Covid- 19 Business continues….
We are continuing to operate a full service to our clients however due to worldwide public health concerns about the Covid-19 virus and Government requirements, we have made a number of necessary changes to ensure the health and welfare of our staff and clients, and we have taken steps to ensure that any disruption is...Read More
Don’t put it off… making your Lasting Power of Attorney now is Important!
We are often called upon to provide advice and assistance in relation to Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) for our clients. There are two types of LPAs – one for property and finances and the other for health and welfare. These documents last beyond mental incapacity and provide invaluable assistance in what can be a...Read More
Does your Will work?
Does your Will work? Do you have a Will? If not, why not? If so – are you sure it works to your advantage? A recent report by STEP (Society for Trusts and Estate Practitioners) shed light on how many of its members have come across Wills which have been badly or wrongly drafted and...Read More
Congratulations to our new salaried partners
Two of our lawyers have recently been promoted to the position of salaried partner. We congratulate Sarah Oram of the conveyancing department and Yasmin Govan of the family department on their well deserved promotions.
The year ahead. What will 2023 bring?
What will the coming year bring? As we begin another year we face uncertainty as to what 2023 may bring. Recent years have been unsettled and things once regarded as certain no longer feel quite so solid – the world feels wobbly. War in Ukraine, rising interest rates, the cost of living crisis and the...Read More
Congratulations to our lawyers on their achievements
Two of our lawyers have recently achieved new qualifications. Duha Al-Wakeel in our Private Client Department is now a STEP Full Member. Sarah Oram in our Conveyancing Department has passed her fellowship assessment and is now a FCILEx. Congratulations to both!
SDLT cut until 31 March 2021
Today the Chancellor announced that he will cut stamp duty land tax (SDLT) to stimulate the housing market. The threshold will increase from £125,000 to £500,000. The cut will be temporary until 31 March 2021. Details are awaited as to exactly what and who will be eligible for this rate and we will update this...Read More
COVID 19 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – General update – June
The Government’s furlough scheme has provided much-needed financial support to business and the self-employed. It is estimated there are currently 8.4 million people being paid through the furlough scheme as well as a further estimated 2 million self-employed receiving assistance. When the Chancellor announced details of the Scheme on 20 March, it was initially backdated...Read More
Moving home – Covid-19
People can now move home. The government has issued Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, providing updated guidance for those involved in the process.
Property market re-opens today – Covid-19
From today, property viewings and moves are allowed, subject to physical distancing being observed. At the time of writing the guidance is being updated. Newspapers report that Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary, said removal companies, conveyancers and estate agents could restart their businesses with immediate effect. He said the government estimated that more than 450,000...Read More
Key Worker Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney Discount Scheme
Edward Harte Solicitors recognise the outstanding work being undertaken by our Keyworkers during the Coronavirus crisis. We would like to show our appreciation to those who are doing so much for us by offering a 10% discount on Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney for instructions received by 1st June 2020 from anyone recognised as a Keyworker by...Read More
Corona Virus Act 2020 – Effects on Commercial Landlords and Tenants
Section 82 of the Corona Virus Act 2020 has placed restrictions on forfeiture for non-payment of rent in England and Wales of commercial premises from 26March to 30 June 2020. The Government also has the ability to extend that period if they consider it appropriate to do so. This means that Landlords cannot take steps...Read More
Corona Virus Act 2020 – Residential Landlords and Tenants
The Corona Virus Act 2020 came into effect from the 26 March 2020 and deals with new possession cases and existing ones. Firstly, notice periods have been increased to a minimum of three months for notices seeking possession or notices to quit in respect of certain residential tenancies in the private and social sector. This...Read More
Covid-19 and construction contracts
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread around the globe many businesses are feeling the effects and consequences of the Government’s lockdown. Whilst many construction sites are still open there are various factors that will put increasing pressure on construction operations that need to be taken into account. Some of these factors include: – Management...Read More
Covid 19 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
If you are an employer and need to furlough employees we can help. COVID 19 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) – The Scheme On Friday 20 March 2020 the Government announced it would provide assistance, subject to eligibility, to employers of UK businesses, charities, public authorities and agency workers (those paid through PAYE) or...Read More
Resolutions and all that jazz..!
Duha discusses the importance of making a will and why you need one even if you think you don't.
First time buyers up
According to the recent conveyancing news, figures from UK Finance, have indicated that in 2018 we saw the highest number of first-time buyers entering the mortgage market since 2006, which was during the busy period prior to the financial crash and in December the figures were 1.6% higher than the figures for 2017. If...Read More
Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2018 – Winner
We are delighted to announce that one of our partners, Samantha Dawkins, has received a Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Award for property litigation. The award “seeks to celebrate and highlight the achievements of women in the legal profession across the globe. The award recognises the contribution made by female legal professionals working in the...Read More
Supreme Court success for local firm Edward Harte: a legal precedent you need to know!
MWB Business Exchange Centres -v- Rock Advertising Limited [2018] UKSC 24. Samantha Dawkins from Brighton-based solicitors Edward Harte has successfully guided this case through to Appeal at the Supreme Court. The case which was unanimously allowed with Judgment being handed down on 16 May 2018. “Modern litigation rarely raises truly fundamental issues in the law...Read More
Supreme Court Success; MWB -v- Rock Advertising
MWB Business Exchange Centres -v- Rock Advertising Limited [2018] UKSC 24. Samantha Dawkins has successfully guided this case through to Appeal at the Supreme Court, which was unanimously allowed, with Judgment being handed down on 16 May 2018. It was an “exceptional” appeal that raised fundamental issues in contract law, which was ultimately decided on...Read More
Grant of a lease – how far down does the flat owner own?
The High Court in a recent case, Gorst v Knight, decided that the demise of ground floor maisonette did not include the subsoil beneath it. A house had been converted into two maisonettes; one on the ground floor and one on the first and second floors. The ground floor maisonette included a small cellar beneath. The owners of the...Read More
Family Lawyer
Edward Harte are seeking a family lawyer to join their successful family team. The workload will cover all types of private law family work including finance and children and will involve advocacy. The ideal candidate will be a Solicitor or Legal Executive with at least years 3 PQE. Please apply with CV to Anna Glenton,...Read More
Parental Responsibility and Medical Treatment for a child
In light of the recent events before the Supreme court regarding medical treatment for a child and last year, there was a report about a mother’s fury after finding out her 3 month old son had been circumcised without her consent when opening his nappy. It came to light that the child has been circumcised...Read More
SUPREME COURT: ANTI-ORAL VARIATION CLAUSES AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION
MWB Business Exchange Centres Limited –v- Rock Advertising Limited [2016] EWCA Civ 553 MWB operate serviced office spaces and, pursuant to a Licence Agreement, Rock Advertising utilised such accommodation in the form of managed office space. Rock Advertising fell into arrears with the Licence fee and proceedings were issued to recover the arrears. In the...Read More
Recruitment- talented people wanted.
Thinking of making a move? We are always looking to recruit talented people. The firm has a thriving and varied practice and a strong presence in the Brighton and the local area. While we may not have a specific vacancy advertised at the moment, please do feel free to forward your CV or get in touch if you are interested in becoming part...Read More
SDLT and the first time buyer
For first time buyers in England there is at last some good news, and as it has been all over the media, you would have heard the headline that SDLT has been abolished for first time buyers. This is not exactly the case but there are now different rules for first time buyers buying the first home. So if you...Read More
Building Regulations – Are you confused?
Building regulations rules (and planning) can be very confusing, and it is often hard to know when building regulations consent is required. Also some of the commonly held views are sometimes wrong, and this can be further complicated if you live in a conservation area or your building is listed. An example of this is...Read More
Secretarial Vacancy -Litigation
Highly reputable solicitors firm in central Brighton currently have a legal secretarial vacancy to support a Litigation Solicitor within the firm dealing with a wide range of civil claims, personal injury and medical negligence. The role requires legal experience, preferably within the area specificied. Possessing good IT, organisational skills, eye for detail. Minimum of 60...Read More
No recovery – No fee service for ground rent and service charge arrears.
RESIDENTIAL LEASES One of the issues frequently encountered by landlords is how to deal with unpaid service charges and ground rent. To tackle this we are now offering a no recovery no fee service to landlords to assist them in securing payment of ground rent and service charge arrears from lessees. Our service is also...Read More
Employment Law – Employment Tribunal fees update
On 26 July 2017 the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment in the case of R (on the application of UNISON) (Appellant) v Lord Chancellor (Respondent) [2017] UKSC 51 which overturned the requirement for claimants to pay (if ineligible for remission) up to £1200 to have their claim heard at an Employment Tribunal. The introduction...Read More
Anti-Oral Variation Clauses and Practical Consideration – Supreme Court
MWB Business Exchange Centres Limited –v- Rock Advertising Limited [2016] EWCA Civ 553 MWB operate serviced office spaces and, pursuant to a Licence Agreement, Rock Advertising utilised such accommodation in the form of managed office space. Rock Advertising fell into arrears with the Licence fee and proceedings were issued to recover the arrears. In the...Read More
Congratulations to our new solicitors!
Our congratulations to Karen Heal and Jack Taylor on their admission as fully qualified solicitors. Karen specialises in Employment and also excels in Business Development and Dispute Resolution. Jack specialises in Family Law including matrimonial finance and Children Act proceedings. Jack also has a talent for Wills and Probate. We are delighted that they joins...Read More
Brighton and Hove Property Market 2016 -2017 update
Late last year I wrote about the Brighton and Hove Property market in 2016 and said that I may update the article early in the New Year. Since then, I had a call from a journalist wanting a quotation for an article he was writing on the effect on the Southern Rail strikes on the local property market, and...Read More
Brighton and Hove property market in 2016
The Land Registry index is an interesting source of information on the residential property market in the UK, and this is a very short summary of 2016 based on the index to date. “As of September 2016 the average house price in the UK is £217,888, and the index stands at 114.28. Property prices have...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 14th March 2016
Now recruiting in the Family Department Our busy family team is recognised for the quality of its work, its expertise and client care. We are seeking to recruit a solicitor with minimum 2+ years PQE on competitive terms with a proposed start date of November/December 2016. Applications by CV to Anna Glenton, Partner. No agencies...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 4th February 2016
Exciting News! New additions and new promotions! We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Robert McDonald to partner at Edward Harte LLP alongside Tom Callaghan, Samantha Dawkins and Anna Glenton.
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 30th October 2015
Offers in Civil Proceedings The use of Part 36 Offers in Civil Proceedings either during pre-action correspondence or after the claim has been issued is common practice. If the successful party beats their Part 36 Offer; i.e. the Claimant makes an offer for £10,000.00 and at trial is awarded £15,000.00 the Defendant will be liable to pay...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 4th September 2015
5 Reasons Why Terms and Conditions Are Important Provide a framework for transactions and help to create certainty as to what is agreed. In the event a customer has breached the contract having robust Terms and Conditions to rely on may provide a solid base on which to defend a claim. Provide consistency between all...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 28th August 2015
5 Top Tips for serving Section 21 Notices Serve each Tenant with their own Notice Check the terms of the Tenancy for how the Notice should be served Personally serve the Notice Check the Deposit has been protected Check the Prescribed Information was served in time If the Deposit hasn’t been protected or the prescribed...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 14th August 2015
Landlord & Property Law Update There have been major changes in the law relating to Section 21 Notices and deposits within the last 12 months with further changes due to take affect in October of this year. Here is a round up of the key points for Landlords, Property Owners and Agents to look out...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 8th June 2015
Exciting News! New Additions and New Promotions We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Samantha Dawkins and Anna Glenton to partners at Edward Harte LLP alongside Tom Callaghan. We also welcome our new Head of Conveyancing Department Robert McDonald who brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous longstanding position at...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 18th September 2015
Tips, Service Charges and Gratuities Ever wondered what happens to your tips? Often when we feel we have received a good service in a bar, hotel, restaurant or taxi etc. we want to leave a tip……. but who receives the money in addition to their salary? Previously any tips paid by the employer to the...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 19th August 2014
New Partner Edward Harte LLP are very pleased to announce that Tom Callaghan, our Head of Private Client Section, became a Salaried Partner as from 1st August 2014. Tom has been with us now for 4 years and is a very valued member of the firm. His appointment as a Partner is well deserved and...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 27th May 2014
BBC Sussex “Sound Advice Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate, Tom Callaghan, appeared as a legal expert on the Allison Ferns radio show on BBC Sussex on 22nd May, answering listeners’ calls on Wills and Inheritance, talking about the importance of Wills and the recent changes to the intestacy laws (ie where a person dies...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 29th April 2014
Solicitors for the Elderly Tom Callaghan, head of Edward Harte LLP’s Wills, Trusts and Probate department, is now a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE). SFE is an independent, national organisation of lawyers who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers. For further details click here.
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 29th May 2013
Tailored Cost Solutions Following significant changes to the Legal Aid Scheme, many clients will be unable to access legal aid. Our Tailored Cost Solutions mean the lawyers here at Edward Harte can give you advice and support to suit your budget and needs if you only require legal services now and then. It may be...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 26th March 2013
Section 20 Consultation and Major Works Changes to Section 20 Consultation for Private Landlords, Resident Management Companies and their Agents A High Court decision in the case Phillips & Goddard v Francis earlier this year overturned previous views on how consultations on major works to residential buildings were applied. It has brought about considerable uncertainty...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 4th January 2013
New Divorce Petition Issued Yet again we have been able to secure the number 1 spot in Brighton by issuing the first Divorce Petition of 2013!. Our excellent service to clients continues throughout the year however…….
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 29th October 2012
Equal Pay – Employment If you thought you had an equal pay claim which was out of time, think again. You may have a claim that is up to 6 years old which you are still entitled to bring. For further details please contact us and ask for the Employment Department.
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 29th October 2012
Equal Pay – Employment If you thought you had an equal pay claim which was out of time, think again. You may have a claim that is up to 6 years old which you are still entitled to bring. For further details please contact us and ask for the Employment Department.
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 2nd April 2012
Relocating Abroad with Children After a hard fought three day case we were very pleased when the Judge entirely endorsed our client’s position and granted her leave to leave the jurisdiction with her children to relocate abroad. It is always unfortunate when there are disagreements over these matters but with careful handling we achieved a...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 2nd April 2012
Relocation Abroad with Children After a hard fought three day case we were very pleased when the Judge entirely endorsed our client’s position and granted her leave to leave the jurisdiction with her children to relocate abroad. It is always unfortunate when there are disagreements over these matters but with careful handling we achieved a...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 22nd March 2012
Senior Litigator Status for Personal Injury Edward Harte LLP are pleased to announce Colin Wibley, a partner with the firm, has achieved Senior Litigator status with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. This accreditation is an acknowledgement of Colin’s long running experience in personal injury litigation and the high level of responsibility which such accreditation...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 22nd March 2012
Senior Litigator Status for Personal Injury Edward Harte LLP are pleased to announce Colin Wibley, a partner with the firm, has achieved Senior Litigator status with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. This accreditation is an acknowledgement of Colin’s long running experience in personal injury litigation and the high level of responsibility which such accreditation...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 8th February 2012
Fraudsters Be Warned – Land Registry seeks to protect Landlords and Non Resident Home Owners The Land Registry have recently taken steps to introduce a 6 month cheap mlb jerseys initiative to aid property owners in protecting their empty or tenanted properties being sold cheap nba jerseys or mortgaged fraudulently. Non resident or absent property...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 8th February 2012
Fraudsters Be Warned – Land Registry seeks to protect Landlords and Non Resident Home Owners The Land Registry have recently taken steps to introduce a 6 month initiative to aid wholesale mlb jerseys property owners in protecting their empty or tenanted wholesale jerseys properties being sold or mortgaged fraudulently. Non resident or absent property owners...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 19th January 2012
Break Clauses – Traps for Tenants – A cautionary tale In a recent case (Avocet Industrial Estates LLP v Merol and another [2011] EWHC 3422 (Ch), the Court held that a Tenant invalidly exercised its right to break its lease because it had not made all payments due under wholesale NBA jerseys the lease as required by...Read More
Legal News from Edward Harte LLP – 19th January 2012
Break Clauses – Traps for Tenants – A Cautionary Tale In a recent case (Avocet Industrial Estates LLP v Merol and another [2011] EWHC 3422 (Ch), the Court held that a Tenant invalidly exercised its right to and break its lease because it had not made all payments due under the lease as required by the break...Read More