-
Wills & Thrills: 3 succession planning scares to avoid!
31st October 2016As a fan of horror films, this is a time of year that I always enjoy: the TV schedules are filled with marathons of blood-curdling, bone-chilling classics. As a solicitor regularly advising on Wills and estate-planning issues, this gives me a rare excuse to combine these deathly interests. “Succession planning” is the way in which … Continue reading "Wills & Thrills: 3 succession planning scares to avoid!" -
Patrons’ rights if the show goes on without its star
19th August 2016It’s Festival time in Edinburgh and the mainstream theatres are packed, with all the drama – so far – being confined to the stage. Not so in London, where the hiring of major stars of film and television to take the leading roles in some West End productions has been compromised by an all-too-frequent incidence … Continue reading "Patrons’ rights if the show goes on without its star" -
Harry Potter and the School of Legal Pitfalls
9th August 2016Between dressing up in long black gowns and uttering bizarre Latin phrases that make no sense to anyone but themselves, lawyers and would-be witches and wizards have much in common. It is therefore unsurprising that I, like many of my colleagues, have been eagerly anticipating the release of the next Harry Potter book this summer. … Continue reading "Harry Potter and the School of Legal Pitfalls" -
(Ghost)busting Succession Planning Myths: 3 Ways to Avoid being Slimed
28th July 2016The new Ghostbusters film has caused quite a stir. Amongst all of the spooks and scares that the feature provides, there are loads of ghosts who are floating around New York with “unfinished business” that they didn’t clear before their time had come. It wouldn’t surprise us if a lot had come back regretting their … Continue reading "(Ghost)busting Succession Planning Myths: 3 Ways to Avoid being Slimed" -
Accreditation in Agricultural Law
21st July 2016Blackadders LLP are pleased to announce that partner and head of the Rural Land & Business division, Petra Grunenberg, has been awarded Accreditation in Agricultural Law. This award denotes official recognition by the Scottish Law Society of Petra’s skill and significant experience as an agricultural lawyer, and illustrates the part that she has played in … Continue reading "Accreditation in Agricultural Law" -
My Top 5 Tips on Progressing from Student to Trainee Solicitor
9th June 2016The Diplomas in Professional Legal Practice are drawing to a close for yet another year. After five years of studying, the Scottish Law Student is filled with elation and relief as they realise school is out – forever! Before you know it, you are approaching the first step of the legal ladder: ‘The Traineeship’. As … Continue reading "My Top 5 Tips on Progressing from Student to Trainee Solicitor" -
5 Things You Should Do After You Pay Off Your Mortgage
24th May 2016For home owners, paying off a mortgage is usually a long term commitment – typically lasting 25 years. Receiving that letter from your lender informing you that you have paid off your mortgage in full and your home is now completely yours can be a fantastic moment and one that can mean a celebration is … Continue reading "5 Things You Should Do After You Pay Off Your Mortgage" -
How to Leave Your Kids With Your Ex And Not Spoil Your Holiday
13th May 2016When former Olympic Swimmer Rebecca Adlington announced her separation from her husband Harry Needs at the beginning of April this year, she claimed they were “still the best of friends”. Days later, however, according to various reports, it transpired that she left her infant daughter in her ex-husband’s care, whilst she jetted off to a … Continue reading "How to Leave Your Kids With Your Ex And Not Spoil Your Holiday" -
Keep Calm and Mediate
11th May 2016Mudslinging, name calling and stand offs. A court room battle which ends with no discernible success for anyone. Is that how you would choose to separate and divorce? It is certainly not the way that I, as a lawyer, want to conduct my client’s cases. Gary Lineker recently accused lawyers of fuelling acrimony between divorcing … Continue reading "Keep Calm and Mediate" -
6 Reasons Why Prince Should Have Left a Will
10th May 2016It came as no surprise to me that, following the tragic death of singer ‘Prince’ last month, his family are now embroiled in a dispute over the late singer’s $300 million estate. Unfortunately, the enigmatic music star failed to leave a Will and this is the just the most recent occasion where celebrities – often … Continue reading "6 Reasons Why Prince Should Have Left a Will"