About Tom
I provide advice to clients on property and housing matters to help them manage, resolve or avoid disputes. Understanding what’s important to my clients enables me to advise in a commercially-savvy, cost-effective and client-centred way.
Tom’s work in the property and housing litigation team includes representing freeholders and leaseholders, as well as landlords and tenants.
Tom advises businesses, RTM companies and individuals on property disputes. He has developed an interest in long leasehold issues such as service charge and building management disputes, having built experience handling disputes relating to the Building Safety Act 2022 in particular.
Tom retains a keen interest in public law and legal aid in relation to his work in housing. He has a particular interest in homelessness law, advising on reviews under the Housing Act 1996, homelessness appeals in the county court and judicial review proceedings. Tom also worked extensively on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry since joining Russell-Cooke in 2020.
In December 2023, after passing the SQE, Tom qualified as a solicitor and began his role as an Associate in February 2024.
Tom was ranked as a key lawyer in Russell-Cooke's social housing team in The Legal 500 UK Solicitors 2024 rankings.
Tom Hopkins is a great addition to the team, undoubtedly a future star in the making.
Education
- Studied for the Solicitors Qualification Exam at the University of Law (2022) and BPP University (2023), obtaining 72% in SQE1 and 77% in SQE2;
- studied the Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University (2019), obtaining a distinction;
- studied European Politics at the University of Nottingham (2014).
Awards and accreditations
Tom's highlights
25.02.2025
Will I need to pay my landlord’s legal costs at the First-tier Tribunal?
26.07.2024
Challenging unsuitable B&B accommodation
17.01.2022
Intentional homelessness: giving up settled accommodation for a new job