ICO’s new guidance on responding to data subject access requests
On 24 May, the ICO published its updated guidance for businesses and employers on responding to data subject access requests (commonly referred to as ‘SARs’ or ‘DSARs’). Based on the…
Klára Grmelová MGR (LLM Czech)
Solicitor
Government proposes to limit the length of non-compete clauses
The government plans to introduce legislation that will place a three month limit on the length of non-compete clauses. This was announced on 10 May as part of a wider…
Jenny Hawrot LLB (Hons)
Partner
The Brexit Bonfire Bill: Where are we at?
The initial shock, a couple of months of uncertainty and now a screeching U-turn that most F1 drivers would be proud of – the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform)…
Matthew Clayton MA LLM (Cantab), CIPP/E
Partner
Protecting business assets in a divorce
For those who put considerable time, effort and money into setting up and running a successful business, it is important that this investment is protected as much as possible. However,…
Joeli Boxall LLB (Hons), LLM
Solicitor
Property disputes: They didn’t tell me the neighbours were a nuisance when I purchased the property!
When purchasing a property, the seller must complete a sellers property information form (SPIF). These include simple questions asking whether there has ever been – or if there are currently…
Bethen Abraham LLB (Hons), LLM
Solicitor
Financial settlements in divorce: What to do if you've been affected by ongoing delays
With HM Treasury recalculating public sector pensions, divorcing couples are likely to experience delays when finalising their financial settlements. The issue is affecting NHS staff and teachers at present, with…
Kristie Silsby LLB (Hons)
Associate, solicitor
The Inheritance Act (1975): What is it? Can you make a claim?
The Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975 can be a lifeline for those who have been overlooked when it comes to inheritance. Unlike some jurisdictions, under the law…
Jessica Whooley LLB (Hons)
Associate, solicitor
Process of contesting a will: The key steps explained
If you think someone’s will has been created incorrectly, you might be able to legally challenge it. There are several factors to consider when starting the process of contesting a…
Paul Gordon LLB
Partner
An update on the Register of Overseas Entities (ROE)
Following our article regarding the introduction of the new ROE in the previous autumn edition of Law News, overseas entities that already have an interest in UK property should be…
Charlotte Cowdell BA (Hons), LLB
Senior associate, solicitor
Does 'good faith' between shareholders exist?
A recent Court of Appeal decision has clarified the English law principles surrounding contractual duties of good faith, emphasising the importance of the context of circumstances upon which a ‘good…
Helen Howes LLM
Senior associate, solicitor
Don’t get burnt with service charge disputes
It is a common term in a lease that a certified service charge sum demanded by the landlord is ‘conclusive’. But what should you do if the service charge is…
Nick Southwell BA (Hons)
Partner
Key things to consider before helping a friend or family member’s start up business
Is a family member or close friend looking to start a business? Are you thinking about helping them out with some funding? Here are some crucial points you need to…
Rishi Ladwa LLB (Hons)
Partner
Landlords: Are you fire safety ready?
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into effect on 23 January this year. These regulations will materially impact landlords, managers and operators of buildings in England that contain two…
James Melvin-Bath LLB (Hons)
Senior associate, solicitor-advocate
New UK data protection regime – what to expect
Less paperwork for organisations, fewer data collection pop-ups for the wider public, and more than £4 billion saved over next 10 years – these are just a few outcomes that…
Matthew Clayton MA LLM (Cantab), CIPP/E
Partner
Can a letter marked ‘without prejudice’ amount to effective communication of dismissal?
Mr Meaker was a data centre operations technician who suffered from back injuries that resulted in prolonged periods of sick leave and permanent “limitations on his ability”. On 5 February…
Hayley Ainsworth BA, MSc
Senior associate, solicitor
No-fault divorce: A Q&A one year on
The no-fault divorce provisions have been in place for a year, but for separating couples this simplified process can still feel unfamiliar and daunting. We answer some common questions about…
Joeli Boxall LLB (Hons), LLM
Solicitor
Fire & rehire: Government consultation underway
The government has published a draft Code of Practice on fire and rehire, and a 12-week consultation period has commenced. Our employment law experts provide the latest updates. The draft code…
Jenny Hawrot LLB (Hons)
Partner
Flexible working is becoming the default
Offering staff flexibility is a perk that appeals to many and helps maintain a happy, motivated workforce. Our employment law team introduce the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, confirming that flexible…
Hayley Ainsworth BA, MSc
Senior associate, solicitor
The modern way of registering lasting powers of attorney
Many people today understand the benefit of having a lasting power of attorney (LPA), whereby someone nominates an individual to be their attorney in respect of their health and welfare…
Siân Devereux-Renny BA (Hons), FCILEx
Chartered legal executive
Why business owners should think twice before disposing of assets
When looking to the future, or going through a change in circumstances, it’s likely that business owners will wonder whether selling or disposing of assets and interests is the right…
Laura Stone LLB (Hons), TEP
Partner
Quit drafting the notice to quit
The Court of Appeal has recently deemed a notice to quit invalid as it was addressed incorrectly, highlighting the importance of accuracy when preparing and serving notices. The court considered…
Bethen Abraham LLB (Hons), LLM
Solicitor
Break clauses: A case for careful drafting
The Capitol Park Leeds Plc v Global Radio Services Ltd case has further highlighted the importance of the careful drafting of break options in commercial leases. The break clause in…
Charlotte Cowdell BA (Hons), LLB
Senior associate, solicitor
Grazing licence or Farm Business Tenancy: Which is right for you?
Grazing licences and Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs) are both occupational arrangements available to landowners – but which is right for you? This will largely depend on the activities to be…
Adam Hale BA (Hons), TEP, FALA
Partner
Hold your horses: The dangers of a grazing licence gone wrong
If not in writing or drafted carefully, a grazing agreement may inadvertently create a tenancy rather than a licence, giving the grazier far greater rights than the parties intended. A…
Adam Hale BA (Hons), TEP, FALA
Partner
Property protocol forms updated to reflect building safety legislation
The Law Society protocol forms provide guidance in respect of sale and purchase transactions, designed to assist with making the conveyancing process transparent and effective. Recently, key property protocol forms…
Suzanne O'Riordan
Partner, conveyancer (non-solicitor)
Lawyer up for the updated act that could affect you!
On 1 December 2022, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 came into force. This brought about sweeping changes to housing law in Wales, such that there is now a large…
Bethen Abraham LLB (Hons), LLM
Solicitor
Improving transparency in UK real estate investment: An overview of the new Register of Overseas Entities before January deadline
The UK government has introduced a new register that requires overseas owners of UK real estate to reveal their identity before the deadline on 31 January. This is part of…
Chris Wills LLB (Hons)
Partner
Sponsor licence holders: The latest changes you should know for your business
The Home Office has published some important changes to its guidance for sponsor licence holders. Some of the reforms will be welcomed by sponsors. Exemption from immigration skills charge Subject…
Hayley Ainsworth BA, MSc
Senior associate, solicitor
COVID-19: Is long covid a disability?
Our expert employment law team discuss the first case dealing with the status of long covid and what it means for employers. In Burke v Turning Point Scotland, the employment…
Hayley Ainsworth BA, MSc
Senior associate, solicitor
New register for overseas owners of UK property
For a more recent article covering the Register of Overseas Entities by our corporate & commercial team, please view here. One of our real estate experts explains the new register…
Charlotte Cowdell BA (Hons), LLB
Senior associate, solicitor
Advice for landowners – the advantages and traps of promotion agreements
What are the benefits of land promotion agreements and when should landowners be wary? One of our experienced agriculture & estates lawyers shares their insight. Promotion agreements are joint venture…
Adam Hale BA (Hons), TEP, FALA
Partner
Articles of association update: Does this impact your business?
Our corporate & commercial team shares the latest update for small and sole director companies on reviewing articles of association. In this year’s summer edition of Law News, we reported…
Helen Howes LLM
Senior associate, solicitor
New rules for energy performance in non-residential buildings
April 2023 sees the introduction of new EPC regulations for commercial properties. We discuss the potential implications for landlords. There can be no more pressing issue for both domestic and…
Nick Cox LLB (Hons)
Consultant, solicitor
Zero hours contracts: How will the ban on exclusivity clauses affect lower income workers?
Following a government decision to extend the ban on exclusivity clauses to lower income workers, our employment law team shares the latest information. In 2015, regulations were introduced to prevent…
Hayley Ainsworth BA, MSc
Senior associate, solicitor
A guide to the National Security and Investment (NSI) Act 2021
Buying a company? One of our corporate & commercial experts introduces the National Security and Investment Act, which transactions could be affected and when you should be mindful of it.…
Helen Howes LLM
Senior associate, solicitor
The plight of unmarried cohabiting couples: government rejects MP calls for reform
A group of MPs recently published a report calling for “urgent” reforms in legislation, which currently leave unmarried, cohabiting couples with “inferior” protections. Some key recommendations made for consideration were…
Sharon Giles LLB (Hons)
Partner
