Capsticks is delighted to announce that new associate Katrina Robinson MBE has joined the firm, strengthening its housing management offering. Katrina specialises in advising on a range of housing management matters including tenancy fraud, anti-social behaviour and disrepair. Capsticks’ housing management team has seen considerable growth in recent months, with solicitors Rebecca Evans and Kirsten Taylor joining the Chorley and Birmingham offices in late 2020 and solicitor Simone Reddington joining the Winchester office in February.

The entire firm further benefitted from procurement expert Mary Mundy and construction expert Josie Williams joining from DAC Beachcroft and Clarke Willmott respectively this month.

The housing team’s advice on serious anti-social behaviour, succession, tenancy reviews and leasehold litigation will be supported by Katrina’s strong experience in working with housing associations and local authorities on tenancy issues.

Katrina was awarded with an MBE for Services in Social Housing in 2016. Her other roles include being the Chair of the Tenancy Fraud Forum, the founder of the Disrepair Focus Group, and she previously served as the Independent Adjudicator for the Grenfell enquiry. From this, Katrina has gained invaluable experience in the housing sector, both from a legal and housing management perspective. She will further enhance the team’s capability to assist clients with the pressing topics housing providers are currently facing, such as the increase in anti-social behaviour problems, possession orders and disrepair claims. 

Senior Partner Rachael Heenan says:

“I’m delighted that Katrina has chosen to join us. Her expertise will complement that of our renowned housing team and will be of great value to our clients throughout the country and as part of our commitment to our clients in the housing sector.”

Katrina Robinson says:

“I am thrilled to be joining Capsticks and to be involved with the fantastic support they deliver to their social housing clients. The sector is seeing unprecedented challenges with disrepair claims and, despite the pandemic, anti-social behaviour and tenancy fraud are increasing. Capsticks is investing in this area to ensure its clients will be one step ahead and I'm delighted to be part of the solution.”

Head of Housing Management Michael Owen says:

“Having spoken alongside Katrina at numerous housing conferences, I am delighted that someone of her experience, specialist knowledge and ability will be joining the team. I was always impressed by Katrina’s practical style, approachable demeanour and can do attitude. Having previously led in-house legal teams she will also give us additional invaluable insight into our clients’ needs. ”

Capsticks’ 100-strong specialist housing team advises more than 200 registered providers across the country. Our pragmatic approach blends operational, strategic and legal expertise. The further expansion of the team means their clients, as well as the sector in general, can rely on their outstanding guidance and support.