Read our latest articles, news briefs and legal updates across all our different services.
The Government is planning to reintroduce fees for employment tribunal claims seven years after they were judged to be unlawful by the Supreme Court. The Ministry of Justice is now seeking views on the proposals in a consultation document, Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal The document says the Government has learned the lessons
I have just embarked on my final six months as a trainee solicitor, and reflecting on my training contract experience so far, the past 18 months have undoubtedly been an invaluable learning curve. As I progress towards qualification, I have begun to reflect on the lessons learnt and experience gained. As a prospective trainee I
It is important to note when applying for training contracts at regional firms, your role is more than understanding the law in which seat you are training in. Here at Machins, as a trainee you are viewed as the future of the firm and so from day one you will have an active role in
During the application season, it can feel like the whole world is announcing that they’ve accepted an offer for their top choice firm or are choosing between three placements. So, how do you stay focused and avoid the trap of comparison culture? You’re already trying to balance ongoing studies alongside writing applications, attending events, networking
With Family Mediation Week due to take place between 22-26 January 2024, we explain some key points about family mediation and how the process works. Family Mediation – What is it? Family mediation is designed to assist divorcing or separating couples reach an agreement in relation to financial and/or children matters that arise as a
The Law Society has warned that a move to electronic wills could lead to an increase in fraud. It says more research is needed before they are introduced. The concern was raised in the Society’s response to the Law Commission’s consultation on wills reform. The commission is consulting on the issue of electronic wills due
The highly anticipated annual office Christmas party epitomises the perfect out of hours staff get together, but if you’re not careful one too many shots coupled with a clash of personalities could make for a recipe for disaster! Here are Machins’ top tips for a trouble-free night of drinks, dancing and merriment without the throes
The Government has announced changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill to protect vulnerable residents and improve the safety of homes for tenants. It has tabled amendments to make it illegal for landlords and agents to have blanket bans on renting to people who receive benefits or who have children – ensuring families aren’t discriminated against
The Government has announced proposals to cut ground rents to help homeowners in leasehold properties. Housing Secretary Michael Gove has launched a consultation that will set out options including capping ground rents at a so called “peppercorn” rate for existing leaseholders, freezing ground rents at current levels and capping the ground rents at a percentage
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has rejected calls to reduce inheritance tax in his autumn statement. Instead, he has decided to leave rates and allowances at the same level as they have been for the last three years. Inheritance tax is set at 40% and becomes payable once the tax-free threshold of £325,000 has been passed. There