Author: Laaibah Bhatti

Work Experience from an Interns viewpoint

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Over the course of my (admittedly very extended) work experience at Aston Bond, I saw a number of other people come and go on shorter stints of work experience. Some of these had an excellent experience and like me received an interesting variety of work and were even given varying degrees of responsibility. Others however seemed to miss the opportunities around them and drifted through their two weeks in a state of boredom.

Seeing this got me thinking about what I, and others, had done to help ensure an engaging and useful period of work experience. From my observations and experiences, I have compiled 5 tips for people just starting their journey towards a legal career who want to maximise what they get from legal work experience.

  • Do the basics right

It is crucial to show attention to detail – don’t try to rush something because it seems easy or boring. This is applicable throughout, but it is especially important at the start when the people giving you work will be trying to gauge your ability to determine what level of task you can handle next. Making silly mistakes early on will make it harder to earn their trust and be given more challenging work. However, I think it also helps to think about this one in a broader sense. By this I mean acting professionally and being friendly – you are unlikely to earn any trust if you don’t have the self-discipline not to get your phone out every 20 minutes.

  • Be patient

You cannot rush the initial trust-earning phase, so do not be disheartened if it takes time to be given more challenging work. If you go in expecting to be given a really glamorous piece of work right off the bat, you will likely be disappointed. Take the time to demonstrate your competence if you want to be rewarded with more interesting work.

  • Be enthusiastic

See all work as a learning opportunity, because at the start it always is, if not about the law itself then at least about what working in a law firm is like. If you end up being given the same or similar tasks to do multiple times over, then it is an opportunity to practice and improve your ability to complete the process. There are also generally legal reasons for why things are done a certain way, so ask questions to develop your understanding.

  • Be proactive

This one is often the one that makes the biggest difference. It is very easy to just stay behind your desk and wait for someone to give you something, but I have found that actively going out and seeking work made my time much more productive. It gave me a much wider variety of work than I would otherwise have received, and got me involved in matters that were more interesting to me. This can be helpful not just for developing practical legal experience, but also for figuring out which areas of law you would be interested in working in in the future. It is also a good way to demonstrate your enthusiasm to the firm. That said, it is important to remember that solicitors are busy people, so exercise common sense about when to approach them for work. Equally though, don’t be deterred by a ‘no’ – it is often worth trying again in a few days time.

  • Expand your network

You will be working alongside qualified legal practitioners with a wealth of knowledge, so take the time to get to know them and help them out. This will allow you to learn more from them about what they do on a daily basis, and may even give you someone to turn to in the future if you require advice about your career.

The above list is far from exhaustive, but hopefully it has provided you with a few things to keep in mind while completing work experience that will help you to make the most of the opportunity.

By Henry Smith

24.08.2022

BNI Windsor- Networking made fun

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

BNI. The real reason Kulbir is up and motivated on a Friday morning.

Here are just a few reasons why we love BNI networking at Aston Bond :

  • Generating new leads- Networking with other business professionals helps us to build professional relationships and create relevant contacts that can help us achieve long-term goals.
  • Staying informed about industry trends-  Having a good network means we stay up-to-date with industry trends and news. This is beneficial as we learn about new opportunities or potential threats to our business.
  • Having a competitive edge- A strong network can gives us a competitive edge over our competitors. Having a good network means we can have access to information and resources that our competitors may not have.

All in all, we are happy to be a part of a thriving business community!

For any inquiries regarding residential property please contact Kulbir Conner our Residential property solicitor on kconner@astonbond.co.uk or 01753 486 777

Private client seminar with Professor Lesley King

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

This month our private client team Lara Thomas & Kanchana Kumari attended the Private Client Seminar hosted by Professor Lesley King.

The Private Client Update was jam-packed with a wide range of information and interaction! 

The session provided a review and update of current issues in Private Client Practice and focused on good practice.

Both Lara and Kanchana are vitally aware of all the recent developments in the private client area. 

‘ Lesley’s knowledge on estates & probate was impressive and informative ‘ says Lara.

Overall, it was a truly enjoyable afternoon.

Here are some snippets from the event:

Wafaa Syed- Our London marathon runner 2023

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

We are proud to announce that our very own commercial property solicitor Wafaa Syed ran in the 2023 London marathon.

The marathon was first run in 1981, and since then it has become one of the largest and most popular marathons in the world.

The London Marathon is not only a race, but it’s also a major fundraising event for charities. Runners from all around the world participate in the marathon to raise money for various charitable organizations. In fact, the event has raised over a billion pounds for charity since its inception.

The course of the London Marathon takes runners through many famous landmarks of London, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.

The event attracts both professional and amateur runners, and runners of all abilities are welcome to participate.

Overall, the London Marathon is a celebration of running, fitness, and charitable giving, and it has become one of the most iconic sporting events in the world.

Wafaa Syed says ‘I love running and I am privileged that I ran in this year’s London Marathon to raise money and awareness for SENSE. 

I believe people with deafblindness or complex disabilities should be provided with the opportunity to communicate and experience the world and fulfil their potential, including those with minor disabilities such as children with SEND needs, such as ADHD and sensory processing disorders ‘.

At Aston Bond, our team is incredibly proud of Wafaa!

Please click here to donate.

Why are we walking 10K for justice?

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

We are walking with the Lord Chief Justice and thousands of lawyers to raise funds for the London Legal Support Trust. The London Legal Walk is the biggest fundraising event in aid of free legal advice and support for everything from Law Centres and Citizens Advice services to refugee specialist support services. 

Over 13.4 million people live in poverty in the UK and advice providers are at breaking point with the growing need from their clients. Many people cannot afford legal help and we believe everybody should be able to receive legal advice when they need it most. 

The London Legal Walk raises vital funds to ensure that legal help reaches our community’s most vulnerable people. Receiving good legal advice at the right time can make a huge difference to people’s lives reducing their chances of facing debt, poverty, homelessness, exploitation and discrimination.

The event supports over 100 legal advice agencies in London and the South East. We know that these agencies do a fantastic job in changing people’s lives.

Your support is needed more than ever. Please click here and sponsor our walkers as generously as you are able.

Many thanks for your support.

Planning your inheritance tax

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

What is inheritance tax (IHT)?

Inheritance tax is a 40% tax applied after a person dies to estates that are worth over £325,000.00 – or more if a home or the sale proceeds of a home are included.

However, you only get your full 325,000 if you haven’t made any gifts in the seven years before your death.

If you pass your estate to your spouse, it is exempt. You can inherit your predeceasing spouses’ 325.000 if not used and apply this so 650k can pass before it is chargeable.

You get an additional 175.000 if your estate passes to lineal descendants and includes a property.

What’s included in the estate?

The value of your estate for the purpose of inheritance tax includes:

  • your savings
  • possessions including property
  • pension funds (certain payments from payment funds may be subject to Inheritance Tax)
  • subject to certain exemptions, the value of any money or property you gave away during the seven years prior to death

The first £325,000 of your estate is tax-free so the 40% tax only applies to anything that goes over this value.

How to plan for inheritance tax?

Deciding how to manage your inheritance tax bill is completely up to you. Here are some ways you can plan for it:

  • Make charitable donations: Charitable donations made during your lifetime or through your will can reduce your taxable estate. Consider leaving a portion of your assets to a charitable organization you support.
  • Gift assets during your lifetime: One way to reduce the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries may have to pay is to give assets away during your lifetime. Under the current law, you can give up to a certain amount each year to an individual. By gifting assets while you’re still alive, you can reduce the size of your estate and potentially lower the tax bill for your heirs.
  • Creating a will – This can help reduce inheritance tax by allowing you to plan how your assets will be distributed after your death. Ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes: If you do not have a will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of your state or country. This may not be in line with your wishes and may result in a higher inheritance tax bill.

Inheritance tax can be an emotional subject, but there is support available.

For more information, have a conversation with our expert solicitor Lara Thomas on lthomas@astonbond.co.uk or 01753 486777 to understand the steps to deal with it effectively.

King’s Coronation Bank holiday- Advice for Employers

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

The coronation of King Charles III is due to take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

In light of this, the government has confirmed that there will be an additional UK-wide bank holiday on Monday, May 8.

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “The coronation of a new monarch is a unique moment for our country. In recognition of this historic occasion, I am pleased to announce an additional bank holiday for the whole United Kingdom.

However, HR expert Nicky Jolley highlights that the coronation bank holiday, which is an extra bank holiday, is not something everyone is entitled to, explaining that it all depends on the wording of your contract.

Employers should discuss and agree with employees:

  • whether the organisation will close for the bank holiday
  • what type of leave and pay will apply if employees are not working

An employee’s contract could say that they’re entitled to a certain number of days of annual leave plus all bank holidays. In this scenario, employees will have a contractual right to the extra day off.

However, other contracts may be worded differently and simply allow for 28 days (or more depending on terms) off in any one holiday-year.  This may mean that the employee is not automatically entitled to bank holidays off.  Indeed in several sectors, contracts specifically state bank holidays are counted as normal working days.

In such situations, it is important to discuss what is expected of employees and how employers propose on dealing with the extra bank holiday this year.

When considering what to do, it is important to remember that schools will be closed with the bank holiday, so the issue of childcare may be problematic for some workers, especially women who are still considered the primary carer. Therefore, employers need to be careful of potential resulting sex discrimination claims.

We understand that the additional bank holiday may arise issues in the workplace. For more information please contact imadarescu@astonbond.co.uk or 01753 486 777

Ilinca answers your top 10 employment queries

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Employment law can be complicating. However it’s important for both employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities to ensure the employment relationship can continue in a positive and productive manner for all parties concerned.

When employment problems or queries arise it’s crucial to get in touch with an experienced employment law solicitor to ensure matters do not escalate. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide answering the Top 10 employment law FAQs.

  • What exactly is employment law?

Employment law concerns all the rights and obligations within the employer & employee relationship. It covers everything from discrimination, equality and harassment issues in the workplace, working hours, performance issues, sickness or absence in the workplace, wage disputes, unfair or wrongful termination and much more.

  • Do employers need to have an employee handbook?

Although many employers have an employee handbook which usually contains various employment policies, it is not a mandatory requirement.  However, there are certain employment policies that are required, such as a Disciplinary and Grievance policy or a Privacy policy.  Although not a legal requirement therefore, a handbook is highly recommended for the benefit or all parties concerned.

  • How much notice does an employee have to give when resigning?

A notice period allows the employer to put the wheels in motion for hiring a replacement, arranging a handover and tying up any loose ends. Before handing in your notice, it is important to read your contract carefully and learn how much notice you need to give.  If you don’t give the proper notice, it may mean you are in breach of your contract.

For employers, there is a minimum statutory notice required which is based on how long an employee has been employed.  This minimum cannot be overridden by the contract oof employment but employers are able to offer more notice if so desired.

  • Can I sue my employer if I am treated unfairly?

It’s possible for employees to bring a claim against their employers if they have engaged in some sort of wrongful or illegal behaviour, or if the employee has had their rights and freedoms infringed upon in some way.  For example, if you have not been paid correctly, got fired unfairly, or were discriminated against because of your race, gender, religion or other “protected characteristic” you could have a case.  It is important to speak to a specialist straight away if you feel that is the case as failure to act promptly could mean you lose the right to bring a claim.

  • What is redundancy?

A redundancy situation arises when an employee is dismissed and the reason is mainly attributable to a business closure, workplace closure or reduced requirement for employees.

  • What are the steps required if I feel I have been treated unfairly?

Most employment law claims need to be issued within three months less 1 day so prompt action is crucial. Redundancy pay or equal pay claims have slightly longer at six months and there is the possibility of extending these time periods through conciliation but time limitation matters can be complex so it is advisable to speak to an employment law solicitor as soon as possible who will be able to advise on what you need to do and by when.

  • What are the benefits of a settlement agreement?

A Settlement Agreement provides the employee with an extra sum of money (often tax-free) to help them to move on.  In return for that, the employee agrees not to issue proceedings against the employer. They are useful in providing a clean and amicable break between the parties.

It is a legal requirement that employees are given proper legal advice prior to entering into a Settlement Agreement and the employer usually pays for that advice.

  • How much annual leave am I entitled to?

How much holiday you get is normally set out in your contract of employment. The statutory minimum for a full-time employee is 5.6 weeks, which can include bank and public holidays.  However, contractually more annual leave entitlement can be agreed upon between the parties. 

Annual leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis for an employee working irregular or part-time house.

  • What is a dismissal?

A dismissal is when an employer ends an employee’s contract. In layman’s terms it is often referred to as being “sacked” or “fired”. It’s important that an employer uses a fair and reasonable procedure to decide when and whether to dismiss someone or the dismissal could be unfair.  However, there are situations when an employee can be dismissed fairly.

  1. How can I raise a problem at work?

If you have a problem at work, you should try raising it informally with your employer first. You may feel nervous about raising a problem, but employers are often open to resolving problems quickly without going through a formal procedure.  Employee Handbooks will usually have a procedure set out which is referred to as the Grievance Procedure and this should be your first port of call when you cannot resolve matters informally. 

For more information or to discuss a matter, please contact Ilinca Mardarescu, our very own employment solicitor, at imadarescu@astonbond.co.uk or 01753 486777.

Top tips for first time buyers

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Buying a house is likely to be the biggest purchase that most of us will make in our lifetimes. If you’re a first-time buyer, the conveyancing process may seem confusing with many important things to consider. In this article, Kulbir Conner will give helpful tips for first-time buyers.

  • Choose the right solicitor

When you’re buying your first home, it’s important you choose the right solicitor. A good conveyancer and their team will keep you updated regularly and can support you by answering questions about the process of buying a property.

  • Uphold good communication with your agents

Ensure you are always kept in the loop with the seller, your estate agent, mortgage advisor and solicitor. When you have decided on a property, you want the process to be as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Additionally, keep up to date with your emails, including checking your junk, as conveyancers will often send over documents via email.

  • Ensure you are fully satisfied with your final arrangements and negotiations.

For first-time home buyers, you may go into a contract not fully understanding what is in your best interest. Your conveyancer will be able to provide you with the best possible advice to ensure you get the best deal for the short and long term. If at any time you are not satisfied with your agreements, it is vital you speak with your conveyancer, and they will endeavour to resolve any issues before it is too late.

  • Have your mortgage in place before you find your home

Knowing how much you have available to borrow and arranging a mortgage in principle means that once an offer has been accepted you can get on with the legalities. Applying for a mortgage can bring a whole host of problems, so arranging this in advance can really help. 

To speed up the process of applying for a mortgage, you should have proof of your identity, evidence of your address, and 6 months’ bank statements at the ready for your mortgage lender to check over.

  • Prepare your finances

There are bound to be times during the move when you’ll feel like there are constant demands for your cash. Be prepared that there will be lots of fees to pay – so you’ll need to have money available.

Our residential property service is tailored to meet your individual needs and to pre-empt problems where possible through clear communication.  We understand the complex or tricky issues that are sometimes involved in residential property transactions, and we use a practical approach.

Buying a house can be stressful. But having a solicitor who can answer any queries can make it a lot easier.

For more information, please contact Kulbir Conner (Head of Conveyancing) on kconner@astonbond.co.uk or 01753 486 777