Domestic Violence – the misconceptions, employers duties and what the future holds
Domestic violence is usually perceived as acts or aggressive behaviours from one person towards someone else in a relationship that result in physical scars or harm, and can also include threats of abuse. For years, domestic violence in a relationship in the form of controlling behaviour went undetected. This behaviour could go on for years, […]
New guide empowers lawyers to ‘prioritise children’s voices in family law’
A renowned family law specialist has released a new book that will provide crucial advice for lawyers and the public in navigating the complexities of child welfare disputes. Tom Quail, head of family law at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), has released his timely guide, A Practical Guide to Contact and Residence Disputes, amid […]
Making Change Part of the Furniture: Lessons from Paul O’Neill and Alcoa
Change is often perceived as a disruptive force, an unwelcome visitor that turns our routines and structures upside down. However, there are powerful examples from history that demonstrate how change, when integrated thoughtfully and systematically, can become as integral to an organization as the furniture within it. One of the most compelling cases is the […]
Preparing for Legal Directories Season
You’re invited to Preparing for Legal Directories Season, an exclusive, insight-packed legal directories session providing a deep dive into the world of legal directories, unpacking the research process, methodology, rankings and editorial calendar. This online event will be hosted by LexRex Communications, join managing director and resident legal directories specialist, Victoria Moffatt, and LexRex brand […]
Are cohabitee rights fit for purpose?
Around one quarter of all couples in the UK now cohabit outside of marriage, with this being particularly common in younger age groups. Meanwhile, the proportion of those aged 16 or over fell, for the first time in 2022, below 50 per cent. What this shows us is that the structure of society is evolving, […]
Princess Sheikha Mahra divorces husband on social media – is this a cultural statement or new phenomena?
Islamic divorce and its legal status in the UK The daughter of Dubai’s ruler, Princess Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently made headlines by not just announcing her divorce via an Instagram post, as is often the way with high-profile divorces, but using the post to ‘initiate’ the divorce. The post itself […]
Letter to the Home Secretary demanding Southport attack be seen as part of the wider VAWG epidemic plaguing the country
Earlier this week, Women’s Aid, alongside 76 of its member organisations, have issued an urgent letter to the Home Secretary, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, demanding that the horrendous knife attack in Southport earlier this week be viewed not in isolation but instead as part of the wider epidemic of violence against women and girls […]
Strict US abortion law comes into effect banning terminations after six weeks of pregnancy in Iowa
A strict US abortion law came into effect in the state of Iowa yesterday, enforcing a ban on most terminations after six weeks gestation – when cardiac activity is detected in a foetus. The midwestern state’s Republican officials have been striving for the law to come into effect for a number of years and took […]
London Victims Commissioner says justice system is ‘failing victims of stalking’
A statement from the London Victims Commissioner has found there is ‘confusion’ among Met police regarding stalking laws and findings also indicate that the criminal justice system is ‘failing’ victims of stalking. The London Victims’ Commissioner’s review was commissioned specifically to investigate the Metropolitan Police’s response to stalking in London. Claire Waxman’s report found 45 […]
Trainees should see increase in recommended minimum salary
Aspiring solicitors should be paid £24,320 outside of London and £27,418 in the capital for qualifying work experience (QWE) for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or during their training contract, the Law Society of England and Wales said today. “The increase in recommended salary for aspiring solicitors is considered appropriate at this time,” said Law […]
The new test for matrimonialised property set out in Standish
The Court of Appeal’s recent decision in the case of Standish v Standish can certainly be considered controversial. The decision effectively states that a gift to a spouse is not in fact a gift, thereby becoming a judgement of universal application in family law. Another way in which this decision will set precedent is through […]
‘Smoothies for Solicitors’ to celebrate the biggest London Legal Walk in 20 years
Thousands of walkers and runners in the legal profession took to London’s streets in support of a legal charity and enjoyed a fruity treat at the end in the June sunshine. A record number of solicitors and their legal colleagues stepped out in support of this year’s London Legal Walk, sponsored by The Solicitors’ Charity. […]
As ‘distinguished board member’s’ decade with The Solicitors’ Charity ends, the wellbeing work continues
As a trustee for The Solicitors Charity has bowed out of her ten year term a a board member, she reflects on the non profit’s progression and growth as her term of office ends. Kirsty McEwen, TEP, Partner and Head of Charity and Not for Profit for Higgs LLP, has served as a Trustee for […]
SRA consumer protection review: Client accounts vital for legal services
Firms should continue to be able to operate client accounts, as they are vital for the effective delivery of many legal services, the Law Society of England and Wales said in response to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) consumer protection review discussion paper. Law Society president Nick Emmerson said that the SRA is considering whether […]
Labour say they will simplify ‘undignified’ gender transition process, rubbishing two-year cooling off period as ‘nonsense’
The Labour party have promised to remove the ‘intrusive’ law that states those who wish to transition their gender will have to live as their preferred gender for two years. In a move for trans rights, the Labour party have promised that they will simplify the gender transition process for those wishing to transition, The […]
Police have warned of increase in domestic violence during Euros Tournament after England V Slovenia match saw fans throwing cups
The police have issued warnings of a potential increase in domestic violence amid the excitement of the Euros this summer. The England team has topped Group C after goalless finish against Slovenia, and have reached the knockout stage of the tournament. Rowdy fans were seen throwing cups at the game – after police have alerted […]
Wellbeing week: 24th – 30th June 2024
The Department of Health & Social Care define wellbeing as “feeling good and functioning well and comprises an individual’s experience of their life, and a comparison of life circumstances with social norms and values”. I’ve always said that the moment a family lawyer has something happening in their personal life, their day-to-day role becomes even […]
What is ‘Resolution Together?’
Lisa Payne is an Associate at Wilsons Solicitors and joins the latest Today’s Family Lawyer podcast to discuss ‘Resolution Together.’ Also know as one lawyer, two clients, Wilsons have introduced the service in their firm with Lisa taking a leading role in championing it amongst the team and clients. In this podcast Lisa discusses the […]
Stowe Family Law announces the acquisition of Hawkins Family Law
A growing London law firm has announced another acquisition as it bolsters it’s ranks with the addition of a Buckinghamshire based boutique firm. Stowe Family Law announced earlier this week that it has acquired Hawkins Family Law, a boutique family law firm based in Buckinghamshire with offices across greater London and the southern counties which […]
Grey Divorce – How family lawyers should approach the unique challenges of later-life divorce clients
The recent announcement from TV presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford that they are getting divorced after 14 years of marriage has sparked interest from different corners. However, for family lawyers, our focus is on what factors are different, or particularly challenging about divorcing later in life. There are several names for divorcing later in […]