We are very pleased to announce the release of two new By Lawyers publications: Employment Law – Non-Contentious; and Employment Law - Contentious. These two publications cover all aspects of practice and procedure whether acting for employees or for employers. They assist practitioners with representing clients, document drafting through to managing matters within the employment tribunals. The commentaries are practical and easy to understand and are supported by numerous helpful precedents. Key content includes: Commentary on contracts of employment, human resources, policies and procedures, transfer of undertakings, redundancy and unfair and wrongful dismissal. Commentary on conciliation, mediation and arbitration in the employee/employer relationship. Law and procedure relating to employment tribunals, including the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Comprehensive To Do Lists and Retainer Instructions ensure all necessary instructions are taken and followed. Letters to clients and third parties when establishing the employment relationship and when disputes arise. These Employment Law publications are an invaluable resource for practitioners who regularly conduct employment matters, as well as those with limited experience or those supervising junior lawyers. We invite you to explore these new guides. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

The continuing commitment of By Lawyers to updating and enhancing our publications has seen the Companies guide enhanced. Subscribers using this popular publication will find a number of new precedents: Letter to client advising on memorandum and articles of association; Articles of association for a private company limited by shares; Articles of association for a private company limited by guarantee; Articles of association for a property management company; Directors’ service agreement; Written resolution – General template; Written resolution – Amending articles of association; Resolution of meeting – Amending articles of association; Letter to shareholder giving special notice of resolution; Indemnity for lost share certificate. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

With the recent publication of the Law Commission report, clearly moves are afoot in the residential leasehold world to balance out the disparity between the rights of landlords and those of their tenants. Time will only tell what is finally put on the platter for general consumption on that planet. But let us travel deeper into the universe and visit planet ComZog, commonly known on Earth as the commercial leasehold world. Read more...

Many subscribers will have noticed the file cover sheets now include a funny little code at the bottom of the page. This code is called a QR Code and it contains two identifiers that are used to identify the law firm and the matter. Should a firm use the FileMan Information Management system for long term file storage this will assist to streamline the process.

By Lawyers has a new publication: Companies. With a comprehensive commentary and precedents, the companies publication deals with not only the incorporation of a new company, but also the ongoing running of a company and the hiccups that can occur along the way. The commentary discusses many issues such as: Appointing company officers; Articles of association; Shareholders agreements; Meetings, resolutions and records; Transfer of shares; and Tax. The matter plan provides the many essential everyday precedents as well as the more complex including: Two shareholders agreements, one concise and one extensive; Share certificate; Two agreements for sale of shares: one concise and one extensive; Deed of trust for purchase of shares by a trustee; Library of option precedents; and All of the necessary consents, minutes and resolutions. The new Company publication is available through the Legal Guides tab on the Forms & Precedents button in the LEAP matter.

As a result of user feedback, the sale and purchase commentaries now include an appreciation of adverse possession of registered land.

Two new precedents have been incorporated into the expansive Sale and Purchase of Business publication. Read more...

By Lawyers has published a new publication: Trusts. With a comprehensive commentary and precedents, the Trusts publication deals with establishing a new trust, amending an existing trust, and bringing a trust to an end through vesting or termination. Read more...

The By Lawyers commentary has been updated to include details of the Pathfinder pilot, a groundbreaking approach in the Family Court aimed at improving outcomes for children and families. Read more...

The By Lawyers Criminal Offences App has been updated to reflect new sentencing guidelines for blackmail, kidnap, and false imprisonment, and for those convicted of offences involving taking vehicles without the owner’s consent.

The Family Procedure Rules have been updated to allow all family courts to issue transparency orders.

The landmark decision that established the ability for children to consent to medical treatment.

The landmark decision defining damages-based agreements.

The landmark decision that a court can order parties to engage in alternative dispute resolution.

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at who inherits if someone dies without a will. Read more...