InfoTrack’s property report is an opportunity to do conveyancing differently. Having seen a couple of demonstrations of the new ‘property report’ feature from InfoTrack it is clear that the use of clever technology to simplify the lives of conveyancers is here to stay. Drawing information from a number of sources into one place, the property report is mostly completed before a practitioner has even touched their keyboard, but is fully customisable to ensure that clients receive tailored information. Land Registry information, search results and replies to enquiries are all included. The InfoTrack enquiries platform was a revelation, and a revolution, to this author. Hyperlinks to InfoTrack have been incorporated into the matter plan and there is a new Letter to seller’s solicitor with amended contract and draft transfer – Enquiries via InfoTrack which alerts the other side to the process.

The commentary on Private Child Arrangements has been updated to include comprehensive information and relevant case law concerning 16.4 Guardians. Read more...

In the light of the UK Government’s Living with COVID-19 plan the Dealing with legal issues during COVID-19 publication has been amended and updated. This helpful resource can be found at the top of every matter plan and covers a wide range of issues.

The Looking to the Future commentary, available in the reference materials folder of the matter plan, has been updated to include recent legislative changes and new bills. Read more...

The By Lawyers Trusts guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and practice. Read more...

The By Lawyers Criminal Offences App has been updated to reflect changes to several sentencing guidelines published by the Sentencing Council and effective from 1 April 2024. Read more...

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.

By Lawyers are delighted to announce the release of our new publication on Lease extensions. This useful new publication will enable practitioners to guide landlord and tenant clients through the statutory process of extending the term of a lease. The commentary discusses important issues in these areas including: Qualifying criteria Valuations Costs Timetables Conveyancing process Withdrawal and termination The new guide also contains a complete suite of essential and useful precedents such as: To Do lists with timetables Enclosures for clients explaining the process All the statutory forms and notices Deed of surrender and regrant of lease This guide is an invaluable tool for all practitioners working in leasehold property departments, including those with limited experience or supervising less experienced practitioners.

The matter plans in each guide have been reviewed to give a practical flow to matters and ensure that documents are in the right place for easy location and use. Read more...

The By Lawyers Criminal Offences App has been updated to include new sentencing guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council for strangulation and suffocation offences. Read more...

The commentary on the completion of the declaration of trust panel in transfers has been expanded to assist practitioners to correctly complete the panel. Read more...

Following some recent user feedback, the File Closing Checklist has been re-organised to enhance the logical sequence of the precedent. By grouping the items for review such as matter considerations, finance considerations, and file logistics, the improved layout will assist practitioners to complete these very important forms as part of their risk management strategy

A sharp increase in the number of property raffles over the last few months has prompted the enhancement of the Sale of Land commentary with discussion of the pitfalls and problems surrounding this unusual method of sale. Covering areas such as gambling legislation and advertising standards, practitioners who are approached by clients interested in a seemingly swift sale can now read this practical advice. We invite you to explore this updated publication. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

The Financial Remedy commentary has been updated to include a straightforward appreciation of the different types of pension funds. The aim of this new section of commentary is to better assist practitioners in dealing with pensions in financial settlement matters including more detail on pension sharing orders, attachment orders and offsetting.

Following a recent in-depth author review, commentary on Legal Aid tendering, cybercrime prevention and business continuity planning have been enriched. Read more...