The MoJ has published a series of documents for the Legal Profession with advice and guidance for when we leave the EU on 1st January 2021. For ease of reference we have published the links to them below. A lot of important issues. Some require urgent action - such as if you are an EU […]
From 2nd November 2020 it will be complusory for solicitors applying for Probate to use the on-line portal. At present only about a third of such applications are made through the portal - so this will be a big change for the profession. Here's a link to the Statutory Instrument if you are interested: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1059/pdfs/uksi_20201059_en.pdf
SRA Guidance: Taking money for your firm's costs It is very helpful for the SRA to publish this. Of course it may be viewed on their website, but for ease of reference we have reproduced it here as well. Published: 14 September 2020 Status This guidance is to help you understand your obligations and how to […]
This arises out of a discussion with the ILFM. Unfortunately, it’s not as straight forward in drawing up a list of what is and what isn’t material breach. Our view is that materiality can be very subjective and often left to interpretation. To assist practices, they suggest you ask yourself the following questions in order […]
The Law Society published on 24th August a very helpful guide. This can be accessed here: https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/coronavirus/practical-framework-for-law-firms-and-sole-practitioners-on-return-to-the-office However, for speed and ease of reference (on the basis that every click loses a percentage) we have reproduced it here. We hope this will be of assistance. The UK government has published detailed guidance for offices in England, […]
New legislation on making wills The legislation recognises that: An increasing number of people have sought to make wills during the Covid 19 pandemic, but for people shielding or self-isolating it is extremely challenging to follow the normal legalities of making a will - namely it being witnessed by two people. In response to this […]
The Government Apprenticeship Scheme is promoted as an option by the SRA for a way to assist with the funding of training costs. It is Government Policy to help people into employment to be able to use their skills and become good tax-payers. So, you should be pushing at an open door. In October 2020 […]
Like many of my blogs or articles, the idea came from a comment made by a client. This was a small law firm in the Midlands (approx. 10 people). 2 partners told me that things started changing when they asked themselves if they were the blockage. I was impressed that they had the humility, courage […]
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 […]
