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"

Living Wills are not yet legally binding in Scotland, however a recent case in England shows that medical staff are putting greater emphasis on respecting the wishes of patients. A Living Will, also known as an Advance Directive, is a document that allows you to declare your views on receiving life-prolonging medical treatment should you … Continue reading "Declare your views on receiving life-prolonging medical treatment before it’s too late"

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?"

Since 2006, there has been legislation in Scotland which has prohibited smoking in public places.  This encompasses a wide variety of premises from bars and restaurants to public transportation vehicles.  The legislation also includes offices, factories and any non-domestic premises in which one or more people work.  Many employers will also have a separate no-smoking … Continue reading "Clearing the Air on Smoking Policies"

  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!"

  “Injury to feelings” provides the most substantial part of an award in cases of discrimination, ie when someone is treated unfavourably because they hold one of the 8 protected characteristics (age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation – sorry Gingers, still no protection for you … Continue reading "A crescendo to Vento: Increases to employee awards in discrimination cases"

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: