The social housing team at BTO Solicitors LLP features lawyers from a broad range of sectors, including experts in employment, charity, data protection, and corporate law. The team is spearheaded by Grant Hunter, who is experienced in RSL litigation work including tenancy breaches and commercial disputes, and Caroline Carr, an accredited specialist in employment law. Peter Graham is experienced in assisting RSLs with site acquisitions, while Fraser Hopkins offers construction expertise. Karen Brodie retired in March 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Their ability to quickly understand the important issues for our organisation, particularly in non-routine areas of work, is impressive. We are constantly reassured by a sense that BTO is always on our side in discussions and negotiations with other parties.’

  • ‘They provide consistently excellent service.’

  • ‘Without fail, every member of staff within BTO is exceptional. They are super quick at responding to queries, and keep you updated with progress and any follow-up points. All staff strike the right balance between being professional and approachable.'

  • ‘BTO’s social housing team includes Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialists in employment law, data protection law, charity law and construction law. BTO’s team across various legal disciplines work in partnership to meet our business needs and provide the right expert guidance and advice.’

  • ‘Laura Salmond is clearly very knowledgeable and an expert in her field. She regularly provides swift and reliable advice which is crucial when dealing with sensitive and often time critical employee relations matters.'

  • Lynn Richmond is very responsive and provides clear and practical advice. Lynn is good at understanding the particular issues related to our business and ensuring her advice is tailored to our requirements.’
  • ‘They are very professional, thoughtful, and thorough. They get the job done.’

  • ‘Competent, professional individuals. Great expertise in different disciplines.'

Key clients

  • Langstane Housing Association
  • Albyn Housing Society
  • Clyde Valley Housing Association
  • Grampian Housing Association
  • Partick Housing Association
  • Hillhead Housing Association 2000
  • Loreburn Housing Association
  • Govan Housing Association
  • Kingdom Housing Association
  • Cadder Housing Association
  • Cathcart & District Housing Association
  • Key Housing Association
  • Milnbank Housing Association
  • Oak Tree Housing Association
  • Provanhall Housing Association
  • Tollcross Housing Association
  • The Richmond Fellowship Scotland

Work highlights

  • Defended Clyde Valley Housing Association in court proceedings related to building works by their contractor, ensuring the retention of underground service media essential to a major housing development in Lanarkshire.
  • Provided both contentious and non-contentious construction law advice to Loreburn Housing Association regarding significant challenges affecting a flagship development project aimed at transforming the local area.
  • Assisted Milnbank Housing Association with a review of its group structure, advising on regulatory, governance, and other relevant issues for the Association and its two subsidiaries.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Grant Hunter, Caroline Carr

Other key lawyers

Peter Graham, Jeremy Glen, Fraser Hopkins, Laura Salmond, Dawn Robertson, Lynn Richmond