All Feature articles – Page 110
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FeaturePaying the price
Clients are more demanding on fees than ever before, and that pressure shows no signs of waning. But how can you set pricing so it’s both acceptable to the client, and sufficiently profitable for the firm? Robert Mowbray outlines a three-step approach
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FeatureA tangled web
It has been said that there are two types of firms: those that know they have been attacked by cybercriminals, and those that don’t yet know. Francis Dingwall looks at how to prevent attacks, and how to mitigate them when they do happen
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FeatureAge old problem
Lucy Trevelyan examines the role of private client practitioners in cases of elder abuse, and looks at whether changing the safeguarding procedures will help or hinder vulnerable people – and their solicitors
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FeatureBack to Basics: Stamp duty land tax
Marlon Appleton provides a practical and detailed guide to SDLT for private client practitioners, as it relates to companies and gifting property, gifting between spouses, trustees, and options to purchase in wills
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FeatureGaining currency
Digital assets are an increasingly commonplace reality of will-drafting, but one type with which practitioners may be less familiar is the cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin. Ian Bond and Lucy Obrey explain what solicitors need to know about this emerging trend
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FeatureA delicate jurisdiction
Philip D’Arcy looks at the court’s powers to remove a trustee or personal representative
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FeatureRaising the FBAR
Many private client solicitors will now be familiar with FATCA reporting obligations. But, as Antony Eminowicz explains, your US clients may also be required by law to disclose details of their foreign bank accounts – and the deadline is looming
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FeatureSaving grace
Individual savings accounts have for some time been considered the investment wrapper of choice for long-term saving, but Patrick Connolly argues that, following last year’s radical shake-up of the rules, pensions may now be the more attractive and effective option
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FeatureHolding ground
The beneficial interest in land owned by two or more people can be held in different ways with different implications on the death of one of the co-owners. Ian Bond and Gary Rycroft look at the issues to consider and the obligations of private client practitioners
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FeatureIt’s my life
Cilla Wright discusses her work as an independent mental capacity advocate, and why professionals should not lose sight of the basic principles of the Mental Capacity Act when dealing with vulnerable people
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FeatureOff limits
There are circumstances under which it is necessary to apply for a limited grant of administration. David King provides an overview of the grant ad colligenda bona, and a practical guide to obtaining it
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FeatureReady and willing
Will-writing and estate administration offer steady income for firms, but the risks of exposure to negligence claims have discouraged many from this work. Mark Baxter offers a best practice guide to avoiding these risks and safely pursuing this profitable source of revenue
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FeatureNo good advice
The risks attached to giving independent legal advice are well known throughout the profession. But, as Stephen Boyle warns, in attempting to limit their exposure to giving advice, firms are not actually managing the risks at all, but leaving themselves open to litigation
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FeatureAfter the fall
The recent bolt failure at the Cheesegrater building in London raises the issue of liability for building defects. Richard Stapylton-Smith and Paul Taylor examine the key considerations, and how owners and landlords can keep buildings commercially attractive for tenants
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FeatureModel behaviour
The new Model Commercial Lease is designed to simplify and speed up investment-grade commercial lease negotiations, for both landlords and tenants. Dion Panambalana explains what the lease contains and excludes, and how it will work in practice
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FeatureSupply and demand
New consumer rights legislation, likely to come into force within the year, will have implications for all suppliers to consumers – including solicitors. David Pett outlines the new regime, and the actions conveyancers need to take
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FeatureEnquire within
The Commercial Property Standard Enquiries, first introduced in 2002, helped reduce delays and expense in commercial transactions. But, asks Warren Gordon, are they still fit for purpose in today’s market?
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FeatureLeading light
Throughout its 50 years, the Law Commission has recommended reform in a number of aspects of the law relating to property. Julia Jarzabkowski and Kieran Wilson provide an overview of its most recent projects
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FeatureWater line
The new Flood Re scheme, covering insurance for properties at risk of flooding, is expected to come into force in July. Jo Morgan looks at recent developments to the scheme, and outlines practice points for practitioners