Elizabeth Willsteed

(Call 2004 )

Education

• Devonport High School for Girls; 
• University of the West of England – LLB(hons), Law with European Languages (incorporating 12 month stage in French law firm specialising in family and civil law);
• Bristol Institute of Legal Practice

Elizabeth joined Southernhay Chambers in 2008 from Devon Chambers (Plymouth), where she had undertaken a pupillage focussing predominantly on personal injury. Prior to commencing pupillage she worked for a large firm of civil solicitors, where she gained experience specialising in personal injury claims, advocacy and costs. Since joining Southernhay Chambers she has expanded her practice to incorporate those areas of greatest interest to her, namely housing law, homelessness, immigration and judicial review.

Housing Law

Elizabeth regularly advises and represents Local Authorities and individuals in homelessness appeals, both against s202 Housing Act 1996 decisions and in respect of decisions on the provision of interim accommodation (County Court and Judicial Review). She is experienced in anti-social behaviour injunctions (and ASBOs), and making and defending possession applications by tenants, private and social landlords. Her practice incorporates all areas of Housing Law (disrepair, quiet enjoyment, unlawful eviction, landlord and tenant, harassment and discrimination). Her practice spans both Public and Private law.

Personal Injury

Elizabeth has a well established practice in Personal Injury law, and represents both claimants and defendants in ‘slipping and tripping’ and Highway Act claims. She has been involved in claims involving asbestosis/mesothelioma, stress at work, occupier’s liability and RTAs, and is happy to accept cases on a conditional fee basis as appropriate.

Commercial Litigation

Elizabeth is also instructed in contract disputes, bankruptcy claims, interim applications, and applications for summary and default judgments.

Elizabeth is a qualified mediator.