Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at the difference between holding a deposit as stakeholder or agent for the seller, and holding to order on the sale of land. Read more...

Discussion of trust of land claims has been added to the Financial Remedy guide, enabling family law practitioners to gain an appreciation of the case law and process in this area. Covering an overview of trust law, a number of key cases and practical points to consider when dealing with disputes and making applications to court, this section of the guide will help practitioners when encountering this complex area. More informaiton is also available in the Freehold Property Disputes guide.

A new article about cohabitees rights sets out the problems and solutions that currently exist. Read more...

The Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions publication has been reviewed and updated in accordance with the Office of the Public Guardian’s new digital service, known as Use a Lasting Power of Attorney. Read more...

A new article about avoiding disputes after the death of a loved one has been published. Read more...

Following a user request last week we have drafted a new precedent with a variety of additional enquiries that a purchaser may ask on those less than common occasions. Read more...

We have created a policy for firms to use within their staff handbooks which promotes the responsible use of AI in law firms, and requires staff to verify the output before use. Read more...

Will commonhold become the cool kid on the block? Read more...

From 1 April 2021, a new Help to Buy scheme comes into force. For further details see the Help to Buy section in our Purchase of Land commentary. From 1 April 2021, The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 will apply to all private rented sector landlords of residential premises in England, including licences to occupy and houses in multiple occupation, with costly sanctions for non-compliance. For further details see the Buy to Let section in our Purchase of Land commentary.

By Lawyers have just released a Staff Office Procedures Manual which comprehensively covers a wide range of issues that arise in running legal practices. Useful for all firms, whether start-up, breakaway or well established, we have tailored the manual to help firms run their office day to day. With an emphasis on training and compliance this is an ideal way to ensure that everyone is aware of office policies. Areas which are covered include: Recruitment and induction policies Working procedures such as hours of work, dress code, a code of conduct and training policy Health and Safety Equality and Diversity Internet, email and mobile phone policy Staff leave including for jury service Drugs and Alcohol Bullying and harassment Whistleblowing Disciplinary procedures Conflicts of interest, confidentiality and intellectual property rights Security and cyber-security Guidance on a whole range of other office procedures from anti-money laundering to undertakings Firms can seamlessly implement these office procedures as their own with a view to later development and enhancement or use them as the basis for refreshing and enhancing existing procedures already in place.

In response to the criticism levelled at the profession for failing to adequately advise buyers of the distinction between freehold and leasehold titles to residential property, By Lawyers have produced a brief appreciation that can be sent to clients with their initial letter. You will find the precedent ‘Enclosure - A short explanation of the important distinction between freehold title and leasehold title’ on the purchase matter plan.

The landmark case that shaped contract law.

Divorce law changed on 1 April 2022; these are the main changes. Read more...

The prorogation of parliament in preparation for a general election on 4 July 2024 had a dramatic effect on legislation currently passing through the houses. Some bills were rushed through, and some have fallen. Read more…

The new Personal Injury publication comprises a practical and useful commentary with precedents taking the practitioner through the stages involved in advising a client in a claim for personal injuries sustained due to accidents at work or on public land. Read more...