Read our latest articles, news briefs and legal updates across all our different services.
Submitting a strong cover letter is crucial for your law trainee application. This guide provides valuable tips on making your cover letter personal, avoiding AI pitfalls, and ensuring proper formatting. Learn how to impress potential employers and enhance your chances of securing a training contract at Machins.”
The 2024 Budget introduces proposed changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) treatment of unused pension funds. Starting in April 2027, these funds will be included in the deceased’s estate for IHT calculations. This could significantly impact estate planning strategies, especially for those who have been using pensions to pass wealth tax-free.
With nearly a quarter of UK couples now cohabiting instead of marrying, the importance of cohabitation agreements has never been greater. Contrary to popular belief, “common law marriage” offers no legal protection in the UK, leaving unmarried partners vulnerable if they separate. A cohabitation agreement can provide clarity on financial arrangements, property ownership, and each partner’s rights, helping to avoid costly disputes and ensuring peace of mind.
Starting your first seat at Machins offers a supportive environment with real responsibility, hands-on legal tasks, and client interaction in the Private Client department. Gain confidence, learn from mentors, and build essential skills as you embark on your legal journey
The new Employment Bill brings significant reforms to strengthen protections for workers. From day-one dismissal rights to enhanced sick pay and flexible working, these changes aim to improve workplace standards and security for employees across various industries. Discover how these updates could impact your rights and responsibilities as both employers and worker
We’re thrilled to announce the promotion of Radha Chauhan, Victoria Grant, and Caroline Jeavons to Associates at Machins Solicitors LLP. Additionally, we congratulate Nigel Gibson-Birch, Maxine Braham, Jackie Hand, and Holly Baker on their advancement to Senior Associate roles.
Two Black employees received £95,000 in compensation after a tribunal found that London and Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q) discriminated against them during a promotion process. The Equality and Human Rights Commission supported the case, which highlights the importance of fair hiring practices.
Machins Solicitors has demonstrated once again its ability to deliver to its clients, maintaining its position as a top-tier firm for family law for the sixth consecutive year. We are also proud to announce that our multi-faceted practice has been recommended in a further seven practice areas in The Legal 500 2025 edition.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has had profound consequences for families, as illustrated by the case of Re Z and X (Visit to Ukraine) [2024] EWHC 314. In this emotional case, a father applied for his children to visit him in Ukraine, despite the ongoing conflict. The Family Court ultimately ruled against the visit, prioritizing the children’s safety and emotional wellbeing. This case sheds light on how the English courts navigate the challenges of family contact in the face of extreme circumstances, like war, and the lasting effects on separated families.
A judgment has been made public in a case involving a celebrity influencer, Lauryn Goodman, who brought a financial claim under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989 against her former partner and England footballer, Kyle Walker. The pair, who have two children together, were in Court for a two-day final hearing on 16th and