William Ford

Partner
Housing and Social Care
Property Litigation

Contact William

  • “William Ford is the best housing and public law solicitor of his generation.”

  • “Will is a very able and unbelievably clever lawyer who is on top of his subject and is very considerate to his clients.”

  • Modern practice headed by Will Ford who has developed an excellent team. Able to take on the most difficult cases at short notice and prepare excellent electronic paperwork for the courts.

    Legal 500 2024

  • William Ford is the best housing and public law solicitor of his generation.

    Legal 500 2024

  • Will Ford is a stand-out expert and is incredibly dedicated to the field.

    Legal 500 2024

  • There are some incredibly committed and knowledgeable lawyers, such as Will Ford.

    Legal 500 2024

  • Will is involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work and brings the same focus and dedication to both

    Legal 500 2024

  • Will Ford is a highly respected practitioner who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of housing law. He is extremely intelligent and very hard-working.

    Legal 500 2024

  • Will Ford is hands down one of the best housing lawyers out there. Clever, pragmatic, good with clients, reasonable with opponents, incredibly knowledgeable and, as a result, extremely effective

    Legal 500 2024

  • Ford is particularly notable in community care matters and its crossover with housing law, an area which is a growing specialism for the team.

    Legal 500 2024

  • The social housing team at Osbornes is led by William Ford, a ‘standout‘ expert in all aspects of social housing who is ‘involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work'

    Legal 500 2024

  • William Ford is experienced in representing tenants in disrepair and possession claims, as well as homelessness appeals and judicial reviews concerning allocation of housing.

    Chambers UK 2023

  • "He has a really good eye for detail, able to untangle and trace complicated matters. He has real expertise in welfare public law issues."

    Chambers UK 2023

  • "Will is very technically competent and smart and he's very generous with his time."

    Chambers UK 2023

  • "William is truly extraordinary. He is wonderful, clever, bright, and helps everyone in understanding the law."

    Chambers UK 2023

  • "He is absolutely brilliant and is a very effective litigator for clients who don't have many options. He is very pragmatic, measured and reasonable - he appeals to common sense, which makes him an effective negotiator."

    Chambers UK 2023

  • "William Ford is truly extraordinary - he helps everyone and knows the law better than anyone."

    Chambers UK 2023

  • "Will Ford is a test case lawyer whose practice spans Social Housing and Welfare issues, his breadth of knowledge in both fields in invaluable to those working in his team."

    Legal 500 2023

  • "Osbornes’ team have grown in size and stature under the excellent leadership of Will Ford."

    Legal 500 2023

  • "Will Ford stands out as an exceptional and highly regarded lawyer in the field."

    Legal 500 2023

  • "The lawyer that was helping me with my case was William Ford was simply amazing – if a partner shows all these qualities, this must, I’m sure, filter down to the rest of the employees due to the example set."

    Legal 500 2023

  • "Will Ford recently took over a case from a departing colleague and was immediately on top of all the issues in a fact-heavy case; he is always available to speak to and in a case against a hard-to-manage litigant in person he was excellent."

    Legal 500 2023

  • "He is excellent - meticulous attention to detail and very knowledgeable."

    Chambers UK 2022

  • Practice head William Ford takes on public law challenges involving housing rights, community care, welfare benefits and support for migrants, among other areas. His work in the field of housing law often involves challenging local authorities' refusals to honour statutory obligations.

    Legal 500 2022

  • William Ford is a very well-known and well-respected solicitor who has acted in some of the most important recent public law cases involving housing and welfare issues. He is extremely intelligent, always on top of the latest legal developments, and very committed to his clients.

    Legal 500 2022

  • Will Ford – one of a handful of specialists in social security law. Outstanding experience & knowledge of complex statutory schemes.

    Legal 500 2022

  • Will is an astute litigator, and his breadth of knowledge across the fields of housing and social welfare law allows him to take a holistic approach to clients’ situations.

    Legal 500 2022

  • Will Ford is a leading figure in the social housing field. He is highly committed to his clients and leaves no stone unturned in seeking to assist them with their problems.

    Legal 500 2022

  • Will Ford – very experienced, highly professional and with a wide and deep knowledge of social housing litigation and related social welfare areas of law.

    Legal 500 2022

  • Will Ford is a very well-regarded figure in the housing law world and leads a team of high quality and committed lawyers.

    Legal 500 2022

  • "William Ford has an impressive track record handling a variety of possession, homelessness and unlawful eviction matters. He is also adept at community care cases where these issues intersect with housing law. Sources praise him for being 'completely on top of the law and a very good negotiator who gets the most for his clients.'"

  • “William acts on possession, disrepair and homelessness cases, and has particular expertise in the protection of tenancy deposits under the Housing Act 2004.”

    Chambers UK

  • “William Ford is impressive and devoted to the sector.”

    Chambers Uk

  • “Associate William Ford receives effusive praise for his dedication and commitment to social housing. Interviewees highlight his technical understanding and background in housing law, and describe him as highly impressive.”

    Chambers UK

  • “The ‘very thorough’ and ‘incredibly committed’ William Ford is a respected practitioner acting predominantly for tenants facing possession and eviction proceedings, homeless applicants or clients who are making disrepair claims. He understands the links between different parts of the law and housing – how your immigration status might link to housing, for example, or how care provisions might link to housing.”

    Chambers UK

  • “William Ford is a ‘tenacious litigator with a lovely manner that, combined with intelligence, knowledge and pragmatism, makes him a pleasure to work with."

  • “He is brilliant – he’s really intelligent and has great strategic capabilities.”

  • "The team at Osbornes is inspired by its leader Will Ford, a truly first-rate, modern lawyer’s lawyer. The team have blossomed under his Will and are now packed with conscientious, dedicated and excellent lawyers who always give their clients 100%."

    Legal 500 2021

  • "William Ford - A good technical lawyer with a strong commitment to his clients"

    Legal 500 2021

  • “Osbornes has an impressive social housing team and the quality of their work that I have seen is very high. Will Ford is a very well-regarded figure in the housing law world and leads a team of high quality and committed lawyers. The existence of family and property law teams at the firm, amongst others, means that they are able to offer a holistic and expert approach to their clients.”

    Legal 500 2021 - William Ford

  • William Ford is "highly committed to his clients and leaves no stone unturned in seeking to assist them with their problems"

    Chambers & Partners Directory 2020, William Ford

  • William Ford "is an astute litigator, and his breadth of knowledge allows him to take a holistic approach to clients’ situations."

    Chambers & Partners Directory 2020, William Ford

  • "He is one of the most passionate lawyers I've ever worked with. He's a rare commodity."

    Chambers UK

  • "William Ford frequently represents tenants in possession proceedings, homelessness appeals and disrepair claims... and is praised for his dynamic and hard-working approach."

    Chambers UK

  • "The absolutely brilliant William Ford."

    The Legal 500

  • William Ford receives effusive praise for his dedication and commitment to social housing. Interviewees highlight his technical understanding and background in housing law, and describe him as highly impressive."

    Chambers UK

  • 'First-class lawyer' William Ford is 'completely dedicated to making a positive difference', and is acting in cases challenging the 'bedroom tax'.

    Legal 500

  • William acts on possession, disrepair and homelessness cases, and has particular expertise in the protection of tenancy deposits under the Housing Act 2004

    Chambers UK

  • William Ford is impressive and devoted to the sector.

    Chambers UK

William's 2023 directory quotes

Incredibly knowledgeable and very intelligent. Will...

Incredibly knowledgeable and very intelligent. Will knows how to use public law to the advantage of his clients

Chambers UK 2024

Will Ford is exceptional

Will Ford is exceptional

Chambers UK 2024

William Ford is unbelievably clever and...

William Ford is unbelievably clever and very considerate to his clients

Chambers UK 2024

Will is a very down-to-earth guy...

Will is a very down-to-earth guy who produces really fantastic work; it is a joy to work on cases with him

Chambers UK 2024

Will is a very able and...

Will is a very able and unbelievably clever lawyer who is on top of his subject and is very considerate to his clients.

Chambers UK 2024

William Ford is experienced in representing...

William Ford is experienced in representing tenants in disrepair and possession claims, as well as homelessness appeals and judicial reviews concerning allocation of housing.

Chambers UK 2023

"He has a really good eye...

"He has a really good eye for detail, able to untangle and trace complicated matters. He has real expertise in welfare public law issues."

Chambers UK 2023

"Will is very technically competent and...

"Will is very technically competent and smart and he's very generous with his time."

Chambers UK 2023

"William is truly extraordinary. He is...

"William is truly extraordinary. He is wonderful, clever, bright, and helps everyone in understanding the law."

Chambers UK 2023

"He is absolutely brilliant and is...

"He is absolutely brilliant and is a very effective litigator for clients who don't have many options. He is very pragmatic, measured and reasonable - he appeals to common sense, which makes him an effective negotiator."

Chambers UK 2023

"William Ford is truly extraordinary -...

"William Ford is truly extraordinary - he helps everyone and knows the law better than anyone."

Chambers UK 2023

"Will Ford is a test case...

"Will Ford is a test case lawyer whose practice spans Social Housing and Welfare issues, his breadth of knowledge in both fields in invaluable to those working in his team."

Legal 500 2023

"Osbornes’ team have grown in size...

"Osbornes’ team have grown in size and stature under the excellent leadership of Will Ford."

Legal 500 2023

"Will Ford stands out as an...

"Will Ford stands out as an exceptional and highly regarded lawyer in the field."

Legal 500 2023

"The lawyer that was helping me...

"The lawyer that was helping me with my case was William Ford was simply amazing – if a partner shows all these qualities, this must, I’m sure, filter down to the rest of the employees due to the example set."

Legal 500 2023

"Will Ford recently took over a...

"Will Ford recently took over a case from a departing colleague and was immediately on top of all the issues in a fact-heavy case; he is always available to speak to and in a case against a hard-to-manage litigant in person he was excellent."

Legal 500 2023

Accreditations

  • Times best law firm 2024
  • legal 500 leading firm
  • chambers logo

Contact William today

For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811

Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you






    William is ranked in the Chambers UK guide:

    William Ford is experienced in representing...

    William Ford is experienced in representing tenants in disrepair and possession claims, as well as homelessness appeals and judicial reviews concerning allocation of housing.

    Chambers UK 2023

    "He has a really good eye...

    "He has a really good eye for detail, able to untangle and trace complicated matters. He has real expertise in welfare public law issues."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "Will is very technically competent and...

    "Will is very technically competent and smart and he's very generous with his time."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "William is truly extraordinary. He is...

    "William is truly extraordinary. He is wonderful, clever, bright, and helps everyone in understanding the law."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "He is absolutely brilliant and is...

    "He is absolutely brilliant and is a very effective litigator for clients who don't have many options. He is very pragmatic, measured and reasonable - he appeals to common sense, which makes him an effective negotiator."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "William Ford is truly extraordinary -...

    "William Ford is truly extraordinary - he helps everyone and knows the law better than anyone."

    Chambers UK 2023

    "He is excellent - meticulous attention...

    "He is excellent - meticulous attention to detail and very knowledgeable."

    Chambers UK 2022

    “He is brilliant – he’s really...

    “He is brilliant – he’s really intelligent and has great strategic capabilities.”

    William Ford is "highly committed to...

    William Ford is "highly committed to his clients and leaves no stone unturned in seeking to assist them with their problems"

    Chambers & Partners Directory 2020, William Ford

    William Ford "is an astute litigator,...

    William Ford "is an astute litigator, and his breadth of knowledge allows him to take a holistic approach to clients’ situations."

    Chambers & Partners Directory 2020, William Ford

    "He is one of the most...

    "He is one of the most passionate lawyers I've ever worked with. He's a rare commodity."

    Chambers UK

    "William Ford frequently represents tenants in...

    "William Ford frequently represents tenants in possession proceedings, homelessness appeals and disrepair claims... and is praised for his dynamic and hard-working approach."

    Chambers UK

    William’s reported cases

    Ward, Gullu and others v London Borough of Hillingdon [2019] EWCA Civ 692

    Successful appeal in the Court of Appeal which established that the London Borough of Hillingdon’s social housing allocation scheme unlawfully discriminated on the basis of race.

    Barrow v Kazim [2018] EWCA Civ 2414

    First authority from Court of Appeal confirming that a section 21 notice cannot be served by a superior landlord directly on subtenants during the term of a mesne tenancy in relation to an assured shorthold tenancy.

    Bagum v Hafiz and Hai [2015] EWCA Civ 801

    A landmark Court of Appeal decision concerning powers of the Court under s14 of the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 in relation to orders for sale.

    SSWP v SFF and others [2015] UKUT 502 (AAC)

    Successful test case before the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) concerning the maternity rights of EEA nationals exercising their rights to freedom of movement and the domestic scope of the decision by the Court of Justice of the EU in Saint Prix C-507/12.

    Gladehurst Properties Ltd v Hashemi [2011] EWCA Civ

    A leading Court of Appeal decision concerning the interpretation of the Housing Act 2004 in relation to tenancy deposits, which was credited as bringing about a change in the law in this area.

     

    William is a Leading Individual in Legal 500:

    Modern practice headed by Will Ford...

    Modern practice headed by Will Ford who has developed an excellent team. Able to take on the most difficult cases at short notice and prepare excellent electronic paperwork for the courts.

    Legal 500 2024

    William Ford is the best housing...

    William Ford is the best housing and public law solicitor of his generation.

    Legal 500 2024

    Will Ford is a stand-out expert...

    Will Ford is a stand-out expert and is incredibly dedicated to the field.

    Legal 500 2024

    There are some incredibly committed and...

    There are some incredibly committed and knowledgeable lawyers, such as Will Ford.

    Legal 500 2024

    Will is involved in cutting-edge cases...

    Will is involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work and brings the same focus and dedication to both

    Legal 500 2024

    Will Ford is a highly respected...

    Will Ford is a highly respected practitioner who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of housing law. He is extremely intelligent and very hard-working.

    Legal 500 2024

    Will Ford is hands down one...

    Will Ford is hands down one of the best housing lawyers out there. Clever, pragmatic, good with clients, reasonable with opponents, incredibly knowledgeable and, as a result, extremely effective

    Legal 500 2024

    Ford is particularly notable in community...

    Ford is particularly notable in community care matters and its crossover with housing law, an area which is a growing specialism for the team.

    Legal 500 2024

    The social housing team at Osbornes...

    The social housing team at Osbornes is led by William Ford, a ‘standout‘ expert in all aspects of social housing who is ‘involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work'

    Legal 500 2024

    Practice head William Ford takes on...

    Practice head William Ford takes on public law challenges involving housing rights, community care, welfare benefits and support for migrants, among other areas. His work in the field of housing law often involves challenging local authorities' refusals to honour statutory obligations.

    Legal 500 2022

    William Ford is a very well-known...

    William Ford is a very well-known and well-respected solicitor who has acted in some of the most important recent public law cases involving housing and welfare issues. He is extremely intelligent, always on top of the latest legal developments, and very committed to his clients.

    Legal 500 2022

    Will Ford – one of a handful...

    Will Ford – one of a handful of specialists in social security law. Outstanding experience & knowledge of complex statutory schemes.

    Legal 500 2022

    Will is an astute litigator, and...

    Will is an astute litigator, and his breadth of knowledge across the fields of housing and social welfare law allows him to take a holistic approach to clients’ situations.

    Legal 500 2022

    Will Ford is a leading figure...

    Will Ford is a leading figure in the social housing field. He is highly committed to his clients and leaves no stone unturned in seeking to assist them with their problems.

    Legal 500 2022

    Will Ford – very experienced, highly professional...

    Will Ford – very experienced, highly professional and with a wide and deep knowledge of social housing litigation and related social welfare areas of law.

    Legal 500 2022

    Will Ford is a very well-regarded...

    Will Ford is a very well-regarded figure in the housing law world and leads a team of high quality and committed lawyers.

    Legal 500 2022

    "The team at Osbornes is inspired...

    "The team at Osbornes is inspired by its leader Will Ford, a truly first-rate, modern lawyer’s lawyer. The team have blossomed under his Will and are now packed with conscientious, dedicated and excellent lawyers who always give their clients 100%."

    Legal 500 2021

    "William Ford - A good technical...

    "William Ford - A good technical lawyer with a strong commitment to his clients"

    Legal 500 2021

    “Osbornes has an impressive social housing...

    “Osbornes has an impressive social housing team and the quality of their work that I have seen is very high. Will Ford is a very well-regarded figure in the housing law world and leads a team of high quality and committed lawyers. The existence of family and property law teams at the firm, amongst others, means that they are able to offer a holistic and expert approach to their clients.”

    Legal 500 2021 - William Ford

    "The absolutely brilliant William Ford."

    "The absolutely brilliant William Ford."

    The Legal 500

    'First-class lawyer' William Ford is 'completely...

    'First-class lawyer' William Ford is 'completely dedicated to making a positive difference', and is acting in cases challenging the 'bedroom tax'.

    Legal 500

    William's InsightsVIEW ALL

    1. 13.9.2023

      Successful homelessness judicial review case against Redbridge Council

      This matter involved a claim in the High Court for judicial review against Redbridge Council for failure to comply with...

      Read more
    2. Man is making audit of household expenses
      21.4.2023

      Success in Court of Appeal in child disability...

      The Court of Appeal has today handed judgment in the case of Harrington v Secretary of State for Work and...

      Read more
    3. Churchill Gardens neighborhood in Pimlico
      20.1.2023

      High Court finds Westminster Council’s Housing Scheme...

      Westminster City Council’s housing allocation scheme found to be unlawful The High Court has today handed down judgment finding...

      Read more
    4. East London aerial view
      14.11.2022

      Housing allocation case questions lawfulness of council’s...

      Until February 2022, the social housing allocation scheme for the London Borough of Newham allowed people who lived outside the borough...

      Read more
    5. High Court of Justice, London, UK
      5.8.2022

      Legacy benefits uplift: appeal granted by Court of...

      On 18 February 2022 the High Court dismissed the case brought by Osbornes on behalf of 4 claimants challenging the governments failure to...

      Read more
    6. signing document
      23.12.2020

      EU Nationals with Pre-Settled Status entitled to benefits...

      Court Judgment means EU Nationals with Pre-Settled Status can access benefits and housing On 18 December 2020 the Court of Appeal handed...

      Read more
    7. 22.12.2020

      Young mother secures accommodation after illegal evictions during...

      Here at Osbornes we have seen illegal evictions on the increase during this global pandemic. Osbornes have been advising many...

      Read more
    8. 22.12.2020

      Osbornes applying to Supreme Court in housing possession...

      In the case of Gateway Housing Association –v- Begum (2) the Court of Appeal recently decided that a tenant must leave...

      Read more
    9. 22.12.2020

      Eviction from home of vulnerable man during lockdown...

      Osbornes were instructed just before the lockdown to prevent the eviction of a vulnerable man with capacity issues. He had...

      Read more
    10. london apartments
      22.12.2020

      Housing disrepair issues resolved after three years

      Osbornes were instructed on behalf of a disabled tenant who had been decanted from her temporary accommodation for some three...

      Read more
    11. 24.11.2020

      Is the delay in the Renters Reform Bill...

      There have been issues tenants have faced for a long time before pandemic; namely no fault evictions and the other...

      Read more
    12. 20.11.2020

      Up Up and away to the First Tier...

      This year we assisted in written representations for a welfare benefit case in the Upper Tribunal. This is a Housing...

      Read more
    13. 20.11.2020

      You are homeless because you are in shared...

      It is well established that shared facilities are not suitable for families with children as long term accommodation. The client...

      Read more
    14. 29.4.2020

      Case news: Housing benefit decision addresses issue of...

      The background You might be forgiven for thinking that the question of whether a course is full time or part...

      Read more
    15. london house
      30.3.2020

      I have a disrepair issue can I withhold...

      Withholding rent is not your best course of action. I see the logic in using the non-payment of rent as...

      Read more
    16. 26.3.2020

      British child living with her mother in the...

      In AH v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2020] UKUT 53 (AAC), the claimant and her parents are British citizens. ...

      Read more
    17. 6.11.2019

      Universal Credit Claims and Personal Injury Compensation

      The general rule on entitlement to Universal Credit is that a person is not entitled if they have capital of...

      Read more
    18. 5.9.2019

      Possession – A New Dawn!

      On 21st July 2019 the Government launched a consultation to seek views on implementing their decision to remove section 21 of the...

      Read more
    19. 25.3.2019

      Homelessness- The suitability of bed and breakfast accommodation

      There is tremendous pressure on local authorities to house individuals and families for many reasons including unaffordable private rents and...

      Read more
    20. 29.1.2019

      Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions

      Landlords have the option to bring an injunction against tenants in the event they are committing anti-social behaviour. The injunction...

      Read more
    21. 5.11.2018

      Court of Appeal Clarifies the Definition of ‘Landlord’

      It is now not uncommon for home owners to enter into company let agreements with property companies who are authorised...

      Read more
    22. street
      23.9.2018

      How to deal with a Closure Order and...

      Over the last three years since the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into force Local Authorities and other...

      Read more

    VIEW ALL