Housing Solicitors

We are delighted to celebrate the publication of ‘Court Duty: A Reference Guide to Defending Tenants in the Possession Lists’ by Duncan Lewis’ very own Housing specialist, Daniel Bacon. Launched in March 2023, Daniel’s 14-chapter book brings together all in one place a comprehensive breakdown of the defences which may be available in common possession proceedings encountered on Court Duty, with references to legislation, case law and CPR provisions, all in a clear and easy-to-reference guide. Daniel drew inspiration from his experience defending tenants on the possession lists and consolidated the notes that he uses in his own practice as a regular Court Duty adviser to develop the book. He developed the guide for those, often junior, solicitors who find themselves on Court Duty “to maximise utility when time is short but thoroughness is still required.” Daniel told us “Court duty exists to support unrepresented tenants facing eviction. Courts that deal with possession lists have a court duty adviser who will be there in person for tenants who turn up to court looking for last-minute advice or representation in the eviction proceedings. I started on court duty when I first began working at Duncan Lewis Solicitors nearly 2 years ago. My director Manjinder showed me all the ropes at Willesden County Court. I have felt very lucky to work with such an amazing and talented team at Duncan Lewis representing people in need and facing eviction, and all the staff at Willesden – the judges, security, clerks, administrators – are all hugely committed. This guidebook is actually put together from the notes that I myself use on court duty. If I find them useful, my hope is that others will too!” Housing Director Manjinder Kaur Atwal said “I am very proud of Daniel Bacon on the publication of his much-anticipated Court Duty book. This guide to defending possession claims will not only help the Court Duty advisors but the Court itself. I have my signed copy already. I have nothing but admiration and respect for anyone who can put pen to paper and succeed. Well done Daniel”. To read more about Daniel’s book click here About the author: Daniel Bacon is a Housing solicitor at Duncan Lewis. He regularly acts as Court Duty adviser defending tenants on the possession lists. He also acts for both landlords and tenants, privately and publically funded, in a range of matters, including possession proceedings, matters of succession, and property ownership disputes. Contact him for advice via email at DanielBa@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 020 7275 2593. Daniel works under housing director Manjinder Kaur Atwal who has more than 13 years’ experience in housing and property litigation law, tackling possession claims and eviction matters, landlord and tenant disputes, homelessness, housing disrepair, bringing judicial review matters, review/appeals relating to local authority housing decisions, property nuisance/negligence claims, and much more.