Combining ‘strong legal and industry knowledge’, Hugh James has solid market credibility among a varied mix of stakeholders, including on contentious property matters associated with the telecoms and entertainment and leisure sectors. Senior associate and team head James Hastings now spearheads the firm’s efforts in relation to mines and minerals claims which show little signs of abating, in spite of Rob Phillips’ departure to Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP at the beginning of 2022. The team is also adept at handling work for the firm’s impressive roster of housing association clients, with Rebecca Rees  particularly active advising on the recently enacted Renting Homes (Wales) Act.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They have strong legal and industry knowledge to ensure their clients receive the best service.'
  • ‘Rebecca Rees really understands her clients and their needs which means she is clear as to the goals that need to be achieved. She has in depth knowledge of her property and housing specialisms.'

  • 'I have worked with Rebecca Rees a lot in relation to Renting Homes (Wales) this year (drafting contracts and advising on points of law). She has demonstrated to me she is ahead of the game with this new and novel legislation and is focused on ensuring clients understand and appreciate the technicalities.'

Key clients

  • Natural Resources Body for Wales
  • Welsh Government
  • United Welsh Housing Association
  • AP Wireless II (UK) Limited
  • WRU
  • Pobl/Coastal Housing Association
  • Persimmon Homes
  • Conwy County Borough Council
  • Wrexham County Borough Council

Work highlights

  • Advising a group of 28 landlords who collectively own over 150,000 properties in Wales to implement a new piece of legislation dubbed “the biggest change in the rented sector for over a generation”. Using a pioneering collaborative approach clients made significant cost efficiencies.
  • Advising Persimmon Homes on a judicial review application relating to a decision of the Welsh Ministers which will impact the building of a substantial number of affordable homes in the Caerphilly area.
  • Advising AP Wireless in relation to the new Electronic Communications Code, rental valuation and whether APW could be potentially liable (either on a civil or criminal basis) for telecoms equipment present on their land.

Lawyers

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James Hastings

Other key lawyers

Rebecca Rees, Jo Brown