PracticeJohn is predominantly a housing practitioner, although he has extensive experience of social security law and asylum support. He has also represented prisoners at adjudications and parole hearings and has represented travellers in High Court injunction and committal proceedings . A focus of John's housing work is representing tenants who are accused of nuisance and anti-social behaviour, including tenants with mental health problems and those who have had closure orders and ASBO's made against them. He regularly represents in section 204 homelessness appeals. John is committed to acting for tenants and homeless people. His background as an advice worker means he has a practical and determined approach to conducting his cases. BackgroundPrior to joining Garden Court, John supervised the welfare benefits franchise at Tower Hamlets Law Centre. He was a member of the Tower Hamlets Community Legal Service steering group, chaired the Tower Hamlets Advice Providers' Forum and provided training for local community advocacy organisations. John has also worked for the Disability Law Service and the Landmark, an organisation for people living with HIV/Aids. He is therefore very experienced at working with people from varied backgrounds and in dealing sensitively with people who are facing stressful situations. John has been an active trade union member; he was a shop steward in Unison and the T&G as well as a member of the Lesbian and Gay Advisory Committee in the CWU. He is a member of the executive committee of the Haldane society and a member of the Housing Law Practitioners Association and Liberty. Notable casesM (a child) v Chief Adjudication Officer (1999) 96(44) L.S.G. 41. The meaning of severe mental impairment in DLA Regulations (as caseworker). R(IS)2/2004. Whether delay by the Secretary of State in seeking to recover an overpayment can preclude a fair trial. Christofis v Residential Property Tribunal Service [2006] EWHC 2875 (Admin)
'Whether the Panel had failed to take into account a relevant consideration, namely the planning history of the flat or whether they could rely on their own inspection.' Birmingham City Council v Walker [2006] 1 WLR 815 'second' succession to a secure tenancy. Birmingham City Council v Paul Walker [2007] UKHL 22.
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