An association for social housing professionals and their lawyers is to be launched next week.

The Social Housing Law Association (SHLA) has received the backing of a number of barristers' chambers including Hardwicke Building, 2-3 Gray's Inn Square, Arden Chambers and 22 Old Buildings. It is also supported by London firms Devonshires and Owen White, and Bromley-based Marsons.


SHLA committee member Warren Bradley, senior solicitor at the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: 'We feel there is a niche in the market to bring together residential social landlords, local authority housing departments and all of the lawyers who work for social housing providers.'


Mr Bradley added that social housing law has been fast-moving with legislation such as the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Housing Act 2004 as well as initiatives in the field of anti-social behaviour.


The SHLA has formed a limited company and will in due course hold elections for senior positions within the organisation.


For more information on the association and the launch meeting, e-mail: info@shla.org.uk.