win the case.’

Key clients

Salix Homes
The Riverside Group
Places for People Group
Anchor Hanover Group
Mosscare St. Vincent's
Great Places Housing Group
Off Site Homes Alliance
Jigsaw Homes Group
Golden Lane Housing
Clarion Group
Community Gateway
The Guinness Partnership Limited
Legal and General Affordable Homes
Bromford Housing Group
Southway Housing Trust
Great Places Housing Group
Yorkshire HG
Incommunities
Accent
Wakefield and District Housing
Plus Dane
Progress HG

Work highlights

Advised The Guinness Partnership in connection with Shepherds Bush Housing Association becoming a subsidiary of The Guinness Partnership.
Acted for Portsmouth City Council in the acquisition of over 800 tenanted units from Clarion Housing Association for £75m.
Acting for Clarion Housing Association on its proposed joint venture with London Square.