News

We are delighted to announce that Manjinder Kaur Atwal, Housing Law Director at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Housing Law Practitioners’ Association (HLPA).

The announcement was made at HLPA’s most recent Annual General Meeting, with confirmation provided by HLPA’s Co-chair, Dianne Cowie. Manjinder was selected as one of three successful candidates following a competitive application process.

In her application, Manjinder expressed her deep commitment to access to justice, the future of legal aid, and mentoring the next generation of housing lawyers. Her leadership, litigation experience, and proactive advocacy for policy reform will be an asset to HLPA’s mission.

The Association is dedicated to promoting equal access to justice, protecting the rights of tenants and homeless individuals, and advancing legal protections for vulnerable communities. It supports the development of housing law, advocates for the sustainability of legal aid, and works to raise housing standards through the legal system.

Manjinder said: "I am honoured to join HLPA’s Executive Committee and contribute to its important work. I remain committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable tenants, promoting access to justice and supporting the next generation of housing lawyers."

A highly respected housing law specialist, Manjinder leads a large housing department at Duncan Lewis. Her career spans a wealth of experience in possession proceedings, homelessness appeals, unlawful eviction claims, disrepair cases, and complex judicial reviews. She has been instrumental in landmark rulings that have shaped housing law, including:

• Khan v D'Aubigny [2025] EWCA Civ 11 – A pivotal ruling on the service of prescribed documents under the Housing Act 1988, now pending permission to the Supreme Court.
• Ivory v Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council [2025] EWCA Civ 21 – A defining judgment on “new facts” in successive homelessness applications.
• Luton Community Housing Ltd v Durdana [2020] EWCA Civ 445 – Addressing the Public Sector Equality Duty in possession claims.
• Khan v Mehmood [2022] – A key case on disrepair and tenant protections.

Recognised by The Legal 500 as a Leading Individual and Next Generation Partner, and ranked by Chambers & Partners UK, Manjinder is described as a "fabulous" practitioner in whom clients have "absolute faith."

This appointment follows the recent success of her colleague, Dianne Cowie, Housing Director at Duncan Lewis, who was appointed Co-Chair of HLPA’s Executive Committee in April 2024.

HLPA plays a vital role in advancing housing justice through education, training, and the protection of vulnerable tenants and homeless individuals. As a member of the Executive Committee, Manjinder will help guide HLPA’s strategic initiatives, including its ongoing work around legal aid reform, public interest litigation, and professional development within the housing law community.

For advice in relation to any housing matter contact Manjinder Kaur Atwal on 07342081785 or email at Manjindera@duncanlewis.com.

Duncan Lewis’ housing team ranked by The Legal 500 UK as a Top Tier practice for its services, has been applauded by the directory as ‘one of the most effective firms practicing social housing law'. Offering both publicly funded (legal aid) and privately funded legal services from 14 key offices nationwide, our team can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. With a niche expertise in possession matters, unlawful eviction, disrepair and homelessness matters the team offers representation in all proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review proceedings. 

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors, listed as one of the Times 250 Best Law Firms and regularly recognised, as an ‘outstanding firm’ for diversity and inclusion, is a long-established leading law firm with multiple offices across London and throughout England and Wales. Headquartered in the City of London, the company is well-known for its excellence in people management; it holds the Investors in People Gold Standard Accreditation and is a paperless company that embraces employee hybrid working. Duncan Lewis was crowned Law Firm of the Year at the LexisNexis Awards 2024.