All Feature articles – Page 114
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FeatureInsure enough
The decision by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to reduce the minimum compulsory cover for professional indemnity insurance has sent shockwaves through the profession. Frank Maher explains the change and what firms need to do
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FeatureFive for fighting
The recent changes to criminal legal aid have placed unprecedented strain on legal aid firms. Prashant Joshi outlines five options for firms, from closure to merging
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FeatureLearning the ropes
In the second of a series on getting the best out of trainees, Paul Newton looks at how to manage the relationship with your trainees after recruitment, from welcoming them to the firm and helping them to develop, to career development post-qualification
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FeatureOfficer politics
Pearl Moses looks back at three years of outcomes-focused regulation and two years of the compliance officer regime, and asks what lessons we can learn to ensure compliance in changing times
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FeatureTalking points
In the second of a series on the risks of using social media in law firms, Ray O’Connor looks at how to mitigate risk in order to reap the benefits of social media for your firm, your people and your clients
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FeatureSpreading the word
Keystone Law managing director James Knight on becoming a ‘dispersed’ law firm
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FeaturePullan apart
The recent case of Pullan v Wilson reiterates the importance of ensuring that professional trustees’ fees are reasonable. Adam Draper examines the case, and the lessons to learn for solicitor trustees
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FeatureBack to Basics: FATCA and UK trusts
Jo Summers explains what FATCA is and its application to UK trusts
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FeatureHandle with care
The Care Act 2014 has received royal assent and will come into force in October. Philip Evans explains some of the key provisions on care funding and local authorities’ duties, and their impact on private clients and their advisers
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FeatureConspicuous consumption
New consumer contracts legislation introduced in June needs to be addressed in all solicitors firms’ terms of business and client care letters. Ian Bond and Helen Clarke outline the implications for private client practitioners
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FeatureEnrol with the punches
Clients who employ care or support staff directly will have pension obligations under the new auto-enrolment scheme, and professional deputies have a key role in advising them on compliance. Jane Bennett and Sean McSweeney explain
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FeatureAn expensive lesson
Recent years have seen private school and university fees rocket, and private client practitioners are more likely than ever to be asked by clients, whether parents or grandparents, for advice on tax-efficient fees planning. Mark Brownridge offers some tips
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FeatureForward planning
A recent case has highlighted the effectiveness of advance decisions and statements in ensuring an individual’s wishes for their care and welfare are respected if they lose capacity. Ann Stanyer explains how they work, and the implications of the case
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FeatureTied up in knots
Mark Harper provides an update on pre- and post-nuptial agreements, including recent case law, the Law Commission’s proposals, and issues relating to international couples or those with assets abroad
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FeatureThe promised land
Adam Boyle outlines the lessons to learn from the recent high-profile proprietory estoppel case of Davies v Davies
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FeatureRecipe for succession
The EU’s regulation on succession comes into force in just over a year. Richard Frimston explains what action practitioners need to take now where clients have EU assets, residence or domicile
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FeatureAfter the flood
Insurance for properties at risk of flooding has been uncertain since the end of the ‘Statement of Principles’ last year. The new ‘Flood Re’ arrangement seems to offer light at the end of the tunnel, but, asks Jo Morgan , will it be fit for purpose?
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FeatureEnergy bar
Prospective legislation in the Energy Act 2011 could mean that from April 2018 landlords cannot let environmentally inefficient properties. Karin Horsley and Joanne Anderton outline the steps to take now
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FeatureThe early bird
The upturn in the commercial property market has seen pre-letting come once again to the fore. Stephen Boyle explains how it works, and what commercial property solicitors need to know when drawing up pre-let leases
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FeatureLease and bounds
Late last year, the Law Society responded to the Law Commission’s consultation on areas of landlord and tenant law in need of reform. Warren Gordon outlines two of the issues in our response, on guarantees and contracting out