I was very sorry indeed to learn of the sad death of solicitor Giles Peaker, who was a partner at London solicitors, Anthony Gold.
Giles is probably best known as one of the top legal bloggers. His Nearly Legal blog was started just a few months after this blog, in 2006. At that time, he was not qualified, hence the name ‘Nearly Legal’.
The blog developed over time into a real resource for landlord and tenant lawyers and indeed for landlords and tenants. I understand it was often cited in litigation. I really hope that it will continue and that someone will take it on and keep it going. It should not be allowed to fade away.
I did an interview with Giles about Nearly Legal in 2015, which is on YouTube here.
However, Nearly Legal was not his only achievement.
He is also, along with Karen Buck MP and Justin Bates KC, responsible for the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018. This was a private member’s bill, which was brought by Karen Buck with Giles and Justin as her legal team.
So Giles’ legacy is not only a top legal blog, and his record as an outstanding solicitor (winning the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award for housing in 2018), but also an Act of Parliament which has undoubtedly helped many people.
I thought that, as a tribute to Giles, I would publish an interview we did in 2019 where he talks about the process of getting the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act through Parliament and onto the statute book.
If you knew Giles, do feel free to share your memories or reflections in the comments below.
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