Devonshires to open in Leeds after hiring housing property finance specialist

Law firm Devonshires is to open a Leeds office in February next year after hiring Chris Drabble, a Legal Director at Addleshaw Goddard.

Drabble has been at Addleshaw Goddard for 16 years and leads its housing finance property practice.

He has advised funders on security related transactions in the social and affordable housing sector such as loan financings and large-scale voluntary transfers.

Sharon Kirkham, partner at Devonshires and head of its securitisation team, said: “It’s a really exciting time for Devonshires as we prepare to extend our geographic reach and open our first regional office in Leeds. Chris has a leading reputation in the social housing sector and is widely considered to be its pre-eminent funders’ adviser, specialising in all aspects of housing finance property work, so is the ideal candidate to lead and grow our new team.

“We already act for a number of registered providers (RPs) in the north, but his extensive knowledge and experience will create new opportunities for the firm across the region and significantly expand our client base. His contacts and expertise will also ensure that we can service our existing clients more effectively. Chris’ knowledge of the sector and, in particular, his role as a funders’ adviser on property work, will be invaluable going forward with his dual role acting for RPs and funders.”

Drabble said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to join a firm which is renowned for its social housing finance work and dominates the sector. Having worked in Leeds for nine years, I’m looking forward to working with Devonshires to develop the firm’s service offering across the region to both funders and RPs.”