Archive

Estate planning update

Susi Dunn considers agricultural property relief from inheritance tax, the costs risks involved in entering into contentious probate proceedings and the reduced IHT rate

When public law meets conveyancing

In the light of key changes to planning permissions and enforcement, conveyancers will need to adopt a more meticulous approach, says Richard Humphreys QC

Paying the price for leasehold disputes

Now that the Court of Appeal has widened the scope of a common costs clause, landlords and tenants must ensure that such clauses are clearly drafted to avoid expensive and protracted litigation, says David Sawtell

Those keen to embrace the Legal Services Act are being let down

More effective communication from the LSB is needed to stamp out delays and uncertainty,says Susanna Heley

Trigger ramifications

Daniel Easton

Personal injury trust vs deputyship

When dealing with the settlement of a person lacking capacity, the Court of Protection must decide whether it is more appropriate to authorise a trust or appoint a deputy. So, what must it consider to reach a decision? Ruth Hughes reports

Why a poker face is an essential skill for barristers

Felix explores the difficulties of controlling your emotions in court

Seen, but not heard

Watching a Scottish judge delivering his sentence in a murder case last week was a strange, slightly surreal experience. There was no background noise, no footage of the defendant. The shouts, which later rang out from the public gallery when he was led away, were edited out. The focus was entirely on the judge, Lord Bracadale. He spoke quietly and calmly, giving no hint in the way he spoke of the horrible crime that had been committed.