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HSBC's decision to cut down its conveyancing panel is bad for clients

Solicitors interested in residential property work will undoubtedly be familiar with the ongoing HSBC debacle.

Time running out to establish old public rights of way

New developments and changes to rural life are bringing back the issue of public rights of way onto lawyers' desks as interested parties only have 13 years left to register historic rights, says Alec Samuels

Not having a risk register isn't a risk worth taking

Firms should regard the new requirement to have a risk register and a compliance plan as an opportunity to improve efficiencies, however unclear the SRA's regulatory expectations are, says Stuart Bushell

The end of nil rate band trusts for couples?

Now that married couples and civil partners can claim the transferable nil-rate band, is there any point in setting up a nil-rate band trust on the first death, and, if so, what are the benefits and options? Karen Miller assesses the position

Who will pay for the expert's report?

As DJ Tacy Cronin considers whether a divorced couple's monies under lien with one of their solicitors should be used to pay for an expert in a contact dispute, she finds out how involving Cafcass could avoid the expense altogether

Landlord and tenant update

Tessa Shepperson reviews the effectiveness of tenancy deposit regulation, including the de facto unenforceability of landlords' financial penalties, and whether the new provisions in the Localism Act will make a difference at all

Children update

As the courts are getting to grips with new family models, Noel Arnold reviews how they approach the protection of children's interests

Kool for skool

“Thank you sir, you are really funny.” This is not a commendation I would typically strive for as a solicitor. However, given the circumstances, it was a plaudit I was happy to take, especially given that it was offered by a street savvy 15-year-old student before 9 'o clock on a chilly Thursday morning.