“Why did you want to be a barrister specialising in housing law?” is a question I am often asked and, unless you already have a background in housing, probably one you, the reader, are asking yourself. It is not for everyone. If it is fame, excitement, drama and money you are after, then you are probably better off looking elsewhere (or considering a career other than law altogether).
That is not to say that housing law is not interesting; far from it. As a barrister specialising in housing law you will be required to be not only an expert in traditional [... read more]
I can honestly say that each day is eventful, and I never know quite what is round the corner. Take yesterday as an example. I arrived at work at 8.30. I closed and billed two files. This helps to bring in money, and is just as important to the firm’s business as getting new clients.
I then wrote a letter threatening court proceedings on behalf of a private client to a housing association landlord, who for over a year has failed to take responsibility for a faulty boiler system that has left my client without hot water and heating.
At 11am I [... read more]
I decided to try to qualify as a housing solicitor when I was a local councillor in a London Borough. The majority of the people who came to see me in my “surgery” wanted help with a housing problem of some kind. Sometimes I was able to intervene with the Council to get something done but more often than not all I could do was refer them to a solicitor.
I came to learn how important access to safe, secure, quality housing is to people’s welfare. Lots of people in public life talk about the importance of health and education but [... read more]
By joining HLPA Junior Group you will have the opportunity to share ideas and enter into discussions with people at a similar stage in their training, attend seminars specifically prepared for people at your level and further HLPA’s aims. Once you are a member of HLPA Junior Group you will always have a group of people available to ask any questions you may have, particularly those you feel you can’t ask your tutor or supervisor for fear of looking stupid! You will also have the opportunity to be involved in preparing responses to consultation papers and involvement in research [... read more]
