News & Legal Updates

Laura McDowall looks ahead to proposed reforms to the rules of guardianship in Scotland. Taken from the STEP JOURNAL. As private client practitioners, we often provide advice in matters where an adult lacks the capacity to make decisions relating to their personal affairs. This could be due to many reasons, including age-related illnesses such as … Continue reading "Changes to guardianship in Scotland"

I was sorry to hear of the recent death of well-known British entertainer Sir Ken Dodd who was one of the most popular artists of his time, whether he was in the theatre, the charts or on TV.  On reading the news, I was interested to note that he died only 2 days after marrying … Continue reading "Inheritance Tax: Is Sir Ken having the last laugh?"

For many, graduating from University is a long-awaited milestone. Having secured my traineeship, with Blackadders LLP, two years in advance I graduated with over a year to ‘spare’ before starting my traineeship. For the past eleven months, I have been lucky enough to work as a receptionist at Blackadders who I am going to train … Continue reading "Why law graduates should work in a firm pre traineeship …"

Blackadders LLP has handed over a cheque for £1,500 to a charity which supports people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families for a better, more inclusive, life. We surpassed our target for PAMIS (Promoting a more inclusive society) by running a Christmas Jumper Day, a raffle, bake sale and a donation from the partners … Continue reading "Blackadders LLP raises £1500 for PAMIS"

The mention of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 (the 1990 Act) brings to mind hackers sat in darkened rooms infiltrating the government’s top secrets and none of us would, hopefully, imagine committing an offence under it.  However, the Act reaches much further and many of us may innocently find ourselves on the wrong side of … Continue reading "Innocently accessing your relatives account to help them out, could be deemed as an offence…"

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."