We have spoken with the SRA and been informed that they have emailed nearly 500 law firms with a request that by 14th August 2020 the firm completed a questionnaire and a declaration signed that the firm complies with the SRA Transparency Rules. A copy of the email is below. There is a link in […]
At last the Land Registry has moved into the modern age and recognised electronic signatures. They are now accepting dispositionary deeds (such as transferring , creating leases and securing mortgages) that have been signed with a witnessed electronic signature. Here is a link to the updated Practice Direction: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/execution-of-deeds/practice-guide-8-execution-of-deeds Here is a link to the […]
The UK the government has published details of the method for British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) citizens ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, and their immediate family members, to move to the UK to work and study. Please find this at the link here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/british-nationals-overseas-in-hong-kong This is the press release from the Home Secretary: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-announces-details-of-the-hong-kong-bno-visa
The new SQE regime came into effect September 2021. There are transitional arrangements for those who have started to train beforehand so they do not have to go back to the beginning. The idea is to have 1 standard across the whole jurisdiction of England & Wales. Currently each organisation providing the LPC creates its […]
Furlough Grants: Watch out for clawback of the grants made under the Job Retention Scheme. The Finance Bill is to receive it's 2nd reading in Parliament on 17th July and is expected to come into law by the end of this month. It will facilitate the clawback where the application was incorrect or fraudulent. Here's […]
The Law Society has published good advice - a Toolkit including a Risk Assessment Template. You will find it here: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/coronavirus/safe-return-to-the-office-toolkit-for-firms/
The bill has now passed the House of Commons. It will not come into force immediately on Royal Assent to allow for careful implementation. Here is a link to the article in the Law Society Gazette: https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/no-fault-divorce-to-start-in-autumn-2021/5104682.article?utm_source=gazette_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=No-fault+divorce+in+2021+%7c+Legal+aid+support+%7c+Systemic+racism_06%2f18%2f2020
Please find below a link to their advice. Applies to all law practices. Practical, sensible stuff. Worth a read. You never know when it might be referred to by the SRA at a later date if there is a complaint or a staff grievance. It would be worth revisiting your Staff Handbook, Office Procedures Manual […]
The Law Society has issued guidance to conveyancers who are advising their clients on house moves. In doing so they have consulted widely with the industry. Here is a link to the Law Society guidance: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/coronavirus/ At the time of writing this blog there were 2 other guidance sheets linked to this which please find […]
So, the starter’s gun has fired. We now know the rough framework for the route back to more normal levels of trading. Things are likely to move fast. How can you now prepare? I have written previously with some major areas to consider: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/coming-out-of-the-covid-19-lockdown-some-practical-steps/ . I would like to explore some more practical steps. Yesterday […]
