Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be daunting, especially when faced with criminal charges. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of criminal solicitors in the UK, offering valuable insights and guidance for individuals seeking legal assistance. Whether you’re dealing with minor offences or serious criminal allegations, understanding the role of criminal solicitors and the landscape of the market can significantly impact the outcome of your case. The purpose of this article is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions when choosing a criminal solicitor. We will explore the nature of criminal solicitors,…
Gill Laing
Gill Laing
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
The Government is currently consulting on proposed changes to the UK’s non-financial reporting regime, which aim to reduce the burden on medium-sized companies. A company qualifies as “medium-sized” in a financial year if it meets at least two of the following three criteria: a. Annual turnover exceeding £10.2m but not more than £36m. b. Balance sheet total exceeding £5.1m but not more than £18m. c. Average number of employees exceeding 50 but not more than 250. Medium-sized companies must currently prepare full, unabridged financial statements, a directors’ report, and a separate strategic report. Although less detailed than those for large…
The Government has released draft regulations aimed at enhancing the protection of individuals’ usual residential addresses (URA) from being publicly accessible at Companies House. Under the new regulations, individuals would be allowed to suppress their URA from public view if it has previously been used as a company’s registered office address, a provision not currently available. If the company in question has been dissolved, the individual must wait six months from the dissolution date before applying for suppression. Companies House would still display the “outward code” of the address’s postcode, which includes the first three or four characters (e.g., BD24).…
Companies House has unveiled draft rules concerning the identity verification of directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and others under forthcoming changes. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 amended the Companies Act 2006 and the Limited Partnerships Act 1907, introducing requirements for certain individuals to verify their identity. This applies to individual directors and PSCs of UK companies, individual general partners of UK-formed limited partnerships, and “registered officers” of certain entities, such as legal entities acting as PSCs. These requirements are not yet in effect as Companies House is currently developing systems to facilitate identity verification. Individuals will…
Motoring laws are an integral part of everyday life, governing how we use public roads, interact with other road users and maintain our vehicles. These laws are primarily concerned with ensuring the safety and efficiency of the road network, imposing rules and regulations on motorists across a number of areas, including: a. Driving licences b. Vehicle requirements c. Road traffic offences d. Special Driving Conditions Compliance with these laws is mandatory, and failure to adhere can result in penalties ranging from fines and points on your driving licence to imprisonment for more serious offences. Non-compliance can also result in higher insurance premiums, and, in…
UK motoring law offences can lead to penalties such as points on your licence, fines, driving bans and in some cases, even imprisonment. Whether you’ve received a speeding fine or are facing a more severe offence like dangerous driving, taking professional advice from a motoring law solicitor will help ensure you understand your rights and pursue the best defence strategy for your situation. Finding the right motoring law solicitor can however, be challenging for motorists, with so many legal advisers in the market, and fee structures and pricing transparency adding to the complexity. Motorists may also feel overwhelmed by the urgency of their legal situation. In this guide for motorists, we set…
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. IP law in the UK protects these creations, granting their creators exclusive rights to use and exploit them for a certain period, while also affording remedies to enforce these rights. Businesses leverage IP rights to differentiate their products and services, enhance competitiveness, and generate income through licensing and commercial transactions. Because of this, the UK’s IP legal framework is designed to provide protections and certainty to encourage innovation and creativity for economic and social benefit, with IP-intensive industries now valuable…
For personal injury victims, receiving compensation for the harm and losses they have suffered can have a huge impact on their quality of life. Injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, loss of income, and other financial burdens. Compensation awarded through personal injury claims can cover these costs, alleviating the financial stress that often accompanies serious injuries and ensuring that victims do not face undue hardship as a result of incidents that were not their fault. The primary role of personal injury lawyers is to advocate on behalf of victims, providing support through the claims process and ensuring they receive maximum compensation for…
Housing law in the UK comprises a broad set of statutes, regulations and case law that regulates the housing market, protecting stakeholder rights while ensuring safe and adequate living conditions. More than a body of law, it is the framework that influences living conditions and housing experiences throughout the country, impacting anyone with an interest in property, including homeowners, landlords, private tenants and social housing tenants. While the system has developed to meet changes in population demographics, social attitudes and economic factors, current issues such as housing shortages, affordability, and environmental sustainability are fuelling intense debate, with pressure to reform the law…
Personal injury law helps victims of accidents and negligence obtain fair compensation for their injuries, ensuring those who have suffered harm due to the actions or inactions of others are financially supported for medical expenses, lost earnings, and suffering. Beyond compensating victims, personal injury law also acts as a deterrent by holding individuals and organisations accountable and encouraging them to adhere to safety standards and to act responsibly for wider social benefit. In this guide, we consider the evolution of UK personal injury law to its current status, and take a practical look at what is involved in making a personal injury…
Intellectual property (IP) rights enable inventors, creators and organisations to secure exclusive benefits from their ideas and inventions, ensuring that they can capitalise on their creative efforts without fear of unauthorised use or exploitation. Such legal protections work to both safeguard ideas and act as a crucial driver of economic growth, encouraging investment in research and development. The services offered by patent attorneys are integral to the effective protection, management, and commercialisation of intellectual property. From drafting detailed patent applications to resolving IP disputes and managing IP portfolios, their specialised knowledge and skills can help inventors and companies maximise their intellectual property’s value as a commercial asset. Choosing the right patent…
The United Kingdom offers some of the most generous consumer laws and rights for individuals, with the aim of ensuring fairness and preventing exploitation for those purchasing goods and services. Whether it’s buying a new laptop, booking a holiday, using a tradesman or taking out a loan, consumer rights are there to protect you and your money, and to provide recourse in cases of disputes or substandard service. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive overview of UK consumer laws, offering practical insights into the protections available and how to enforce them if you’re facing a consumer issue. Section A: What is Consumer Law? Consumer law refers…
Employment solicitors provide legal advice and representation to employers and employees on both contentious and non-contentious employment-related issues. In a broader sense, they work to ensure fair and legal treatment in the workplace, promoting a balanced relationship between employers and employees. Choosing the right employment solicitor can significantly affect the outcome of a workplace dispute. Employment law is a specialised area that requires a solicitor with expertise and experience specific to the issue. Since every case in employment law is unique, you’ll want to find a solicitor who can understand your specific needs and develop a tailored strategy to effectively resolve the issues. Beyond technical expertise, an effective solicitor can…
Employment law is the body of legislation, regulations, and case law that governs the relationship between employers and employees in the UK workplace. Its primary purpose is to create a structured framework that ensures fair treatment, safeguards rights, and outlines responsibilities for both parties. This essential guide provides a comprehensive overview of employment law in the UK, with a brief history of its development and an outline of the key areas that make up this area of law today. We also look at trends that are influencing and reshaping laws relating to the workplace. Section A: Evolution of UK Employment Law From its earliest…
It’s an unfortunate truth that consumers frequently face legal issues, from defective goods, misleading advertising and poor-quality services to unfair contract terms and violations of data privacy. In the UK, regulations such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are designed to protect and enforce the rights of consumers. In some cases, however, the support of a consumer law solicitor may be needed to receive the full benefit of these legal protections. The consumer legal advice market in the UK has evolved significantly in recent years, with different types of advisers and support services now available for consumers in need of help and advice. However,…
The UK’s immigration laws provide the framework of rules, regulations and requirements applicable to anyone looking to come to the United Kingdom, whether to visit, work, study, join family, settle permanently or seek protection. The various routes, visa categories and processes comprising the UK immigration system are designed to allow the UK Government to manage the flow of people coming to Britain in a way that balances the nation’s economic and social needs with immigration control. However, for those wishing to enter or remain the UK, the system can quickly become challenging. The body of UK immigration law is extensive, and…
The UK immigration system is complex, comprising numerous visa routes, entry and residency requirements and compliance obligations. This makes finding the right immigration lawyer crucial for anyone looking to live, work, or study in the UK. The UK immigration law market is large and complex, shaped by frequent policy changes and procedural reforms with a range of different types of immigration legal advisers and services on offer. The challenge will be choosing the right adviser for your needs. This guide is an essential resource for anyone looking to hire an immigration lawyer. We provide an overview of the UK immigration legal market, with practical information and tips about how to…
The right family law solicitor can offer you more than just legal advice; they provide support and guidance through challenging times, ensuring your rights are protected, and working towards the best possible resolution. The consequences of choosing a solicitor who is not well-suited to your needs can be emotionally and financially taxing — making an already difficult situation even harder. But with so much choice in the market, it can be difficult to know how to find and select the best adviser for your needs and circumstances. This guide is for anyone looking to find a family law solicitor. We look at the key factors you should consider to make…
Family law is a specialist area of the UK legal system that deals with issues relating to family and domestic relationships. It encompasses a broad range of statutes, regulations and case law, governing how individuals in family relationships interact legally. The primary aim of family law is to provide a legal framework that supports the fair and just resolution of disputes, while protecting the welfare of individuals, especially children. The family law market in the UK is diverse and dynamic, comprising a wide range of legal services offered by different types of advisers and providers, catering to the evolving needs of families and individuals. In this guide…
The Land Registration Act 2002 precipitated an overhaul in the law governing land registration, ownership and interests in the United Kingdom. The Act, which came into effect on 13 October 2003, introduced significant changes designed to update and transform the property system, making it more secure, efficient, and aligned with technological advancements and societal needs. Its provisions included the adoption of electronic registration, which marked a significant shift towards the use of technology in legal record-keeping. The UK land registration system provides a clear and accessible record of property ownership, burdens, rights, and interests. As a critical source of reliable…