How ‘ Legally Blonde ‘ Transforms Perceptions and Impacts Aspiring Solicitors

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

We believe that inspiration can be found in unexpected places.

As a law firm deeply committed to the growth and empowerment of aspiring solicitors, we invite you to explore how “Legally Blonde” can reshape perceptions and profoundly impact those embarking on a legal journey.

In a profession often associated with stern courtrooms and legal conduct, the movie “Legally Blonde” shines as a beacon of inspiration. While it’s vibrant pink and comedic charm may seem worlds apart from legal practice, this iconic film offers more than meets the eye.

The movie transcends it’s comedy to offer invaluable lessons in determination, empowerment, and individuality. By embracing the film’s message, aspiring solicitors can reshape their perceptions, evolve their mindset, and ultimately enhance their contribution to the legal world.

It’s a reminder that the legal journey is a path of determination, empowerment, and breaking free from conventions. Aspiring solicitors, embrace your unique strengths, challenge norms, and remember – the legal world is waiting for your bold impact!

So what are you waiting for? Legally Blonde is now available on Netflix, Amazon prime & Disney+

Japanese Knotweed: What property buyers and sellers need to know

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Japanese knotweed (Fallopian japonica) is an invasive plant species that has garnered attention for it’s destructive growth and potential impact on properties. The plant’s rapid growth can lead to structural damage, disrupt ecosystems, and even affect property values.

If you’re a property buyer or seller, understanding the implications of Japanese knotweed is essential to ensure informed decisions and protect the value of your investment.

For property buyers, the presence of Japanese knotweed on or near a property should be a red flag. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Structural Damage: Japanese knotweed has an extensive root system that can infiltrate foundations, walls, and drainage systems. Over time, this can lead to costly structural damage, potentially decreasing the value of the property.
  • Legal and Lending Concerns: Many lending institutions and insurers are cautious when dealing with properties affected by Japanese knotweed. Some may require evidence of an ongoing treatment plan or even refuse to provide financing altogether, making it crucial to address the issue proactively.
  • Resale Challenges: If you decide to sell the property in the future, the presence of Japanese knotweed could deter potential buyers or lead to negotiations that impact the sale price.

Property sellers should also be aware of the implications of Japanese knotweed:

  • Disclosure Obligations: Sellers are legally obligated to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed to potential buyers. Failing to do so could lead to legal disputes.
  • Property Value: The presence of Japanese knotweed can lead to a decrease in property value. Sellers may need to invest in professional treatment and removal services to mitigate the impact and maximize the sale price.

Both buyers and sellers can take proactive steps to address Japanese knotweed:

  • Professional Assessment: Before purchasing or selling a property, consider hiring a qualified professional to conduct a thorough assessment for the presence of Japanese knotweed. Early detection and action can prevent further spread.
  • Treatment Plans: If Japanese knotweed is identified, develop a comprehensive treatment plan with a specialist. Regular monitoring and treatment are essential to control its growth.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a property, understanding the implications of Japanese knotweed and taking proactive steps to address it will help protect your investment and ensure a smoother transaction process. For any property-related queries contact our Residential Property solicitor Kulbir Conner on kconner@astonbond.co.uk.

Top misconceptions around solicitors

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Misconceptions about solicitors. Many of these can arise from media portrayals, lack of understanding, or generalisations.

People may forget that solicitors are human too and we do have empathy for the situations that people may find themselves in.

In this article, we explore some common misconceptions and why they’re wrong.

“ Solicitors are grumpy and lack empathy “

Solicitors are often portrayed in movies and TV shows as serious and stern individuals, which can contribute to the misconception. However, it’s important to recognise that this stereotype is not universally true.

In fact, many solicitors build strong and positive relationships with their clients.

Effective communication and empathy are essential skills for solicitors to understand their client’s needs and provide appropriate legal advice. We understand the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for our clients.

“ All solicitors do the same job “

Did you know that solicitors specialise in various areas of law? Just like doctors have different specialities, solicitors have expertise in fields like family law, property law, criminal law, corporate law, employment law and more. Each of these requires different expertise.

“ Solicitors only use complex legal jargon “

No. Good solicitors communicate clearly and avoid unnecessary legal jargon. They explain concepts in a way that clients can understand, ensuring effective communication throughout the legal process.

“ Solicitors cannot provide emotional support”

Solicitors can – and do! – lend a sympathetic ear and actively listen to their client’s concerns, fears, and emotions. This can help clients feel heard and understood, contributing to a positive relationship and helps the solicitor understand the client’s priorities.

However, while solicitors can offer emotional support, they are not a substitute for mental health professionals. If a client is experiencing significant emotional distress, solicitors may recommend seeking additional support from a qualified therapist or counsellor.

“ Solicitors are all about court “

Court appearances are only one part of their work. Many solicitors handle cases outside of court through negotiations, settlements, contracts, administration and much more.

“ Solicitors are only for big corporations “

That is not the case. In fact, solicitors work with individuals, small businesses, startups, and organisations of all sizes, tailoring their services to meet the specific needs and resources of their clients.

It’s important to note that perceptions of solicitors are diverse and can be influenced by a variety of factors.

Solicitors, like any professionals, exhibit a range of personalities, and their primary goal is to provide effective legal assistance while maintaining professionalism and respect for their clients.

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Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

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Why we are proud to be CQS accredited

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

The CQS accreditation is designed to recognise law firms and practitioners who demonstrate a high level of expertise and excellence in residential conveyancing, which is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from one party to another.

To be CQS accredited means that a law firm or solicitor has met and maintained the stringent standards set by the Law Society in the area of residential conveyancing.

These standards cover various aspects of conveyancing practice, including client care, risk management, conveyancing procedures, and compliance with industry regulations.

To become CQS accredited, a law firm or solicitor must undergo a thorough assessment process that includes an application, submission of documentation, and evaluation by the Law Society.

This award also showcases that we meet and adhere to lender panel requirements.

Kulbir Conner our Residential property solicitor heads up the department says .

“ This accreditation shows that our firm has met stringent standards set by the Law Society, showcasing our proficiency in handling property transactions. We hope that this accreditation instils trust and confidence in our clients, assuring them that we work in a way that follows best practice “.

At Aston Bond, we pride ourselves in maintaining this accreditation which signifies long-term dedication to delivering exceptional conveyancing services to clients.

An experience into the world of law

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Throughout my work experience at Aston Bond, I’ve gained an incredible amount of valuable knowledge as to what it’s like working in the practice of law. When I arrived, the friendly team here were very welcoming which made me feel so excited for the week ahead.

The professional atmosphere within the office made me feel very focused at all times when completing tasks.

I was given many opportunities such as attending client meetings, writing the attendance note, and uploading all the documents afterwards. Being involved in the meeting gave me the opportunity to observe the conversation and dynamic which, as an aspiring solicitor, gave me a very valuable insight.

As there are so many different types of law offered at Aston Bond, it’s great to be able to explore all the different services from Family Law to Wills and Estate Planning to see which one interests you most, and an idea of the field of law you would be interested in studying. For example, I had the chance to attend a very interesting webinar on Employment Law, which for me opened an interest in that field.

I was also given challenges such as locating, checking and updating documents, and was also able to read through files, which really furthered my knowledge of the process involved in representing a client within a case.

The sociable feel of the office made me feel very included throughout the week, and I felt very comfortable asking any questions I had. I was greeted by smiling faces every morning which made my day begin very positively and made me very excited for the day ahead.

During my work experience, I have learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed myself. My confidence has definitely grown and I am now very keen to become a solicitor in the future.

I would recommend anyone with an interest in becoming a lawyer to complete work experience at Aston Bond.

The different routes into law

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

At Aston Bond, we spoke to three employees about why they chose a career in law and the different routes they have taken to become qualified and why?

Nicola Darby who specialises in Residential Property is taking the CiLex route in order to become qualified.

So Nicola, what made you decide to pursue a career in Law?

Actually, I fell into the Industry when I applied for a Business Development Role at Aston Bond 12 years ago. I have worked in a few roles over the years and realised that I love Residential Conveyancing there are options to become qualified, other than by the traditional routes.

What does the route you have taken involve?

You complete an online Course which results in a Degree as a Certified Legal Executive, which means I would become a Lawyer upon qualifying. There are exams every 6 months and the course can be done as quickly or as slowly as you like.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the CiLex route?

GO FOR IT!

If you are considering an alternative route to becoming qualified, this is a great option. You do need to know which area of Law you want to go into, as you become a specialist in that area. It offers a lot of flexibility for working parents like myself and can be moulded around your life.

Jaspreet Kaur specialises in Commercial Property and is taking the SQE route in order to become qualified.

So Jaspreet, what made you decide to pursue a career in Law?

Law is a complex and dynamic field that requires critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and constant learning, which I find enjoyable as I’m always up for a challenge.

What does the route you have taken involve?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a new route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.  

This route consists of completing two multiple choice exams covering numerous areas of law and legal practice, ensuring I have Qualifying Work Experience in the legal practice areas, as well as covering many skills and legal practice examinations to ensure I’m able to perform daily solicitor practice.

What advice would you offer to someone considering the SQE route?

Research the SQE.

Take the time to thoroughly understand the structure, content, and requirements of the SQE. Familiarise yourself with the two stages of the examination, the assessment formats, and the qualifying work experience needed.

Kanchana Kumari specialises in Wills and Probate and is taking the LPC route in order to become qualified

So Kanchana, what made you decide to pursue a career in Law?

Law is a versatile field that heavily influences the way society operates and has the power to implement change which I am passionate about. 

What does the route you have taken involve?

The LPC (Legal Practice Course) was one of the traditional routes to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It was a postgraduate course that law graduates needed to complete to gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary to enter legal practice.

The LPC consists of various core modules, including, Business Law, Property Law, Dispute Resolution as well as Professional Conduct and Regulation.

You are assessed through a combination of written exams, and you must incorporate a 2-year period of work experience, known as a Training Contract. During your Training period, you must also complete a “Professional Skills Course” (PSC) before your qualification date.

What advice would you offer to someone considering a career in Law?

Stay organised. Create a study schedule, keep track of assignments/deadlines, and manage your time efficiently.

Deathbed wills – Preparing a will when time is short.

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Sometimes people can find themselves in a situation where they are suddenly taken very ill unexpectedly, and they may not have a Will in place to dispose of their assets after their death.

It is not too late to prepare a Will in this situation, provided the individual still has mental capacity.

Unfortunately, many Wills can be invalid as the Testator (the person making the Will) has not executed it properly, which may be due to failing health or the Testator does not know the legal requirements to execute a Will correctly. 

In a situation where death is imminent, Wills can be prepared in a hasty manner and mistakes can be made.  It is therefore very important that an experienced lawyer is instructed to assist in these situations to avoid any errors taking place and to help the Testator make their intentions clear.

‘Deathbed’ Wills can potentially be challenged by disgruntled beneficiaries that maybe didn’t get what they expected, or even nothing at all.  They might try to argue that the Testator lacked mental capacity or was under undue influence. 

This is another reason why it is important to have an experienced lawyer assist in the preparation of the Will, as they can document the situation and make it clear that the Testator was fully aware of what they were doing and there was no undue influence on them, which can be used in Court as evidenced if the Will was challenged later.

Should you require any further information regarding Wills then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01753 486777 or email lthomas@astonbond.co.uk our Private Client Solicitor.

Do you work from home?

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

In recent years, remote working has gained tremendous popularity. Traditional office-based work culture has turned into a more flexible and adaptable work environment. The advancements in technology also mean that employees can now perform their job duties from the comfort of their homes.

In 2020, the global pandemic played a massive role in accelerating remote working to ensure safety precautions for all.

However, employers want at-home workers in the office more. Working in the same physical space can enhance team collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Face-to-face interactions can lead to better communication and foster a sense of camaraderie among team members.

While remote work offers significant benefits, it also presents unique challenges for employers and employees when it comes to employment law.

Here are some key factors that both parties should consider:

  •  Employee Rights: Employees working from home retain the same rights as they would in a traditional office environment. These rights include minimum wage, rest breaks, paid time off, and protection from unlawful termination.
  • Employment Contracts and Agreements: If a company decides to offer remote work options to employees, it’s essential to update employment contracts and agreements to reflect the new work arrangement. Clear communication about expectations, responsibilities, working hours, and performance standards should be set.
  • Health and Safety: Employers are generally responsible for ensuring employees are working in a safe working environment. This includes addressing any health and safety concerns raised by employees.  It is important to note that such matters as a safe working environment with a computer and monitor at the correct height for instance, or proper chairs to prevent back-pain can fall within these obligations and employers may find themselves needing to provide such equipment to employees who need it in their homes.
  • Work Hours and Overtime: Ensuring work hours and overtime regulations is critical in a remote work setup. Employers must keep track of employee working hours, breaks, and overtime to prevent potential legal issues.  How this is done will depend on a case-by-case basis but employers will need to have a system in place in order to be able to show they have discharged this duty.

Working from home has transformed the way we approach work, providing flexibility and freedom that employees cherish.

Maintaining open communication with employees is essential to ensure that the remote work culture is working for both parties.

For any information regarding any employment matter, please contact Ilinca Mardarescu (Head of Employment) on imardarescu@astonbond.co.uk or call 01753 486 777.

Child arrangements during school holidays

Posted on by Laaibah Bhatti

Schools out!

Most schools have broken up for the long summer holiday & you might be planning to take your child away abroad, but what if the other parent with parental responsibility disagrees?

Unfortunately, school holidays can sometimes cause issues relating to child arrangements.

Have you got a Child arrangement order in place?

A child arrangement order provides a clear and legally binding schedule for when and with whom the child will spend time.

This clarity helps both parents and the child understand their roles and responsibilities and reduces confusion and potential conflicts. It helps ensure that both parents have access to their child as outlined in the order.

The arrangement order will also provide predictability and consistency, which are essential for a child’s emotional well-being.

Coming to an agreement amid separation can be a challenge, but it is important to remember that confrontation and disputes in front of the children can have a huge impact on them. This is why it’s so important to prioritise your children’s well-being above anything else. Remember that contact should be for the benefit of the child.

If you are struggling to agree on summer holidays and arrangements for the children in general, it may be wise to allow third party intervention.

A solicitor can help you formalise arrangements with a Child Arrangement Order to help everyone understand their rights and obligations.

Contact our specialist team of Solicitors today on 0173 486777 or email lacourt@astonbond.co.uk.

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