Croftons hires Brabners housing expert

Croftons Solicitors has continued the expansion of its social housing litigation team with the recruitment of Melanie Dirom from Brabners Chaffe Street as senior associate to head up the department.

Simon Leighton, managing partner of Croftons, based in Manchester, said: "Melanie has a proven track record of delivering results for registered providers and is well known in the sector. She has been recognised by The Law Society for her work which includes notable cases such as the civil litigation relating to the Rhys Jones murder in Liverpool and notorious gang member activity throughout the North West."

Qualifying in 2003, Dirom began her career by representing social housing tenants before specialising purely in landlord work ten years ago.

She said: "This has given me an understanding of both the landlords' and the tenants' issues. Often lawyers see one perspective or argument, not both. Social landlord clients frequently tell me that my particular experience results in a better overall outcome."

Social housing litigation work covers trespass cases, defending housing disrepair claims, possession proceedings for breach of tenancy and breach of lease obligations, among others.

Croftons' social housing team has grown from nine to 13 people in the past six months.