Chris spends his time outside the office being a taxi service to his 3 children as well as pursuing his passion for ice hockey, being a season ticket holder at the Sheffield Steelers.
Chris Drabble
Partner
Areas of Expertise
Chris advises borrowers and funders on all aspects of security related transactions in the social and affordable housing sector such as syndicated and bilateral loan financings, private placements, bond issues, group restructurings and due diligence requirements on facility refinancings.
Experience
Chris has been a specialist social housing practitioner since 2000. He co-heads our office in Leeds as well as being the firm’s Training Principal.
Ranked as a leading individual for a number of years Chris has been admitted to the Legal 500 ‘Hall of Fame’ which ‘highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession.’
Directories
Chris is a tier 1 ranked lawyer in the 2025 edition of Legal 500 where he is admitted to the ‘Hall of Fame’.
He is also ranked as a key individual (Band 2) in the field of Social Housing Finance (UK wide) by Chambers 2025.
Conferences
Chris regularly delivers structured training sessions to his clients’ teams and has spoken at the NHF’s Housing Finance Conference on the topic of ‘sweating your assets’.
Personal
Professional Membership
Chris is a founder member of the sector’s Property Finance Working Group
Testimonials
Legal 500“The property team deliver a first-rate service, understanding that there are hard deadlines and targets to meet. They work hard to ensure momentum is maintained, and always take time to explain things in a way that non-legal people can understand. Chris Drabble stands out for me in his ability to get things “across the line”. He understands the sector, and all its quirks, and his extensive experience and knowledge undoubtedly contribute to his ability to find solutions and workarounds”.
Chambers"He is a pleasure to work with, his technical knowledge is impressive, and his knowledge of funders' requirements is invaluable."
Get in touch
| 0113 733 7026 |
| 07515329271 |
| chris.drabble@devonshires.co.uk |
|
Leeds Office
Devonshires Solicitors LLP First Floor, No 1 Whitehall Riverside, Whitehall Road Leeds LS1 4BN |
| 0113 733 7031 |
| olivia.shepherd@devonshires.co.uk |
