Blogs

Welcome to our engaging and informative legal blogs section. Our user-friendly online platform has been thoughtfully designed to keep you well-informed within your specialised areas of law.

Stay connected with captivating content which empowers you to stay at the forefront of the Legal world.

Top of the Blogs Mental Health

Is your workplace toxic? How employers can shield you from stress

Workplace stress can lead to serious mental and physical health consequences, affecting productivity, job satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. In this article, Jessica Rowson of Oakwood Solicitors outlines the legal responsibilities employers have to protect staff from occupational stress, common causes of stress at work, and what employees can do if they feel unsupported.

Top of the Blogs Mental Health

Stepping Up Without Burning Out: A Real Story from Legal Life

This is Hannah’s story, a high-performing lawyer close to burnout who found confidence and balance through tailored coaching with Vikki Pratley. By redefining success, setting boundaries, and making small changes, she learned to thrive in her career without sacrificing her wellbeing. In this powerful article, Vikki shares how targeted support can help legal professionals work smarter not harder.

Top of the Blogs Mental Health

Introducing our internal community

In this Mental Health Awareness Week piece, Satpal Kaur Thompson explores the idea of an ‘inner community, the different parts of ourselves shaped by experience and how recognising, understanding, and integrating these parts can lead to greater self-awareness, reduced internal conflict, and improved mental wellbeing.

Family Law: An update by Barrister Poonam Bhari

Barrister Poonam Bhari from 3PB highlights the Pathfinder court model’s success in reducing delays and fostering collaboration in private law cases, while stressing the need for additional funding to expand it. Improvements in public law are noted, despite ongoing delays, exemplified by Re E [2024], where a child’s case faced significant setbacks due to poor practice. Recent changes to the MIAM process are also aimed at reducing conflict and delays in private law proceedings.

Paris Olympics 2024: Abuse in Sports compensation claims

The article from Oakwood Solicitors discusses abuse in sports, highlighting cases in Japan, the UK, and sports like gymnastics, swimming, and football. It details physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by coaches, noting the growing awareness of these issues. The article also outlines legal changes and compensation options for victims, encouraging them to seek legal advice for claims.

‘Sleep, Sex and Violence’?

This article, written by Allison Summers KC, discusses the complexities and legal challenges in defending cases involving parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and sexsomnia, where the defendant claims to have committed acts involuntarily while asleep.

Violence Against Women And Girls: The Story That Never Goes Away

In his latest article for Cansford Laboratories, Family Law blogger John Bolch examines the alarming rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the UK, highlighting shocking statistics and the dangerous influence of misogynistic online figures. Bolch stresses the urgency of addressing this growing crisis through a multi-faceted approach that includes policing, education and rebuilding trust in the justice system.

Bericon Forensics Launches New Series: Evidence Essentials

Bericon Forensics are proud to launch their new series of guides for solicitors called Evidence Essentials.

Each guide has been written by a forensic expert with many years of experience in the criminal justice system and the presentation of forensic evidence. These guides will serve as up-to-the-minute references for anyone involved in criminal defence work.

The first in the series is all about DNA evidence and will be followed next month by a guide to Drug Driving.

What Are The Benefits Of Reviewing Microsoft Licenses In The Office 365 Admin Portal?

Effectively managing Microsoft licenses is essential for any organisation using Office 365.

For law firms, this is particularly useful as it helps in reallocating licenses based on specific needs, maintaining compliance with legal software requirements and ensuring security by revoking licenses from inactive accounts.

Ian Nicholls, Director & Managing Consultant at The SAM Club, has written this useful article that covers the significant benefits of proper license management.

How Labour Leadership Could Affect Inheritance Laws

Labour’s recent UK election victory could lead to significant changes in inheritance tax (IHT) policies, focusing on wealth redistribution and public funding.

These proposed changes aim to address economic inequality but will require detailed consultations and phased implementation, so it’s vital for legal professionals to stay informed and advise their clients on proactive estate planning strategies.

The Controlling And Coercive Conduct Crossroads: Have We Reached A Dead End In The Financial Remedies Court?

Understanding domestic abuse has evolved significantly, particularly with the heightened awareness of controlling and coercive behaviour. Introduced in PD12J and further defined by recent judicial decisions, these terms now play a crucial role in family law proceedings. This article explores the definitions, judicial interpretations and current approaches to handling these behaviours in both private law and financial remedy cases, highlighting recent developments and practical implications for practitioners.

The New World Of Non-Molestation Orders

Non-molestation order (NMO) hearings are brief, often 30 minutes long, and this article mirrors that conciseness. Recent case DS v AC [2023] EWFC 46 and July 2023 guidance have spotlighted issues with NMOs, especially without notice orders. Key points include the need for exceptional circumstances to grant these orders and detailed explanations in applications. Bella Tait, Consultant Barrister at Unit Chambers, discusses the new guidelines and their impact on family law practice.

Why Solicitors Keep Returning To Support The Will Aid Campaign Year After Year

The annual Will Aid campaign unites solicitors and UK charities, raising over £24 million since 1988. This initiative benefits charities and offers participating solicitors advantages like flexibility, long-term client relationships, expanded reach and additional service opportunities. It also helps firms meet corporate social responsibility goals.

Will Aid: Unlock publicity for your firm while helping those who need it most

Participating in the Will Aid campaign offers a unique opportunity for solicitors to grow their client base while supporting UK charities. By waiving your fee for writing basic Wills and encouraging voluntary donations, you can enhance your firm’s profile and contribute to important causes. With comprehensive PR support from the Will Aid team, including press releases, local media coverage, and social media tools, you’ll maximise your campaign impact.

Drug Driving Success

A defendant charged with drug driving was found not guilty after an analysis by Bericon Forensics. The analysis showed the defendant’s THC levels were slightly above the legal limit. However, the expert suggested that the THC level could have dropped below the limit within a few hours due to the defendant’s regular cannabis use. This uncertainty contributed to the not guilty verdict.

Switchboard: Listen Up! Report 2023

Switchboard launched this report in early July, giving insights into the current needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and sharing these with other organisations across the LGBTQIA+ charity and media landscape, enabling these organisations to continue to tailor their support services more effectively and address the needs shared by LGBTQIA+ people across the UK.

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