News & Legal Updates

With the warmth of Christmas behind us and January now upon us, many of us will be setting aside the turkey sandwiches & mulled wine and thinking of resolutions for the year ahead. As a private client lawyer, it is too easy for me to say “make a Will!” and leave it at that – … Continue reading "2018: New Year, New Will?"

Christmas is a time for giving and there are several ways to make over cash or assets to someone as efficiently as possible when it comes to inheritance tax (IHT). IHT is only currently payable on any portion of your estate that is above a threshold of £325,000, and is charged at 40%, however this … Continue reading "5 ways to reduce your Inheritance tax bill this Christmas"

As per Law Society of Scotland requirements all Trainees are required to undertake a minimum of 60 hours CPD training over the two-year period of their training contract. Of these 60 hours, 40 must be specialised TCPD taken with an authorised provider. This is often easier said than done! Attending authorised TCPD events can be … Continue reading "Legal Trainee? Do your TCPD in Dundee"

Home Office code The Telegraph published a report this week indicating that the Home Office had banned its immigration officers from rocking an “unshaven or stubble appearance”.  Beards and moustaches however remain fair game.  The dress code guidance, which applies to those in public facing roles, also dictates that those who wish to grow a … Continue reading "Has the Stubble Bubble burst? Male grooming and workplace rules."

  The former England captain yesterday admitted a charge of drink driving. He got behind the wheel whilst nearly three times the English drink driving limit after partying until the early hours of the morning. Rooney was pulled over whilst driving the car of a female he had met that night, leading some to speculate … Continue reading "Is it a ‘red card’ for Rooney?"

  In today’s densely populated world, neighbour’s interests often collide, and nothing causes more annoyance than when the neighbours spoil your quiet enjoyment of your property.  This can happen in many ways, the most common irritants being the noisy neighbour, the smelly neighbour, and the polluting neighbour.  Often these cases are usually about an escape … Continue reading "TANKED – when neighbours fall out!"

As I come to the halfway point of my training contract, this feels like a good time to reflect on the past year. To those applying for training contracts, or waiting for their first day of their traineeship to arrive, here are some things I wish I knew before I started my traineeship:

My colleague, Alastair Johnston, previously published an article where he discussed  Bruce Wayne’s abilities as a company director. His capabilities as a director certainly do not match his crime fighting skills. He spent recklessly on items that wouldn’t benefit the organisation and failed to inform other shareholders of his actions. So what are the duties … Continue reading "Bruce Wayne: 7 Superhero tips to being a Superhero Director"

Community support is one of the cornerstones of the Rural Sector in Scotland. In the current economic climate, it can be challenging on many fronts to progress in agricultural communities whether financially, physically or mentally. RSABI is an established charity which has helped those in Scottish rural industries for over 120 years in Scotland from … Continue reading "RSABI Great Glen Challenge"

Blackadders are delighted to announce that Laura McDowall has been accredited as a specialist in Incapacity and Mental Disability Law by the Law Society of Scotland. The accreditation system recognises lawyers with exceptional quality and skill that have developed specialist knowledge during their careers. Laura joins an elite group of solicitors after becoming only the … Continue reading "Laura McDowall accredited as specialist in Incapacity and Mental Disability Law"