Claire trained at Hanne and Co Solicitors a mixed practice based in Battersea, London and remained there following qualification. She joined GTS in November 2013.

Claire specialises in a broad range of housing litigation and social welfare law including housing disrepair, unlawful evictions, homelessness, possession, and judicial review.  She regularly represents vulnerable clients and has a particular interest in challenging social landlords who fail to comply with their duties under the Equality Act 2010 and also advocating for homeless families which include children with special educational needs.

Claire is a robust litigator and will go to extra lengths to achieve the best resolution possible for her client’s. She is dedicated, practical and not afraid to think laterally to ensure great results. She is experienced in conducting work from the County Court up to and including the Supreme Court.

Outside of work, Claire enjoys hiking, pilates and taking care of her extended animal family which currently includes two cats, six dogs, a horse and cows.

Education and Qualifications

• 1999 LPC (Commendation) College of Law York
• 1997 LLB(Hons) Law (2:1) south Bank University
• Admitted March 2001

Notable Cases

DP v London Borough of Lambeth [2025] EWCA Civ 985 concerned the duty on Tribunals to detect and remedy litigant incapacity.

Laidley (by his Litigation Friend the Official Solicitor) v Metropolitan HT Case No. CA-2024-001780 (11.4.2025) Concerns the role of assessors appointed under the Equality Act 2010.

Paragon Asra Housing Limited v. James Neville [2018] EWCA Civ 1712. Claire represented the Defendant, Mr Neville in the Court of Appeal in this case concerning the implication of the Equality Act and disability of discrimination at the warrant stage.

R (Bell) v London Borough of Lambeth [2022] EWHC 2008 (Admin). The Administrative Court granted mandatory relief against Lambeth LBC for admitted breach of main housing duty in the first case to consider relief after the Court of Appeal case of Elkundi.

London & Quadrant Housing Trust v Ansell [2007] EWCA Civ 326; (2007) HLR 37 . Claire took over this case for the Defendant, Ms Ansell,  on her appeal to the House of Lords concerning issues relating to tolerated trespassers.

Client Reviews

“I honestly don’t even know where to begin, but I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You’ve done more than fight my case, you’ve given me strength when I was losing it, and belief when I felt like giving up. The way you’ve stood by me, protected me, and pushed for what’s right has meant more than you’ll ever know. You’ve handled everything with so much care, determination, and kindness. I’ve never felt like just a case number with you, you’ve treated me like a human being, with dignity and respect, and I’ll never forget that. I love you so much for everything you’ve done and continue to do. You’re a blessing in my life, and I’ll always be grateful that I had you by my side through all of this.”

“Claire wiles has been the best solicitor I could have hoped for. Highly professional, efficient and incredibly dedicated to her profession. Thank you Claire and GT Stewart for your hard work.”

“I really am truly grateful for all your due care and attention. Not to mention the time, effort, expedience and literally true diligence. Kind regards in abundance and all the very best.”

“You address all the pertinent issues in a timely fashion and your advice is really very good.”

“I just want to say thank you so much for your help and I really could not have done it without you and after previous experiences with law firms I must say you are really a cut above the rest and thank you so much for your attentiveness and efficiency. I am settled in my place now and life is much better and I owe it all to you so please keep doing what you are doing and again thank you so much.”

News

• Court of Appeal rules on tribunal duties relating to lack of capacity suffered by litigant
• Vulnerable household secures main housing duty after refusing private sector offer
• Relief Duty obtained on second homeless application for client placed in a PRSO
• Council house with garden secured for vulnerable family
• Relief for Vulnerable Spanish Speaking Client
• Client Signs a Secure Tenancy Agreement for Decant Accommodation
• Accommodation pending review – GTS secures mandatory injunction from the High Court to accommodate vulnerable client
• Suitability of temporary accommodation