Legal alliance of housing providers expands with three new members

The Housing Associations’ Legal Alliance (HALA) – a consortium of registered providers set up to drive down solicitors’ fees and share best practice – has added three new members.

The consortium was launched in 2010 by Viridian Housing, Peabody, Metropolitan Housing Partnership and Phoenix Community Housing.

In September 2010 HALA named 15 law firms to a joint panel. Bircham Dyson Bell, Devonshires, DMH Stallard and Trowers & Hamlins were among those appointed.

The new members are Alliance, Wandle and Network Housing Group. Network Housing Group comprises Community Trust Housing, London Strategic Housing, Mitali Housing Association, Network Stadium Housing Association, Riversmead Housing Association and Willow Housing and Care.

Darren Hartley, Company Secretary at Alliance Homes, said: “The big attraction of the framework was the ability for us to obtain legal services at competitive rates at a time when value for money is critical, whilst giving us the flexibility and choice to access a range of firms that have an in-depth knowledge of the social housing sector.”

Consultancy Kennedy Cater manages HALA on behalf of its members. Director Vivienne Horton said: “The addition of these 3 new members shows that HALA is going from strength to strength and we anticipate it growing further in 2012.”