Housing conditions update and bringing personal injury claims - Free Webinar

This webinar was brought to you by the Garden Court Chambers Housing Team.

Catherine O'Donnell of Garden Court Chambers presented an update on fitness for habitation and disrepair. Guest speaker, Patrick Spence, partner and solicitor at Dowse & Co explained the issues and procedures involved in bringing personal injury claims. Justine Compton of Garden Court Chambers chaired the webinar.

Speakers

Justine Compton, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers (Chair)
Justine has specialised in housing law (as a solicitor and barrister) for over 20 years. She specialises in complex homelessness cases and possession claims involving vulnerable tenants. She also has particular experience in anti-social behaviour matters and succession cases. She is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor.

Justine has been appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the South Eastern Circuit. 

Catherine O'Donnell, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Catherine is a member of the Housing, Civil and Court of Protection Teams. Since coming to the bar, she has built up extensive experience in a range of courts and tribunals and has dedicated her practice to defending individuals' economic, social and human rights. Catherine's housing practice spans the whole range of tenancy and housing matters, including possession, anti-social behaviour injunctions, and unlawful eviction. Catherine is regularly instructed in complex possession trials, especially those involving mental health issues, and is instructed by the Official Solicitor.

Catherine is a particular expert in housing conditions cases and is a co-author of Housing Conditions: tenant's rights (sixth edition) published by LAG. She writes the annual Housing Conditions Update for Legal Action.

Patrick Spence, Solicitor, Dowse & Co
Patrick joined Dowse & Co. as a trainee in 1999, qualifying in 2001. He previously worked for 10 years in the NHS. Patrick runs cases on legal aid where possible but does most of his work on a no-win-no-fee basis. Patrick campaigns to defend legal aid and access to justice for all. He has a keen interest in the rights of tenants. Patrick aims to maximise the recovery of damages for clients he represents. Patrick is an experienced civil litigator and pursues any claim that has merit.

Patrick specialises in Personal Injury Law with a special interest in cycle accidents & workplace accidents as well as Housing Law for tenants, including disrepair actions & defending possession claims.