Recognised as ‘a safe pair of hands’ and drawing upon deep knowledge of developments in the real estate sector, Hugh James provides ’thorough and considered advice’ to private, public and third sector clients across a myriad of contentious matters. The firm is also very highly engaged in the market from a risk management perspective, as was recently exemplified by team head Rebecca Rees‘ work for a raft of very large landlords in relation to the implementation of the Renting Homes Wales legislation, which was recognised as being ’second to none’. Rees also has a ‘breadth of experience and connections’ within the social housing sector, ensuring she is a popular choice among RSLs across a range of contentious work. Jo Brown is a key contact including for contentious property advice in the hospitality and telecoms sectors. Former team head James Hastings is now a consultant to the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team is knowledgeable and thorough. They not only keep on top of legal developments but also general developments in the sector so that they can advise their clients on both legal, practical and commercial considerations.'
  • 'The team is a safe pair of hands. We know we can rely on them to provide thorough and considered advice and make a recommendation that takes into account our legal, regulatory and commercial considerations.'
  • 'Rebecca Rees – superb legal knowledge – she is one of the best in the sector. Her work on Renting Homes (Wales) 2016 was second to none.'
  • 'Rebecca Rees is a trusted source of advice. Her breadth of experience and connections within the social housing sector make her better placed than most in Wales to provide the expertise we require.'

Key clients

  • Natural Resources Body for Wales
  • Hafod Housing Association
  • AP Wireless
  • Conwy County Borough Council
  • The Southern Co-operative Limited
  • Pobl/Coastal Housing Association
  • Persimmon Homes
  • Trivallis Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised a group of 28 landlords owning over 150,000 properties on implementing significant contractual change in the rented sector following the Renting Homes Wales legislation.
  • Advised Hafod Housing Association on the development of affordable housing in the market town of Cowbridge which attracted significant local opposition and a judicial review challenge.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rebecca Rees

Other key lawyers

Jo Brown