Partners share discrimination rights with employees, warns Michelle Chance, and firms that ignore this risk high legal costs, reputational damage and even losing their most talented performers
Paul Christian reviews the definition of non-residence for tax purposes, entrepreneurs' relief, changes to SDLT on residential property, the construction industry scheme and retrospective legislation
Now in the news we have the contro-versial trial of two boys for attempted rape. Much has been made of the wisdom of prosecuting children so young for such a serious offence. Many say that in some circumstances it is not possible to draw a clear line between horseplay – 'doctors and nurses' in this case – and criminal activity. Such then are the criticisms that the law should not be involved and this could all be sorted out by a stern 'fireside chat' and a strict warning to keep their little hands to themselves. But, as usual, everybody commenting does not know the facts. Highly experienced prosecuting counsel, and a very senior and experienced CPS team, no doubt thought long and hard before bringing the case and – let us not forget – securing convictions.
Jonathan Djanogly, the new legal aid and civil justice minister, has confirmed that the previous government's drastic cuts to criminal legal aid will go ahead.
