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Black History month is a time to celebrate and recognise the achievements and accomplishments of black individuals and communities, furthering to promote a positive sense of recognition and pride.

Additionally, this month offers an invaluable opportunity to help educate people about the frequently overlooked and/or marginalised features of black history. It comes with even greater importance considering the struggles and tribulations that have happened to black people over the course of many centuries.

Not only is this a reflection on the past, but also a call for the future.

Black History Month is the perfect opportunity for schools and educational institutions to incorporate black history and culture into the curriculum from the start of the school year. This helps to promote inclusivity by diversifying the curriculum and further inspires students by giving them positive role models.

Such education is important in a time where negativity thrives on social media (particularly as the average age for a social media users is decreasing each year). From all the hard work and determination of the black power movement through cultural programs and educational events, the younger generation can learn about the rich tapestry of black history and reflect on the significant contributions this movement has made.

As a law firm, we support the education and celebration that Black History Month can provide.  This is particularly the case as we see such under-representation in our industry – across all the lawyers in England, Scotland and Wales, black lawyers only represent 2 percent of the workforce; this is the lowest percentage out of all the ethnic minorities. Aston Bond strives to focus on diversity and equality as our people have and will always be the heart of what makes us different. That is why Aston Bond champions its training and development practices; to make sure that regardless of previous experience, the appropriate knowledge and training is provided to everyone that is part of the company.   Additionally, our extensive work experience programme goes some way to opening up the pathways for local students, irrespective of their background.

As we enter Black History Month, we not only recognise the struggles faced throughout history, but also celebrate the incredible achievements that have impacted and changed our society. ­­­­­­­­These strong movements and collaborative efforts between the black community helps to promote discussion between other communities on racial inequality, social justice and awareness.

We encourage all to strive towards a society which encourages diversity and a more equitable and inclusive future for not only the black community, but also for us all.

We are honoured to announce that our litigation department has won the Legal 500 award for outstanding professionalism, high work ethic and strong commitment in the profession!

The department has received many positive reviews from clients, so we are very proud to accept this award on his behalf. This recognition is a result of our commitment, diligence, and the confidence our customers have in us. In this blog, we will be talking about Legal 500, and the thrilling details of our accomplishments, along with what it implies for our client and our staff.

Legal 500 has constantly been providing the most current vision of the global legal landscape and has been examining the capabilities of law firms all over the world with thorough research programmes that is adapted and updated every year.

Legal 500 evaluates the strength of law firms in more than 150 jurisdictions and ranks law firms and individuals who provide the most state-of-the-art and innovative assistance and advice.

The staff at Aston Bond has been praised by many clients as well as other businesses for it’s:

• Exceptional client feedback
• Professionalism and patience
• Community involvement
• Innovative legal strategies

Despite this, we are constantly looking for ways to improve and focus on keeping up to date with the legal world.

James Dyche is no exception as he is described as having ‘a wise head on young shoulders’ and ‘very sound judgement’ as well as always keeping a positive and uplifting atmosphere within the office.

We are very grateful for this award as this means that our clients are represented by a highly regarded and successful law firm, which leads to increased confidence and use in our service. It also inspires us to continue to strive for excellence.

This is also an opportunity to acknowledge the collaborative endeavour that helped and led to winning this award – every member of our team should feel proud.

Winning any award in the legal field and in particular, Legal 500 is a very noteworthy accomplishment that showcases our commitment to offering top of the line legal services. Get in touch with our expert team today on 01753 486 777 or info@astonbond.co.uk

Did you know that in the UK there are more than 920,000 people currently living with dementia, and this figure is expected to rise to over a million by 2024. 

Whilst the majority of people with dementia are over 65, it is a common misconception that dementia only affects the elderly, as there are currently more than 42,000 people under 65 in the UK with dementia. Dementia is not just a natural part of ageing but is caused by brain diseases.

There are many different types of dementia and each one has its own symptoms, however, the main common factor is short-term memory loss, and this can cause confusion and disorientation. 

However, there are simple steps that can dramatically help those suffering from dementia feel more comfortable and relaxed in unknown environments, and it is therefore, we must all take action to implement these steps into our services as far as possible to help assist those clients with dementia.

Recognising the signs of dementia

The following are all symptoms that your client could be suffering from dementia, or another illness affecting their memory:-

They may be unable to retain your name, and may be confused as to where they are and how they got there;

They may not be aware of the time and date, and may struggle to concentrate;

They may repeat themselves, or have difficulty finding the right words; and

They may find it difficult to read and write.

Communicating with your client verbally

The following tips can all help clients with dementia feel at ease and aid their recollection by ensuring they are under as little pressure as possible:-

Guide your client by using their name before you start speaking to them, or if you notice they are losing concentration;

Keep your tone relaxed and gentle, and do not rush your client.  Allow the client time to think and provide a full answer;

If your client is struggling to understand, repeat sentences clearly in a steady voice;

If the client finds it easier to write, then encourage them to do so if they are struggling to recall the word.  Using a timeline, symbols or pictures may also help your client;

Describe your actions clearly such as “the meeting room is just here” and name objects or places, even if you are repeating them;

Avoid leading questions or questions presented as statements as this may confuse your client’s memory.

Communication with your client in writing

Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to read and write, or to understand the information, and you should therefore ask if they have a preferred format for further correspondence.  It may be that they would prefer a larger font, a recording or a telephone call to run through any written correspondence they receive.

The following are all useful steps that can be taken to ensure the client is not confused by any additional correspondence they may receive:-

Providing your client with information or questions that will be discussed at the meeting so that they have extra time to think about their answers beforehand;

Providing a recording of your meeting discussions (either written or audio)so that your client has something to refer to afterwards, as they may not be able to recall your meeting;

Be concise and try to avoid long paragraphs and sentences.  Heading can also help the client break down information and bullet points can make it easier for your client to take in information in bite size chunks;

Further Reading

We hope that the above information will help your business take steps to ensure a service is provided that is accessible to those suffering from dementia and helps them feel comfortable and at ease.

If you would like further information on Dementia please see the charities:

 https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ and https://www.dementiauk.org/

If you would like to help increase awareness of dementia, as an individual or as a business, then you can enrol as a Dementia Friend via https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/.

For more information, please contact us on 01753 486 777 or info@astonbond.co.uk

Join Aston Bond for a heart-warming Macmillan Coffee Morning!

At Aston Bond, we believe in making a positive impact not only in the legal world but also in our community. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our upcoming Macmillan Coffee Morning on Thursday 28th September!

📅 Date: Thursday 28th September 2023

🕒 Time: 10am-12pm

🏢 Location: Aston Bond Law Firm, 7 Windsor Road Slough SL12DX

Join us for a cup of your favorite brew, delectable treats, and heartwarming conversations, all in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. This event is not just about sipping coffee; it’s about coming together as a community to make a difference.

🌼 Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity close to our hearts, providing invaluable support to those affected by cancer. By participating in our coffee morning, you’ll be contributing to their incredible work and helping to make a positive impact on the lives of many.

Whether you’re a client, a friend, a colleague, or someone new to our firm, we welcome you to join us for a morning of camaraderie and compassion. Let’s raise our cups, raise our spirits, and raise funds for a fantastic cause.

Feel free to bring your friends and colleagues along. We can’t wait to share this special morning with you.

Together, we can brew up some magic and support a cause that matters.

See you there! ☕🍰❤️

At Aston Bond, we believe that networking is more than just a social activity; it’s a powerful tool for building connections, fostering professional relationships, and unlocking new opportunities.

With enthusiasm and a deep commitment to furthering her professional relationships, Kulbir Conner our Residential Property Solicitor embarked on this journey to connect with fellow professionals and share her expertise.

Kulbir showcased the higher expertise of her department through a compelling presentation. She showcased the depth of knowledge and dedication that defines our property team at Aston Bond.

Kulbir emphasised our commitment to excellence, personalised service, and our ability to navigate the intricacies of property transactions with ease.

Other business professionals also received a free copy of her very own E-book guide.

If you would like the opportunity to gain an insight into how the conveyancing process works, sign up below to receive your free E-book today!

Receive your free conveyancing guide now!

If you have further questions please contact Kulbir on kconner@astonbond.co.uk or call us on 01753 486 777.

Residential property is more than just a place to call home; it’s a significant financial asset with legal complexities. This article provides an overview of the key aspects of residential property.

But what is residential property?

Residential properties serve as homes for individuals and families, providing shelter and a place to live, and they are generally distinct from commercial or industrial properties, which are used for business purposes.

Residential property ownership can be for personal use or investment purposes, such as renting out the property to tenants.

What are the residential property types?  

Residential property encompasses a diverse range of options, from detached single-family homes to apartments. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle, budget and preferences.

The property purchase process

Buying a residential property involves a step-by-step process including property searches, contract drafting, surveys, inspections and closing. Legal professionals, such as our conveyancing experts, guide you through this journey.

Mortgages and financing

Mortgages are the most common means of financing residential property purchases. Understanding mortgage types and interest rates is essential for successful home ownership.

Title deeds

Titles are legal documents providing ownership over your property. Ensuring a clear title and properly executed deeds are crucial steps in any property transaction.

Buildings insurance

Buildings insurance protects your investment from unforeseen events, such as fire, theft or natural disasters. Lenders often require insurance as a condition of the mortgage.

Our Conveyancing Department at Aston Bond is here to guide you through every aspect of residential property transactions, ensuring that your rights are protected, your investments are secure, and your journey is a success.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in residential property, rely on us for trusted legal support.

Contact us today at 01753 486 777 or email our Residential Property solicitor at kconner@astonbond.co.uk.

Meet Ian Wood.

Aston Bond’s latest team member. Ian is joining us as a paralegal with an impressive background studying both Scottish and English Law at university and has a passion for law that mirrors our own.

Outside of work, Ian enjoys climbing and pushing himself to the limit on both indoor and outdoor routes.

Ian says ‘ I am filled with hope and enthusiasm for the journey ahead and can’t wait to contribute to the opportunity of continuing the firm’s legacy of excellence’  

As Ian embarks on this new chapter in his career, we are confident that he will make a significant impact on our firm and the clients we serve. We look forward to witnessing his professional growth and contributions to our team.

We are thrilled to have him as part of the Aston Bond family and look forward to a future filled with success, growth, and continued excellence in legal service delivery.

If you have any questions or need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01753 486777 or email info@astonbond.co.uk

Completing work experience at Aston Bond was the perfect opportunity to allow me to learn new things within the field of Law and get the chance to explore if this was the profession I would like to proceed with in the future. As a student in sixth form having to decide what I would like to study in university, this opportunity was perfect for me as it allowed me to explore my options and get to see what life within a Law Firm is like.

On arrival, I was greeted by Ilinca, the head of employment, who then introduced me to all the staff members and showed me to my workspace. All the staff members were very welcoming, friendly, and made me feel at ease on my first day. The office had a positive atmosphere and made me feel extremely comfortable. All sectors included me and gave me tasks to do throughout the week to keep me busy. All the team made me feel so comfortable that I wasn’t shy to ask questions or do tasks, such as calling customers, which would normally be out of my comfort zone.

Throughout the week, at Aston Bond I have learnt various things. I have attended meetings with the property and estate planning team where I got to witness how a solicitor deals with customers. I also got to look through some past case studies in employment. This was particularly the most interesting as I got to look how things progressed throughout a case starting from emails right to the final decision within court. During my week, I also learnt how to use the ALB software, how to write emails back to customers, how to call customers and how to do admin work.

One thing I have especially enjoyed at Aston Bond is that they have trusted me and allowed me to be fully on board and not hidden anything from me. This has allowed a deeper understanding into what Law at Aston Bond is like and helped in developing my knowledge. This has given me a realistic outlook on what being a solicitor is like and what being round a team of solicitors is like.

The experience has been extremely intriguing and has been a great opportunity for me to learn new things and enhance my desire to become a solicitor. My experience made me feel so at ease and it wouldn’t have been possible without the great team around me who supported me throughout my time here. Thank you everyone.

Lola Boi

The term AI or in other words ‘ artificial intelligence’ can be applied to computer systems which are intended to replicate human functions.

There are rapid developments in artificial intelligence that will have significant implications both for the legal profession and a number of areas of the law itself.

Here’s how:

• Document Review and Analysis:

AI-powered software can quickly review and analyse large volumes of legal documents, contracts, and agreements. This can save solicitors time and reduce the likelihood of human error in identifying important information.

• Legal research

AI can assist solicitors in conducting legal research by quickly sifting through vast databases of case law, statutes, regulations, and legal precedents. This can help solicitors find relevant information more efficiently.

• Virtual assistants

AI-powered virtual assistants can help solicitors manage their schedules, appointments, and administrative tasks. This allows solicitors to focus more on the legal aspects of their work.

• Continuing Legal Education

AI can provide solicitors with access to up-to-date legal information and developments, contributing to their continuous professional development.

• Enhanced Decision making

AI can provide solicitors with insights and data-driven recommendations, aiding in decision-making processes related to case strategies, negotiations, and settlements.

While AI has the potential to bring about significant benefits to solicitors, it’s important to recognise that it’s adoption also comes with challenges and considerations, including the need for proper training, ensuring data security, and maintaining the human touch and expertise that are essential in the legal profession.

Completing my work experience at Aston Bond was an insightful opportunity that allowed me to further my outlook on the legal profession. As a first year A-Level student, I was keen to develop my professional experience and Aston Bond has provided me with everything I had looked for.

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with my workspace and introduced to the staff members that I was able to familiarise myself with during the week. The supportive environment around me, as well as the relaxed style of the firm, collectively put me at ease. I felt welcome to ask any questions as everyone was approachable at any time.

My week consisted of communicating with clients by drafting letters, preparing relevant documents such as residential conveyancing initial letters to clients, familiarising myself with the ALB Software and organising relevant files.

Working alongside Nicola Darby, the firm’s paralegal, I was able to get a hands-on idea of what admin work consists of, which was a useful experience. The sociable yet focused office dynamic has also furthered my ambition to become a solicitor, due to the realistic portrayal of a solicitor’s routine that I was able to experience.

Therefore, I highly recommend Aston Bond for work experience. It was a positive learning experience and this in my opinion is significant as I believe that work experience should primarily be a learning experience.

The experience has only furthered my desire to become a solicitor, thereby I thank all the staff members for the amazing opportunity.

Sabrina Garabagiu