We are recognised by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK as a medium-sized firm specialising in banking, construction, commercial litigation, corporate, employment, projects, and property. Our roots started in social housing, and we have successfully expanded to representing large banks and financial institutions, international and national companies (from start-ups to some of the largest), insurance underwriters and brokers, regulators, insolvency practitioners, professional service providers, private and institutional landlords, politicians and high-profile individuals.

Over the past few years, we have grown significantly and now have over 400 employees and partners and a growing international reach.

With decades at the forefront of the sector, and a large (and growing) client base, currently numbering over 200 Registered Providers and Registered Social Landlords (RPs and RSLs), plus a number of private landlord companies, our Housing Management and Property Litigation (HMPL) team has steadily grown to address increasing demand, as well as an increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape. This, coupled with our AI solutions and other IT sophisticated products, means we are confident that we will both meet and exceed client expectations.

Described in the Legal 500 as ‘a one-stop-shop that is holistic and comprehensive’, and ‘market-leading’ there are few legal issues affecting the sector we have not already seen or dealt with; from day-to-day, to complex and leading cases. Led by Lee Russell and Mark Foxcroft, the HMPL team works with over 200 RPs and RSLs, regularly advising members of the G15 as well as acting for a number of Local Authorities in England and Wales, Arms-Length Management Organisations (ALMOs), Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs), Housing Cooperatives, Estate Management Boards, Private Organisations, Landowners, Developers, Investors, and Charities. The team is over 90 strong and the largest in the sector.

We are also a leading firm for specialist work in Wales. Lee leads our dedicated Wales team, advising RSLs on all aspects of housing management, property litigation and topical Welsh issues. Instructed by all claimants in the landmark test case concerning the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 - Coastal Housing Group Ltd & Ors v Mitchell & Ors – we have been at the very forefront of legislative scrutiny for the Welsh social housing sector.

Devonshires have been actively involved in the drafting and shaping of new legislation for a range of clients across the housing and public sectors. We have advised various registered providers, local authorities, and sector bodies on the legal structure and policy impact of emerging Bills, ensuring that proposed legislation is workable, compliant, and reflective of sector realities. Our input has included reviewing and drafting legislative clauses, preparing explanatory notes, and advising on the operational implications of regulatory reform.

The firm maintains strong relationships with regulatory and sector bodies, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Regulator of Social Housing, in addition to our longstanding collaboration with the NHF. These relationships enhance our ability to provide informed and pragmatic legal advice that reflects both policy intentions and operational realities.