Displaying vast expertise spanning disciplines including housing management, property litigation and construction law, the Devonshires Solicitors LLP practice ‘leads the market in quality’. The team routinely represents multinational housing associations and charitable trusts, with the ’really professional, responsive’ Birmingham-based co-head Gemma Bell being an expert in joint ventures and de-mergers in the social housing sector. Baljit Basra co-leads the department, focusing on complex housing litigation claims, whilst Sharon Thandi is also highlighted as key.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are always on hand to help in a variety of ways - as soon as we became a client they provided us with a system where we could easily upload information on cases, we have weekly team meetings and they have also done bespoke training and assisted us in the office on large case loads. Nothing is too much trouble.’
‘Donna McCarthy and Baljit Basra are all partners and extremely down-to-earth making the customer feel comfortable and not completely out of their depth when dealing with legal matters, no question is too silly and we feel very comfortable using them and their teams.’
‘The team, led by Gemma Bell, leads the market in quality and depth of experience and understanding of social housing. Working with organisations that are in distress, the team provides bespoke advice when speed if often the key.’
‘Gemma Bell has a deep understanding of social housing. Her advice is clear, relevant and timely. She is available when you need it which is extremely helpful when you are dealing with fast moving situations.’
‘Devonshire employs a team of experts with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the housing legal sector.'
- 'Gemma is very clear and articulate in explaining pros of cons of major decisions – backed up clearly with legislation to improve ones’ understanding.'
- 'Gemma is able to provide advice and guidance whether overall strategic guidance and leadership or the ability to deep dive into the details. Gemma’s dedication to quality is exemplified by her meticulous attention to detail and innovative problem-solving skills. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction.'
- 'Gemma tells it as it is and works with integrity and empathy. She approaches every interaction with honesty, transparency and a genuine desire to support our organisation.’
Key clients
- Midland Heart
- Walsall Housing Group
- Bromford Housing
- English Rural Housing Association
- Stonewater Group
- Mount Green Housing Association
- Platform Housing Group
- Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trust
- The Riverside Group Limited
- The Community Housing Group
- Orbit Group
- Longhurst Group
- Lench’s Housing Trust
- Wrekin Housing Group
- The Guinness Partnership Limited
- Shepherds Bush Housing Association
- Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
- Ongo Homes
- Windrush Alliance UK Community Interest Company
- St Anne’s Hostel
- The Housing Plus Group
- ExtraCare Charitable Housing Trust
- Housing21
- Highstone Housing Association
- GreenSquare Accord
- Concept Housing
- Fusion21
- Curo Group
- Cardiff Community Housing
- Accent Group
- ACIS Group
- Spring Housing Association
- Bromsgrove District Housing Trust
- Anchor Hanover
- People Potential Possibilities/ P3 Housing (the P3 Group)
Work highlights
- Acting jointly for Stonewater Group and Mount Green Housing Association on their merger, which completed in January 2024.
- Assisted Midland Heart in their acquisition from Countryside of four hundred new affordable dwellings upon the strategic development at Drakelow Park.
- Advised The Riverside Group on the consolidation of its legal structure, which was achieved through merging three registered providers of social housing (RPs) together to form one legal entity.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gemma Bell, Baljit Basra, Donna McCarthy