EXPERTISE

Housing Law

Gary’s practice covers all areas of social housing litigation and landlord and tenant disputes. He worked for over 10 years as a solicitor for a local authority and then in private practice exclusively for social landlords. He has focussed over the last decade on legally-aided tenant work. He hopes to draw upon this experience at Trinity by developing a mixed practice of landlord and tenant work. 

In 2023, he was ranked for Social Housing (Northern/North Eastern (Bar)) in Band 1 and for Social Housing (Northern Circuit) as a Tier 1 leading junior.

He is available for advice, drafting and advocacy across the full range of housing issues and is available for conferences and early tactical advice by telephone:

  • All types of claims for possession
  • Anti-social behaviour possession, injunctions and committals
  • Bringing and defending claims in housing cases where the tenant lacks capacity, having been instructed by the Official Solicitor and other litigation friends
  • “Hoarding” cases
  • Cases involving Article 8
  • Cases where the Equality Act 2010 is engaged, including the Public Sector Equality Duty and section 15 and 19 discrimination
  • Claims concerning unlawful eviction injunctions and damages
  • Succession to tenancy and “failed successors”
  • Residential disrepair claims including damages and specific performance
  • Public law challenges concerning homelessness and allocation of housing, public law defences to possession claims, s. 204 appeals to the County Court

Court of Protection

Alongside his housing practice, Gary regularly deals with matters in the Court of Protection. He has experience of bringing and responding to section 21A challenges to DOLS and regularly appears in personal welfare applications for P, local authorities and family members. He has experience of appearing in related matters where the parties are involved in housing cases in the County Court and the Court of Protection.

LECTURES & SEMINARS

As a former lecturer in HE and FE, he is an experienced and effective trainer adept at meeting the needs of solicitors and housing officers in an accessible, useful and memorable manner on substantive and procedural law relating to housing and mental capacity. He is also registered as a pupil supervisor.

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Middle Temple

EDUCATION

  • Graduate Diploma in Law
  • Legal Practice Course
  • Bar Transfer Test

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Gary is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Clerking team

Paul McNab

Civil & Criminal Silks' Clerk

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0113 3235 955

Lead Civil Clerk

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0191 245 9589

Lead Family Clerk

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0191 245 9551

Family & Immigration Clerk

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0191 245 9531

Lead Employment Clerk & Civil Clerk

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0191 300 9359

Civil Clerk

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0191 245 9556

Clerk

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01642 247 569
  • "Gary Willock is a safe pair of hands"

    Social Housing, Chambers & Partners 2025

  • "Gary Willock is excellent with clients and always willing to help." "He has an eye for detail, deals with papers efficiently and without delay. Clients find Gary easy to understand and empathetic"

    Social Housing, Chambers & Partners 2024

  • "Gary Willock's broad experience in the sector encompasses areas such as possession proceedings, mandatory and restraining injunctions, succession disputes and unlawful eviction cases. He also comes recommended for his experience in representing individuals who lack capacity. "Gary is a very approachable and pragmatic individual. His manner with clients is reassuring, and his management of their expectations is exceptional. Despite dealing with a complex area of law, he is always able to find a level to make sure they understand the position they are in.""Gary is an experienced and competent advocate.""He is a very good barrister. Gary is excellent with clients with complex mental health issues.""

    Chambers & Partners 2023

  • "Gary has a quick turnaround of papers, is approachable and good with clients."

    Legal 500 2023

  • "He is always well-prepared, his style is relaxed and focused. He is a formidable opponent because he is a realistic, practical and client focused advocate. As well as being exceptional in written and oral advocacy."

    Legal 500 2022

  • "Excellent client rapport; advice is always spot on and pragmatic; helpful and constructive approach; understands the needs of the not-for-profit sector; friendly and approachable; cheerful in adversity; always well prepared and thorough; easy and prompt communication."

    Legal 500 2021

  • "He is extremely bright and goes above and beyond the call of duty. "He has good judgement and is very sensible. He is a very good courtroom advocate."

    Chambers & Partners 2019

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