Crutes sets up housing law team

The idea behind the team is to marry existing strengths in housing management and property. Forster views the venture as a way of coordinating the firm's separate, but related, areas within a unified strategy.
The team will serve housing associations, local authorities and private landlords, providing advice on a full range of property matters. Smaller housing associations often lack the resources to maintain an in-house capability, so Crutes runs a fixed-fee scheme to alert them to potential pitfalls. Forster said this proactive approach attracts clients.
Senior partner Tim Wallis said: "The housing unit means that we're now able to provide a team of lawyers to work solely with our clients in this area. That way, we can develop close relationships with the clients."