Features

  • robert rutherford 140x96
    Feature

    Safe from harm

    2018-04-12T14:59:00Z

    Law firms are an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals – and private client solicitors, who often hold data on high-net-worth clients, are obvious prey. Robert Rutherford explains how you can stay safe, and remain one step ahead of the scammers

  • Hawkins
    Feature

    Doing your duty

    2017-09-06T10:51:00Z

    The Office of the Public Guardian published new guidance in March for professionals who are appointed to act as an individual’s attorney under an LPA. But do you completely understand your duties? Holly Miéville-Hawkins remind us of the key responsibilities and considerations

  • Stephen Haggett
    Feature

    At your discretion

    2017-08-14T14:26:00Z

    Some commentators have suggested people will not be able to benefit from the new residence nil-rate band allowance if they include discretionary trusts in their wills. But Stephen C Haggett argues that flexible will trusts are still an invaluable part of estate planning

  • Yasmin Metcalfe
    Feature

    Standard fare

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    Over 100 countries have signed up for the Common Reporting Standard to automatically exchange tax information. But in a complex international tax regime, what is the solicitor’s role? Yasmin Metcalfe outlines the main principles of the standard

  • iceberg in the sea
    Feature

    Hide away

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    As the cost of residential care rises, more people are attempting to protect their home and other assets from local authorities to avoid paying for care. Heledd Wyn explains why such actions are doomed to fail, and how local authorities will approach a so-called deliberate deprivation of assets

  • laptop
    Feature

    Do it yourself

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    Ian Bond provides an update on the Ministry of Justice’s plans for digitising applications for grants of representation

  • Henrietta Mason
    Feature

    Where there’s a will

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    A public consultation by the Law Commission is a welcome step towards updating our will-making laws to keep them fit for purpose in the 21st century, says Henrietta Mason. She reflects on two key areas of the consultation: formality and testamentary capacity

  • birdcage and woman
    Feature

    Gilded cage

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

     Alexis Hearnden provides a guide to the the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards for the non-specialist practitioner

  • louise baxter 140x96
    Feature

    Danger on the doorstep

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    Over 50 per cent of people aged 65 or over have been targeted by scammers in the UK, according to National Trading Standards. Louise Baxter explains how its Friends Against Scams initiative is fighting back, and how solicitors can get involved

  • man giving coins to dog
    Feature

    The final chapter

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    The Court of Appeal’s decision to increase the inheritance awarded to the claimant in Ilott v Mitson has been overturned by the Supreme Court. Penelope Reed KC and Hugh Cumber, who acted for the defendant charities, assess the judgment’s implications for testators

  • owen o rorke 140x94
    Feature

    Under control?

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    Do you know that your law firm is a data controller under the new General Data Protection Regulation, and you must comply with them, or face fines of up to €20m or four per cent of your annual global turnover? Owen O’Rorke provides a beginner’s guide to compliance

  • gary rycroft
    Opinion

    Good will out

    2017-08-08T00:00:00Z

    Gary Rycroft considers the Law Commission’s new consultation on wills