Opinion

OPINION: Peter Forshaw

Posted by Vicky Anderson on May 13, 2008 6:30 AM

The partner and head of the leisure unit at Weightmans on the "tan ban"

Continue reading "OPINION: Peter Forshaw"

OPINION: Robert Stoker

Posted by Vicky Anderson on May 8, 2008 3:07 PM

DLA Piper's legal director on intellectual property rights

Continue reading "OPINION: Robert Stoker"

OPINION: Peter Mellody

Posted by Vicky Anderson on May 6, 2008 6:45 AM

The JST Lawyers employment specialist on the EU's Equal Treatment Directive

Continue reading "OPINION: Peter Mellody"

OPINION: Stuart Jones

Posted by Vicky Anderson on April 29, 2008 6:05 AM

Weightmans' employment partner on health screening

Continue reading "OPINION: Stuart Jones"

OPINION: Mark Dale

Posted by Vicky Anderson on April 15, 2008 6:40 AM

The DLA Piper associate and employment law specialist on the use of social networking sites on work time

Continue reading "OPINION: Mark Dale"

OPINION: James Murray

Posted by Vicky Anderson on April 8, 2008 11:54 AM

The partner at James Murray Solicitors on fair rape trials

Continue reading "OPINION: James Murray"

OPINION: Sarah Conroy

Posted by Vicky Anderson on April 1, 2008 6:40 AM

The commercial dispute resolution specialist from Weightmans discusses the perils of posting online.

Continue reading "OPINION: Sarah Conroy"

OPINION: Fiona Davidson

Posted by Vicky Anderson on March 25, 2008 6:40 AM

Mace & Jones's family law associate solicitor on the McCartney divorce

Continue reading "OPINION: Fiona Davidson"

OPNION: Chris Harmer

Posted by Vicky Anderson on March 4, 2008 6:40 AM

The joint head of the dispute resolution team at JST Lawyers on the Philip Olivier landlord case

Continue reading "OPNION: Chris Harmer"

OPINION: Peter Forshaw

Posted by Vicky Anderson on February 19, 2008 6:40 AM

Peter Forshaw, partner and head of leisure at Weightmans, on proposed Alcohol Disorder Zones

Continue reading "OPINION: Peter Forshaw"

OPINION: Zia Chaudhry

Posted by Vicky Anderson on February 12, 2008 6:50 AM

Zia Chaudhry, a barrister at India Buildings Chambers and founder of The Spirit of Cordoba project, on shariah law

Continue reading "OPINION: Zia Chaudhry"

OPINION: Alison Lobb

Posted by Vicky Anderson on February 5, 2008 6:45 AM

Alison Lobb, partner and head of civil litigation at Liverpool solicitors Morecrofts and a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, on the “Lotto rapist” ruling

Continue reading "OPINION: Alison Lobb"

OPINION: Fiona Parry

Posted by Vicky Anderson on January 29, 2008 6:45 AM

Fiona Parry, a partner at Halliwells, on the continuing credit crunch

Continue reading "OPINION: Fiona Parry"

OPINION: Jim Percival

Posted by Vicky Anderson on January 22, 2008 6:55 AM

JIM Percival, partner specialising in regulatory law and dispute resolution at Brabners Chaffe Street, on the government's go-ahead for new nuclear power stations

Continue reading "OPINION: Jim Percival"

Opinion: Mark Robinson on the perils of the Christmas Party

Posted by David Higgerson on December 4, 2007 5:53 PM

WITH Christmas approaching and the office party season getting into full swing, how concerned should employers be about finding themselves responsible for an employee’s behaviour at a social event?
Can an employer be liable for drunkenness,

Continue reading "Opinion: Mark Robinson on the perils of the Christmas Party"

OPINION: Bill Chandler

Posted by Vicky Anderson on November 27, 2007 6:55 AM

Bill Chandler, partner and commercial property specialist at Hill Dickinson, discusses the legality of sprinklers in warehouses

Continue reading "OPINION: Bill Chandler"

OPINION: Stuart Rathe warns of sale and rent back

Posted by Vicky Anderson on November 20, 2007 6:50 AM

THERE has been huge media interest in recent weeks in so-called ‘sale and rent back’ schemes, where companies purchase properties for up to 60% below market value.

These companies generally give no security to the occupier beyond a 6 to 12 month tenancy. They are typically used by vulnerable people in financial difficulty.

However, a clear distinction should be made between these dangerous sale and rent back schemes and safe, regulated equity release schemes for older homeowners.

Continue reading "OPINION: Stuart Rathe warns of sale and rent back"

OPINION: Philip Byrne on the Rating (Empty Properties) Act

Posted by Vicky Anderson on November 13, 2007 6:47 AM

COMMERCIAL landlords will no longer to be able to enjoy significant business rate allowances on empty properties due to the Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007, which takes effect on April 1 2008, writes Philip Byrne, associate in commercial property at Brabners Chaffe Street.

Continue reading "OPINION: Philip Byrne on the Rating (Empty Properties) Act"

OPINION: Philip Byrne on the Rating (Empty Properties) Act

Posted by Vicky Anderson on November 13, 2007 6:47 AM

COMMERCIAL landlords will no longer to be able to enjoy significant business rate allowances on empty properties due to the Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007, which takes effect on April 1 2008, writes Philip Byrne, associate in commercial property at Brabners Chaffe Street.

Continue reading "OPINION: Philip Byrne on the Rating (Empty Properties) Act"

OPINION: Dawn Joughin on inheritance tax

Posted by Vicky Anderson on October 23, 2007 8:15 AM

THE Chancellor’s proposal for a “transferable nil-rate band” between spouses and civil partners in his recent pre-Budget Report means it’s now possible for the surviving spouse to “double up” on the nil rate band on gifts made by them under their will.

Prior to this, it was possible for married couples to pass almost unlimited assets to each other without paying inheritance tax.

Continue reading "OPINION: Dawn Joughin on inheritance tax"

OPINION: Chris Aitken on new Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Posted by Vicky Anderson on October 16, 2007 9:29 AM

AS A result of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, a new arrangement called Lasting Power of Attorney replaced EPAs (Enduring Power of Attorney) at the beginning of this month.

Unfortunately, there is now greater expense at the outset because of the requirement to register the LPA with the Public Guardianship Office.

Continue reading "OPINION: Chris Aitken on new Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)"

OPINION: Carol Hopwood on small claims

Posted by Deborah James on October 9, 2007 6:50 AM

Solicitors acting for people injured in accidents were delighted to hear earlier this year that the personal injuries small claims limit was to remain unchanged at £1,000, following Lord Falconer’s announcement at the APIL Annual Conference.

This announcement was made despite heavy lobbying from insurance companies that it should be increased to up to £5000.

The significance of the small claims limit is far reaching for the consumer.

Continue reading "OPINION: Carol Hopwood on small claims"

OPINION: David Rawlinson on the press treatment of the McCanns

Posted by Vicky Anderson on October 2, 2007 8:23 AM

MADELEINE McCANN’S disappear- ance has been the subject of press speculation for months.

Allegations made against her parents in some national news- papers are potentially defamatory and actionable, if not prefaced by the journalist’s favourite word – “alleged”.

But, with little or no actual evidence existing to prove the McCanns’ guilt, questions must be asked how the press is allowed to report such accusations and apparently suffer no legal consequences?

Continue reading "OPINION: David Rawlinson on the press treatment of the McCanns"

Opinion: Ross Meadows on employment tribunals

Posted by Vicky Anderson on September 25, 2007 6:28 AM

ZZ210907ROSS.jpg

NEW figures show that the number of employment tribunals is rocketing.

Cases brought to tribunals in the last year rose by 15% to a total of 132,577, with the biggest increase – 155% – in equal pay claims.

Continue reading "Opinion: Ross Meadows on employment tribunals"

OPINION: Laurence Pritchard on supermarket regulations

Posted by Vicky Anderson on September 18, 2007 11:41 AM

REPORTS that Tesco and Asda have been demanding fees from suppliers to keep their products on the shelves have rekindled the controversy over the behaviour of the major supermarkets.

Continue reading "OPINION: Laurence Pritchard on supermarket regulations"

Prosecuting younger criminals would be "draconian and idiotic": Rex Makin

Posted by Deborah James on September 4, 2007 6:02 AM

REX MAKIN is senior partner at E Rex Makin and Co.

A SURVEY last week found 3,000 offences were committed nationally in the past year by children too young to be prosecuted.
The figure has prompted calls from some in the legal profession – including notably Laurence Lee, the solicitor who defended James Bulger’s killer Jon Venables – for a lowering of the legal age of responsibity to include children under ten.
In my view this is a ludicrous, absurd, impractical and some would say even idiotic idea.

Continue reading "Prosecuting younger criminals would be "draconian and idiotic": Rex Makin"

Opinion: Sue Russell

Posted by Deborah James on August 28, 2007 8:31 AM

ON OCTOBER 1, 2007, the new provisions in the Companies Act 2006 will come into force.

Part of the Act contains the new statement of the “seven director’s duties”.

Continue reading "Opinion: Sue Russell"

Opinion: Jonathan Brown

Posted by Deborah James on August 21, 2007 8:47 AM

So what are the advantages of reverse takeovers, and are we likely to see more in the future?

As well as the normal advantages of any acquisition such as synergies and costs savings, a reverse takeover will always have significant commercial advantages.

Continue reading "Opinion: Jonathan Brown"

OPINION: Sean Crotty

Posted by Vicky Anderson on August 7, 2007 8:19 AM

The Church of England was upset that a major gun battle appears to be set in Manchester Cathedral, claiming that it was insensitive to locate the scene in a city suffering from a high level of gun crime.

I would not wish to comment upon issues of insensitivity and any moral duties a game developer and publisher should consider, but I was intrigued when the Church of England indicated that it considered legal action.

Continue reading "OPINION: Sean Crotty"

Opinion: Peter Mooney on confusion over the smoking ban

Posted by Vicky Anderson on July 31, 2007 6:57 AM

BUSINESSES are still baffled by the smoking ban, four weeks after it was introduced.

The new law was brought in on July 1 to ban smoking in all enclosed spaces, including offices, pubs and restaurants.

Continue reading "Opinion: Peter Mooney on confusion over the smoking ban"

OPINION: KUNBI MOLAJO

Posted by Deborah James on July 10, 2007 6:01 AM

A RECENT court ruling could result in many victims of hit and run drivers being able to claim government compensation.

Continue reading "OPINION: KUNBI MOLAJO"

OPINION: How far is too far after a storm?

Posted by Vicky Anderson on July 3, 2007 12:01 AM

ZZ020707LEGAL2.jpg
WITH some national firms having to close down their Sheffield operations due to last week's rain, many will consider if they can temporarily relocate staff to other offices, such as nearby Liverpool.

But how far can staff, literally, be expected to go in these circumstances?

Continue reading "OPINION: How far is too far after a storm?"

OPINION: Julian Diaz-Rainey

Posted by Vicky Anderson on June 12, 2007 6:01 PM

1475620.jpg

IN VIEW of recent allegations made by UEFA about Liverpool fans, many are now wondering whether the fans, or indeed the club, have any potential action against UEFA for defamation.

There have also been reports in the press in which UEFA are alleged to have said that Liverpool fans are the worst in Europe.

Continue reading "OPINION: Julian Diaz-Rainey"

  • Post to: