Test – Page 182
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FeatureIrish origin
For solicitors acting on a UK-based estate which includes Irish assets, Maria Lakes explains what is needed to complete the detailed and sometimes lengthy process of obtaining an Irish grant to deal with these assets
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FeatureStandard questions
Bryn Hughes explains how setting a quality standard can help consumers – who already rate specialism and experience over cost when purchasing legal services – to make a more informed choice of provider
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FeatureA farewell cure
A recent case has shed light on the law relating to gifts of land made in contemplation of death, under the principle of donatio mortis causa. Clara Staunton examines the issues
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FeatureStaking a claim
With claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 currently on the rise, Philip Jenkins examines some issues of practice and procedure, and looks at how the Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Bill will potentially remove some obstacles to bringing claims
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FeatureFrench resistance
A change in the law presents a potential issue for English clients relying on a popular French savings product to avoid forced heirship rules, warns David Anderson
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FeatureA developing trend
As farmers are increasingly looking to sell development land, solicitors seeking the most tax-efficient way of structuring the transfer must examine a number of complex factors. Julie Butler outlines the key issues
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News
Law Society criticises action against Istanbul Bar Association members
The Law Society’s Human Rights Committee has criticised the legal action being taken against 10 members of the Istanbul Bar Association. After nearly two years of observing the trial of lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders and politicians in Turkey, the committee has raised concerns about due process, the independence of ...
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Feature
Balance of Competences consultation on Fundamental Rights
The Law Society of England and Wales and the Law Society of Scotland jointly responded to the Balance of Competences consultation on Fundamental Rights. Background to the Review The Balance of Competences Review was announced by the Foreign Secretary William Hague in July 2012 to examine the balance of competences ...
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OpinionWinds of change
Peter Rodd looks back at the developments of recent decades which have changed the face of conveyancing – and forward to the next big change: the Law Society’s Conveyancing Portal
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FeatureStamping out avoidance
As stamp duty land tax reaches 10 years of age, Paul Clark examines its effectiveness, and explains how new anti-avoidance legislation which came into force in July has affected various aspects of the tax
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FeatureFuture trouble
Agreements attempting to give sellers a share in the increase in the value of land after it has been sold are fraught with difficulties. Michael Poulsom highlights some of the potential pitfalls to be avoided by practitioners
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FeatureA valuable commodity
Richard Burcher pushes back against the perception that property work has become commoditised, and explains how the approach taken to communicating with clients about the cost of legal services can make all the difference in how a firm’s services are valued
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FeaturePushing the envelope
Chris Sykes explains how the government is seeking to prevent the practice by which residential property is held by companies based in tax haven jurisdictions to avoid stamp duty land tax – and warns that ‘de-enveloping’ can have important implications for inheritance tax
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FeatureThe fightback begins
Ian White experienced a surprisingly positive mood among embattled practitioners at the Property Section’s annual conference. He reports on the new weapon being developed for the solicitors’ profession as it seeks to fend off competition from other providers
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FeatureCredit where it’s due
With tenant insolvency on the rise in the commercial sector, Simon Wood outlines the different potential approaches to dealing with an insolvent tenant, and examines the benefits and drawbacks of the various options
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FeaturePoor conditions
Jonathan Smithers offers advice on how to comply with the Law Society’s Conveyancing Protocol in relation to standard and special conditions of sale, and warns against the unnecessary inclusion of additional conditions, with some practical examples
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FeaturePassing the buck?
Chris Hall explains the new responsibilities likely to be imposed on landlords in an attempt to deter illegal immigration, and raises questions about the impact of the scheme, which he warns could become a revenue-generating exercise for government
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FeatureService industry
Roger Buston reviews an in-depth book on commercial and residential service charges, which successfully manages to pull together a number of often confusing threads of both regulation and case law to inform the busy practitioner
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AnalysisSpotlight: Mitchell v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2013] EWCA Civ 1526
Court of Appeal provided guidance, in light of the Jackson Reforms, on the circumstances in which relief from sanctions relating to non-compliance with rules, practice directions or court orders will be granted.
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FeatureCan I get a witness?
Amanda Stevens’ top tips on being an effective expert witness in a post-Jackson litigation landscape