Catherine Watkins
Cwmbran NP44 1UG
Social welfare and housing Solicitor Cwmbran
29 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Catherine Watkins is an experienced family and property lawyer based in Cwmbran & Barry and cover South wales & Bristol, with 29 years of legal expertise. Fluent in both English and Welsh, Catherine is a key member of...
What does social welfare & housing involve?
- Homelessness assistance: Applying to local authorities for housing support, challenging unsuitable temporary accommodation, or appealing a homelessness decision.
- Housing benefit and Universal Credit: Disputing eligibility or payment amounts, and navigating appeals processes if a claim is refused or reduced.
- Social housing rights: Understanding your rights as a tenant of a council or housing association, including security of tenure and succession rights.
- Disrepair and maintenance: Holding social landlords accountable for unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, and seeking compensation where necessary.
- Evictions and possession proceedings: Addressing rent arrears, anti-social behaviour allegations, and legal defences to prevent unlawful evictions.
How can a solicitor help with social welfare & housing, and what does it cost?
A specialist solicitor or housing adviser can:
- Provide advice and representation: Explaining your entitlements, filling in forms, and challenging negative decisions from councils or benefit agencies.
- Negotiate with landlords and local authorities: Seeking repairs, preventing eviction, or improving living conditions through dialogue or mediation.
- Appeal in court or tribunals: If negotiations fail, a solicitor can present your case before a judge or tribunal, ensuring legal procedures are correctly followed.
Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether legal aid is available. Some individuals qualify for legal aid, which can cover part or all of a solicitor’s fees in housing matters. Otherwise, rates typically range from £100–£300 per hour, though some firms may offer fixed-fee or reduced-fee arrangements for certain cases. An initial consultation—often free or at a low cost—can help you understand your options, likely expenses, and the best steps to secure safe, stable housing.
5 Solicitors (domaine de droit rattaché pour Social welfare and housing)
Jai SINGH
London EC2N 1HN
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
20 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Jai is a senior legal consultant with the Alston Asquith corporate/commercial team with extensive international and London City work experience. A Cambridge University Law alumnus, Jai has particular expertise in relation to complex transactions, including in the areas...
Wenjie DONG
London N4 3JU
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
12 years of experience
Accepts legal aid in Social welfare and housing
Wenjie Dong is a dedicated and approachable solicitor based in London, with 12 years of experience specializing in criminal law, fraud, and family law. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2013, Wenjie has built a strong reputation for...
Asif Khan
London W10 5AD
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
10 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Before joining Lawbite, Asif worked in private practice with a silver circle international firm and in-house with FCA regulated investment and asset management firms. Having worked in-house and started a business of his own, Asif understands the cost...
Shah Ali
London E1 2LX
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
13 years of experience
Does not accept legal aid
Shah Ali is a highly accomplished solicitor based in London, with 13 years of experience in family law, immigration, intellectual property, bankruptcy, conveyancing, and wills, trusts, and estates. As the founding Senior Partner of Waterstone Solicitors, he has...
James Davis
London W6 7PJ
Social welfare and housing Solicitor London
Does not accept legal aid
James is a solicitor who specialises in criminal, licensing, and professional disciplinary matters. He represents clients in investigations, trials, and appellate and judicial review proceedings. He has received praise from clients and their families, fellow lawyers, and Magistrates....