England - West Midlands • Real estate

Roythornes Solicitors

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Roythornes Solicitors continues to strengthen its ‘growing reputation’ across the West Midlands, advising a range of clients, in particular social landlords, on matters including transactions, development, planning and construction. Daniel Skinner, a ’social housing law maestro’, is singled out for his expertise in housing management, including anti-social behaviour and regulatory issues. Benjamin Smith has a wealth of experience in development, leading and investment projects. Associate Tahmina Jany, who specialises in housing disrepair, recently joined the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Roythornes brings a fresh approach to our increasingly complex sector. They work on relationships, without ever compromising the quality and integrity of their advice. They have worked with us on new delivery models, and quickly adapted to how we want to work. We can call on their pool of specialists 24/7, and always get on-point advice at a very competitive price.’

  • ‘A team with a growing reputation in the social housing field since the acquisition of Daniel Skinner.’

  • ‘Daniel Skinner - “Mr Social Housing”. A brilliant communicator, immersed in his subject.'

  • 'They collaborate very well internally and the work is done extremely efficiently and to a very high standard. The best thing about the work they do (which differs from other firms) is that they tailor it completely to the needs of the client. We have an effective in-house team who from time to time need support on a matter and we work together with Roythornes to produce the most cost effective result for our client. Roythornes' ability to be flexible and innovative in this regard is invaluable - they really do feel like an extension of our in-house legal team.’

  • ‘I cannot speak of Ben Smith highly enough - his knowledge in both social housing and development work is exceptional. Ben is so helpful, responsive and approachable. He not only has a good legal brain and makes sure to protect all the interests we need adequately, but also a commercial one and is able to take a pragmatic approach to everything he does, which helps to get transactions we need over the line.’

  • ‘Daniel Skinner is social housing law's maestro. He applies a keen intellect to practical and pragmatic advice. Daniel's progressive approach keeps us far ahead of the field. He is values-driven and dependable, which is why so many in the sector are so loyal to him. We would not trust our work to any other lawyer.’

Key clients

  • Poplar HARCA
  • Settle
  • Regenda Homes
  • Platform Housing
  • Flagship Housing
  • West Kent Housing
  • MHS Homes
  • Southern Housing Group
  • Midland Heart
  • Walsall Housing Group
  • Onward Housing
  • WM
  • Longhurst Group

Work highlights

  • Advising Flagship Housing Group on the land acquisition in respect of a residential development in Narborough, advising on stepping down specific obligations in the section 106 agreement onto Minster Property Group and on charities relief from SDLT.
  • Successfully advised Poplar HARCA on a claim for possession arising out of serious anti-social behaviour.
  • Advising Midland Heart on the acquisition of a development site at a former bus depot with complex back-to-back development obligations with a private developer for the construction of 118 affordable housing dwellings.

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Daniel Skinner

Roythornes Solicitors

ExperienceDaniel is a partner in the Housing Management team. He has acted for Registered Providers, local authorities and ALMOs for over 25 years. He is described by Chambers & Partners as “one of the leading lights in social housing”.ExpertiseDaniel is known for his expertise in dealing with housing management, especially anti-social behaviour, leasehold and shared ownership. He is renowned for his clear and decisive advice. Daniel is highly regarded for his entertaining and practical training sessions and his public speaking.Notable projectsDaniel has successfully represented clients in many of the leading Housing cases in the Court of Appeal including Poplar HARCA v Byrne and West Kent Housing v Haycraft

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ben Smith

Other key lawyers

Daniel Skinner, Tahmina Jany