Highly attuned to the specific needs of an impressive roster of Wales and England-based housing associations, as well as conversant with governmental decision making, Hugh James provides ‘clear and solutions-focused advice’, which ’takes into account the bigger picture while also being focused on the individual commercial needs’ of the client. Richard Macphail, who oversees a multidisciplinary offering (which draws from property, corporate, employment and litigation practice areas), has deep experience in the sector and continues to be at the forefront of large-scale development projects for housing associations. The ‘exceptional’ Caroline O’Flaherty is ’well respected’ as a result of her vast commercial property expertise, which regularly sees her involved in acquisitions and development matters (including for major regeneration schemes), as well as in the attendant funding of these projects. Recognised as a ‘leading expert in housing law’, Bethan Gladwyn displays a ’pragmatic approach’ to housing management matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The strength in depth in the team is unrivalled, and all have great knowledge of the sector.’

  • 'Their advice always takes into account the bigger picture whilst still being focused on the individual commercial needs of us as a client.'

  • ‘The responsive team provides clear and solutions-focused advice.'

  • ‘Caroline O’Flaherty undertakes all our work in a professional and timely manner, her knowledge is exceptional, and is well respected in the sector.’

  • ‘Bethan Gladwyn stands out as a leading expert in housing law. She is trusted to provide us with a pragmatic approach.’

Key clients

  • POBL GROUP
  • LINC CYMRU
  • CURO GROUP
  • CLARION HOUSING GROUP
  • GRWP CYNEFIN
  • MELIN
  • ADRA
  • PLATFORM HOUSING GROUP
  • BARCUD
  • HAFOD HOUSING

Work highlights

  • Advised Platform Housing Group, one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands, on the £56m affordable housing development in Lichfield.
  • Advised north Wales local authorities with housing stock on new legislation ensuring that 150,000 tenants’ contracts met with the new requirements.
  • Advised Trivallis on a disrepair case that set out precedent around the handling of expert evidence to ensure claims of disrepair are dealt with appropriately, root out vexatious claims and ensure resources are retained for genuine issues.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Richard Macphail

Other key lawyers

Caroline O’Flaherty, Bethan Gladwyn, Iwan Jenkins, Matthew Stevens, Rebecca Rees