Head of Legal Services at CEL Solicitors who provide advice, assistance and representation to those suffering with disrepair in their home, properties affected by Japanese knotweed and tenancy deposit issues. Driving force behind Estate & Legal who provide cost effective commercial advice to landlords and letting agents.

• Representing registered housing providers, providing advice and representation on the legal and practical aspects of tenancy management and tackling anti-social behaviour.• Primary contact for land disputes and queries from registered housing providers which have included Boundary Disputes, Adverse Possession, Enforcement of Covenants (Leasehold and Freehold), Dilapidations and Service Charge and Estate Rentcharge Recovery.• Developed strong links with private landlord groups within the North West of England.• Organising networking and social events with clients including dragon boat racing and muddy racing.

• Managing a varied caseload of Consumer Land Disputes including Boundary Disputes, Rights of Way, Party Wall Act, Injunctive Relief, Nuisance Neighbours, Tall Trees and Adverse Possession claims.• Dealing with high value Multi-Track cases and complex Chancery Court cases.• Experience of varied funding streams including LEI, CFA, ATE, private paying and Legal Aid.• Supervision of a clerk and paralegal.

• LSC Supervisor of the Blackburn and Burnley LSC Housing Contracts. Combined new matter start total of 600 cases per annum (£100k fixed fee value).• Managing a personal caseload of varied level housing files and supervision of two housing caseworkers.• Compliance management of my own and the caseworkers casework to Legal Services Commission and SQM standards. Carrying out regular independent file reviews focusing on compliance, client benefit and maximisation of chargeable hours. • First point of call for client complaints.• Overseeing any referrals to Shelter Solicitors to apply for public funding certificates to ensure cost benefit of files and any outstanding issues were dealt with.• Liaising with partner organisations such as Nelson Citizens Advice Bureau and Burnley Council. • Providing emergency specialist advocacy under the Housing Court Duty Possession Schemes at Burnley, Blackburn and Accrington County Courts.

• Working within a small team of specialist caseworkers reporting to the LSC specialist supervisor.• Managing a caseload of varied level housing files from Legal Help to full certificated Legal Aid work under supervision. Providing specialist housing legal advice and representation on a range of issues including disrepair, rent and mortgage repossession, succession, anti-social behaviour and general landlord and tenant issues.• Development of exceptional negotiation skills to settle matters pre-issue. Notably negotiating a client’s liability for a secured Consumer Credit Act loan down from £10,000.00 to £750.00 and settled possession proceedings by consent.• Specialist advocacy for clients in ongoing cases such as post-Pinnock proportionality.• Providing emergency specialist advocacy under the Housing Court Duty Possession Scheme at Birkenhead County Court.

• Employed as the Clerk to the managing partner of this prestigious Chambers Legal 100 department.• Assisting in the creation of the new Housing Department in the Leigh office to meet company needs.• Attending and advising clients, Counsel and opponents. • Developed high level drafting skills preparing pleadings, instructions to Counsel, statements and trial bundles.• Trained in representing existing clients as an advocate and in providing emergency specialist advocacy under the Housing Court Duty Possession Scheme at St Helens County Court.