Traps for junior lawyers: Acting for friends and family can be risky business

Although it might be tempting to act for family and friends, there are various risks and pitfalls from a professional negligence and insurance perspective.

By - 3 min read

Solicitors’ duties: Avoiding conflicts of interest

Although it may be tempting to act for both sides of a transaction, conflict of interest may arise and the consequences may include disciplinary action.

By and - 4 min read

Testamentary capacity and the role of the solicitor

A diagnosis of dementia is not incompatible with testamentary capacity. A prudent practitioner should keep contemporaneous documentary evidence on file to withstand a will challenge.

By - 4 min read

Managing risk and implied undertakings

Recent decision examines obligations under Harman undertakings. Solicitors should ensure that clients understand their obligations or risk contempt of court.

By and - 4 min read

Solicitors acting as trustees: When beneficiaries seek access to trust documents

Practical tips for solicitors on avoiding conflict with beneficiaries whilst acting as a trustee.  

By and - 4 min read

High conflict personalities and legal disputes

Parties are often locked in lengthy litigation due to the high conflict personalities involved and this exacts a huge toll on parties and professionals involved.

By - 3 min read

The cost of litigation: Avoiding personal costs orders

A solicitor may be liable for costs orders if they conduct litigation unreasonably, incompetently or without reasonable prospects of success.

By and - 5 min read

Russia/Ukraine sanctions: are you or your clients at risk of breaching the sanctions?

Lawyers should ensure they are aware of and be able to advise their clients in relation to whether they may be in breach of sanction…

By and - 4 min read

To text or not to text: lawyering via chat apps, social media and messaging

As practitioners incorporate the use of social media into their practices, they need to consider the limitations and risks of social media.

By and - 4 min read

A foot in each boat: dangers in acting for more than one party

What dangers arise if a solicitor decides to help by acting for multiple parties? Some guidelines for deciding whether it’s worth the risk…

By - 4 min read