Category Archives: Law

Customer Service, Law, News

“Right Against Might Looks to Empower People, Helping Them to Fight Back”

A NEWLY formed creative dispute resolution service has vowed to hold the biggest businesses and organisations to account on behalf of “underdog consumers”.

Right Against Might is about social justice for everyone and taking on “David vs Goliath” battles and will challenge large institutions and individuals who don’t live up to their promises.

Using a unique approach, the company aims to secure “swift justice” for thousands of people across the UK with nowhere else to turn.

Right Against Might (RAM) is the brainchild of advertising executive Chris Joseph.

Chris, from Stockton-on-Tees, who is also a bestselling author and mental health campaigner, has successfully challenged several multinational companies in the High Court in London. He has also taken on and beaten the banking industry.

His trailblazing work established the legal precedent by which all creative agencies now retain copyright in their pitch work.

Chris, who has forged a successful career despite losing his right arm at the age of 20, in an horrific industrial “accident”.

It was caused by an absence of health and safety precautions and a lack of care by rich employers with insurance policies covering them against workers’ deaths. In 1978, the firm at fault was fined £250 over the incident.

“You don’t need to be a legal expert to know the difference between right and wrong”

“I’ve spent a large part of my life fighting and being the underdog. Now I want to use those creative skills to help others through Right Against Might. All too often people are wrongly told that to get justice they need a highly-paid lawyer, solicitor or barrister.

“But you don’t need to be a legal expert to know the difference between right and wrong, and when someone is telling the truth. You need Right Against Might.”

Unlike other dispute resolution services, RAM comprises a team of experts in iconoclasm and advertising, as well as law, who will use an infinite pool of creativity to resolve complaints.

“We usually resolve and settle complaints swiftly because our team has a dogged determination to seek justice and to see that right is done as quickly as possible,” Chris said.

“This isn’t just important for our clients, it’s important for their opponents too. We will go to the court of public opinion if necessary, it’s much quicker than a court of law. But we know how to use both.

“The legal process can be as traumatic as it was for me going into the machine .”

Ordinary People are waiting longer and longer for justice

The creation of RAM couldn’t come at a more important time.

Latest data shows that people who try and make a legal claim against an organisation are waiting longer and longer for justice. Many also find access to justice impossible due to changes to legal aid provision.

According to the most recent Ministry of Justice figures, the mean time taken for small claims and multi/fast track claims to go to trial was a year and half in 2022. Compared to 2019, these measures are 14.2 weeks longer for small claims and 17.8 weeks longer for multi/fast track claims.

Yet despite the slow pace of “justice” complaints in many areas for consumers are sharply rising.

In the energy sector alone they’ve skyrocketed in the past year.

Figures showing calls made to the Energy Ombudsman by frustrated customers show 105,340 complaints were received in 2022, a jump of nearly 20,000 complaints since 2021.

These levels of complaints are also seen in other sectors too.

RAM: unashamedly irreverent towards ‘Goliaths’

Chris added: “More and more organisations are getting away with ripping off customers and clients.

“There’s no one like us out there because we are unashamedly irreverent towards ‘Goliaths’. They can be individuals, organisations, and companies who seek to crush seemingly powerless ‘Davids’.

“RAM looks to empower those victims, helping and showing them how to fight back and think ‘outside the box’. Although we are aware of the legal tramlines we must not cross, we know where to go, who to talk to, and most importantly, what to do and how to win.

“Each dispute is different and interesting and at the beginning we work on behalf of our clients on a pro bono basis.

“With years of experience in the advertising industry, we produce communications or campaigns that are always legal, honest, decent and truthful. Our imagery, messages and media clout are powerful and we work creatively and strategically with our clients.

“The truth is simple. We say in a few words what lawyers say in millions of words.”

A String of Successes

RAM has already secured a string of successes on behalf of clients.

Dr Bill Scott OBE, contacted RAM after reading Chris’ autobiography Zest!Seller. The engineering company boss was caught up in a consumer dispute with a major worldwide corporation that was simply stonewalling and ignoring him and other customers, much to the anguish of him and his family.

RAM helped him and quickly secured a resolution and settlement of the matter.

Instead of the matter dragging out for years in expensive and torturous lengthy litigation, funded by company insurance policies, it was very quickly resolved and settled to Dr Scott’s satisfaction.

He said: “Right Against Might helped me get justice when I had nowhere else to turn.”

The creation of RAM marks the latest chapter in Chris’ remarkable life.

He was working at an iron foundry while taking a year out from university studies when tragedy struck on May 24, 1978. Then aged 20, his right arm was pulled into the cogs of the main hoist of a gantry crane at the foundry and crushed.

Chris was on his own at the top the crane when it happened and should have been killed.

He was working in an iron foundry and took a year out to consider becoming a priest and he worked as a bouncer and became a monk during the time.

He was rescued by colleagues but they mistakenly turned the machine on again which resulted in Chris losing his arm up to his shoulder and nearly being decapitated.

After recovering, he returned to the University of Liverpool where he completed his degrees in French and Communications. In that time he had to learn to do everything left-handed from writing and tying his laces to driving, and the accident changed his outlook on life at such a young age.

“I now live life to the fullest!”

Chris added: “When you face death like I did, you feel fearless, it changes everything, but it also makes you not unafraid of anything. You realise you can’t predict the future. If I could, I wouldn’t have been up there at the top of the crane.

“I live life to the fullest and seize every day as it comes along because I’m happy that I’m here to experience it.”

Precisely ten years after the accident Chris developed Manic Depressive Psychosis, now called Bipolar Affective Disorder after Chris and his colleagues campaigned to change the name of the disorder as the word manic is nearest in the English dictionary to the word maniac.

He was Chairman of the Manic Depression Fellowship and worked alongside patron and comedy legend Spike Milligan where he helped to break down the stigma of mental illness.

After university, Chris started up his own business – Hook Advertising – named after the solid silver hook he wore on his arm and worked in the advertising industry in London for decades, including as a creative new business consultant to the legendary Saatchi and Saatchi.

In 2002, Chris taught himself to control the benign Incredible Hulk inside him that rages against injustice.

He has three children and also founded the independent Middlesbrough Supporters’ Forum to represent the disparate fans and fan groups of Middlesbrough Football Club.

Earlier this year Chris, who is originally from Stockton-on-Tees, celebrated his 65th birthday with sporting legend Frank Bruno alongside him – a fellow champion of mental health issues.

After 45 years without his arm and 21 years without bipolar illness, Chris refuses to be defined by disability or mental health: “My life is rich and full and much more than flaws in my health.”

As Chris says in Zest!Seller, “I’m now certifiably sane, how about you?”

Finance and Banking, Law, News

Three quarters of lawyers struggle with client cash handling as law firms grapple with admin avalanche

  • Junior lawyers in the eye of the storm as 9 in 10 express concern over time and risks of manual payment processing
  •  A quarter of law firms now outsource transaction payments to an escrow provider

 

Almost three quarters (73%) of legal professionals are concerned about the risks and time costs associated with holding client funds, according to a new report from B2B payments business Shieldpay.

The Time is Money: Counting the cost of client money management report comes amid the introduction of new fining powers for the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA) last year. It surveyed 100 legal professionals at the UK’s Top 100 firms on their approach to client accounts, and reveals that facilitating payments remains a bottleneck for firms.

More than two fifths (42%) of respondents stated the most time-intensive aspect of handling client funds and managing payments is due diligence. This is supported by 40% of respondents reporting that Know Your Customer (KYC) collection and verification takes two to three working days.

Meanwhile, for a third (32%) of lawyers surveyed, this process takes four to nine working days. The larger the deal size the less likely these checks can be completed within 24 hours, with lawyers at firms with an average deal size of £50-100m most likely to say checks take two to three weeks.

 

Andrew Hawkins, CEO UK & Europe at Shieldpay, said: “Our research demonstrates that managing payments on behalf of clients represents a sizeable administrative and financial risk burden for UK law firms. Not only does this perpetuate the use of manual, inefficient processes which makes the lives of top legal talent harder, but it starves firms of critical resource and partner time which could be better spent on higher value, billable tasks.”

 

The report also highlights a generational divide on attitudes toward risk. Nine in ten junior law professionals are concerned about the risks of client accounts. They’re also over 1.5 times as likely as senior colleagues to cite regulatory risk as the most challenging aspect of managing client funds.

The top challenge cited by junior respondents, however, was the cost of facilitating transactions and the associated administration fees (32%), whereas senior lawyers are most concerned about the complexity of international cross-border transactions with multiple currencies (33%).

Despite these challenges, many law firms are still choosing to manage payments internally, with over a quarter (26%) doing so directly using a client account. Meanwhile, 28% said that while their firm is mindful of handling client money, they believe the benefits outweigh the risks for most transactions.

But the tide is shifting as nearly half (49%) of top law firms in the UK now report that they outsource their client account function to a paying agent or escrow provider (25%) or engage with a banking partner (24%). The remaining 25% say their clients handle payments directly.

 

“The legal sector is increasingly recognising the benefits of using third-party managed accounts to liberate their teams and grow their revenue – all while increasing client satisfaction and improving their operational efficiency,” Hawkins adds. “Time is money. But with new digital solutions dedicated to supporting complex transactions, such as litigation payments and M&A transactions client money management no longer needs to come at a heavy cost to law firms.”

 

Firms are also more aware of the regulatory and compliance concerns that come with client money management, with over a third (36%) implementing rules on the types of transactions they facilitate.

To read the full Time is Money: Counting the cost of client money management for law firms report, please visit https://www.shieldpay.com/time-is-money.

 

Appointments, Law, News

Law firm’s commercial division on course for further success

A Yorkshire law firm’s company and commercial division is on course for a record year following significant revenue growth and a number of key appointments.

The company and commercial division of Leeds headquartered law firm Ison Harrison’s turnover for the year to date is currently 78% higher than at the same time in September 2022.

 

The division comprises litigation, commercial property, company and commercial and employment teams, which have all grown by an average of 27% and the total departmental headcount has increased to 29 employees, making it the firm’s second largest collective team.

Last year the firm experienced a 67% growth in revenue from commercial services as for the same period in 2021, recording its most profitable year to date. Transaction values for the corporate division have also increased with the team developing a specialism advising business owners on the transition to employee ownership.

 

Ison Harrison switched to become a 100% employee-owned business in early 2022 after the three shareholder directors agreed to sell the business to an Employee Ownership Trust.

Over the past 18 months, the firm has experienced significant client growth, taking the number to over 20,000, and opened its newest office in Wakefield last year, further strengthening its presence in the region with the addition of its 17th branch. A new regional office opening is also planned for later this year.

 

New recruits further strengthening the commercial division include partner Lindsay Dixon, a commercial litigation specialist, Manpreet Bhambra, an experienced commercial property solicitor, and employment law paralegal, Tessa Beaumont.

Lindsay Dixon has joined Ison Harrison with extensive experience gained at several prominent Yorkshire based firms. Her new role will see her deal with a wide range of disputes for individuals and businesses both in and out of Court.

Manpreet Bhambra previously worked at Bury & Walkers LLP and Oakwood Solicitors. Joining the Ison Harrison team in July this year, she deals with all commercial property matters including leasehold management.

Tessa Beaumont will be supporting Ben Palmer, a partner in the company and commercial team, with HR and employment law queries including contractual work and policy documents.

 

Richard Coulthard, Partner and Head of Commercial services, said: “We’ve enjoyed solid growth for the past few years and every year we go from strength to strength as the firm continues to expand its commercial offering. Driven by the success we’ve achieved, we continue to bolster this offering, cementing our position as leaders in legal professional advisory work to the SME market and always looking for exciting new opportunities, as we’re seeing with the huge increase in businesses transitioning to employee ownership.”

“Our latest appointment fully demonstrates our ability to attract top talent and the team has grown to such an extent this year that we’ve had to take additional space at our head office in Leeds city centre. I have known Lindsay and Manpreet for a number of years having worked with both previously and I know the strength they bring. Tessa also brings the knowledge of working in the public sector and this will add further expertise to the team. The team has also been shortlisted in the forthcoming Yorkshire Legal Awards later this year which, should we be lucky enough to win the award for the Company & Commercial team of the year, would be the perfect end to an outstanding year.”

 

Ison Harrison was founded in 1978. With an annual turnover of over £20 million, the firm has become a well-known regional practice offering the broadest range of legal services to thousands of people and businesses.

Ison Harrison currently holds 13 Law Society accreditations including Conveyancing Quality, Clinical Negligence, Children Law, Family Law, Immigration & Asylum, and SRA Higher Courts Rights – civil and criminal.

For more information, visit www.isonharrison.co.uk

Law, News, Transport

Top Tips for Avoiding Bike Accidents on Your Way to Work

In this article, we’ll be sharing our top tips for avoiding bike accidents on your way to work…

Navigating your way to work on a bike can be both eco-friendly and invigorating. However, ensuring your safety is paramount. In this guide, we’ll share some top tips to help you steer clear of bike accidents during your commute. Plus, we’ll touch upon the importance of being informed about accident solicitors in Wales, just in case you ever need assistance. Let’s pedal through these essential pointers for a safer journey to work.

Wearing Protective Clothing

When you’re cycling on busy roads, especially in cities, the right gear can make a life-saving difference. While it’s not a must to wear a helmet while biking in the UK, it’s strongly advised. Wearing one could save your life and might be important if you need to claim compensation after an accident. Also, covering your arms and legs can prevent serious injuries in case of a crash.

Don’t forget to get reflective gear for you and your bike, especially in dark or bad weather. Being visible to others on the road is crucial to avoid accidents, especially in poorly lit areas.

Follow the Rules

Unlike drivers, cyclists aren’t required to take a test to ride on roads. Yet, it’s important for them to know the UK Highway Code. Cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers and show courtesy to others. Following road signs and traffic lights not only ensures safety but also helps you have a secure ride to work.

Plan Ahead

Navigating busy urban roads as a cyclist can be risky due to potential accidents and harmful air pollution. Prioritising safety while biking to work involves exploring various routes to discover your ideal one. Opting for less crowded streets and using designated bike lanes can help prevent accidents by reducing interaction with cars. This strategy contributes to a safer and healthier commuting experience.

Stay Alert

Cycling on busy roads, especially during rush hour, demands heightened alertness to pedestrians, fellow road users, and emergency vehicles that always have priority. Staying attentive to your environment is vital, engaging all your senses. Refrain from wearing headphones to ensure you hear possible dangers or sirens. Keep your phone secured during the ride as distractions and theft risks can arise while waiting at lights or in traffic. Remaining fully focused safeguards both your safety and your journey.

Watch your speed

When out of traffic, bicycles, including electric ones, can achieve high speeds, with electric bikes even reaching over 50mph, which can be lethal. A significant case in 2016 involved a 20-year-old cyclist named Charlie Alliston, who was sentenced to 18 months in jail for a collision that led to a pedestrian’s death. The allure of speeding on an open road is strong, making it wise to acquire a speedometer and monitor it closely while cycling, especially on routes frequented by pedestrians like school and hospital areas.

Take Care of your Bike

If you’re cycling to and from work on a regular basis, you will be subject to a certain amount of wear and tear which can lead to accidents. Keep an eye on your tires and make sure that they’re properly always inflated. It’s also a good idea to have your bike checked over on a regular basis to make sure that it’s in good working order with no defects which may result in an incident on the road. If you’re buying a second-hand bike, always make sure that you have it checked out before hitting the road.

Looking After Yourself

Investing in a high-quality bike offers not only a cost-effective commute to and from work, but also opens up avenues to discover Wales’ breathtaking towns, villages, and countryside. To fully enjoy your biking experience, consistently maintain your bike’s upkeep. Regular cleaning to eliminate mud, dirt, or debris that might impact its performance is essential. Prioritising safety is crucial for cyclists, and adhering to the guidance in this article contributes to your safety and the safety of others sharing the roads across Wales.

 

 

 

Awards, Law, News, Yorkshire

Yorkshire Law Firm In The Running For Duo Of Industry Awards

Leading law firm Ison Harrison has been shortlisted for two awards at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, one of the legal sector’s most prestigious industry events.

The firm is in the frame in the Law Firm of the Year (medium) and Corporate and Commercial Law Firm categories. Ison Harrison won the medium law firm of the year accolade last year and this is the third successive year that the firm has been shortlisted for the award.

The awards ceremony takes place on 5 October in Leeds.

This latest achievement follows Ison Harrison’s successful transition to becoming entirely employee owned at the beginning of 2022 when the three shareholder directors agreed to sell the business to an Employee Ownership Trust. The firm’s corporate and commercial division is also on track to post its best year following an increase in transactional values combined with a growing headcount.

2022 was a record year for the firm with turnover in the company & commercial division up 67% on the previous year. So far in 2023, the department’s turnover is 78% higher than the same period in 2022 and the team has grown to 29 people, requiring additional office space in the Leeds City Centre head office to accommodate the additional recruits.

Ison Harrison, which has a network of seventeen offices throughout the region, was founded in 1978. With an annual turnover of over £20 million, the firm has become a well-known regional practice offering the broadest range of legal services to thousands of people and businesses in the region.  The firm opened its newest office in Wakefield in September 2022 with plans for future expansion in the region.

 

Jonathan Wearing, managing director at Ison Harrison, commented: “After our most successful year in our history last year, we are already on track to exceed those achievements in 2023. We are proud to be shortlisted once again as the medium law firm of the year and hope we can defend the title. To be shortlisted in the corporate and commercial category is testament to the achievements of the division which continues to go from strength to strength. It’s a major achievement and recognition for the hard work put in by all our team.

“Becoming a 100% employee-owned business has proved to be a defining moment in our journey as a firm, providing stability for all of our dedicated staff and the perfect platform for further growth.”

 

Richard Coulthard, head of corporate and commercial at Ison Harrison, added: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted which comes off the back of three years of continued growth of the division and some really exciting recent developments such as the promotion of Ben Palmer to partner and the appointment of specialist corporate mergers and acquisitions lawyer Victoria Boid, further boosting the firm’s company and commercial law team offering. With transaction values in the corporate team increasing significantly and the team developing a specialism advising on employee ownership transition, 2023 looks like being our best year to date and we look forward to the awards outcome later this year.”

 

Ison Harrison currently hold 13 Law Society accreditations including Conveyancing Quality, Clinical Negligence, Children Law, Family Law, Immigration & Asylum, and SRA Higher Courts Rights – civil and criminal.

For more information, visit www.isonharrison.co.uk

Law

Divorce Dos and Don’ts: Expert Advice for a Smooth Separation

Filing for a divorce is a difficult and complex process that can bring up a range of emotions, stress, and anxiety. Whether it is a mutual decision or not, it is essential to approach the separation with caution and care to avoid unnecessary conflicts and complications. In this blog post, we will be discussing the divorce dos and don’ts that can help couples navigate through the process smoothly and with minimal fuss. 

 

Seek Legal Counsel Early On

It is essential to have a clear understanding of your legal rights and obligations, as well as the potential consequences of your decisions. By consulting with an experienced divorce attorney, you can gain valuable insight into the legal process and ensure that your interests are protected. Your attorney can provide guidance on issues such as property division, child custody and support, and spousal maintenance. They can also help you negotiate with your spouse and their attorney, or represent you in court if necessary. 

In addition, seeking legal counsel early on can help you avoid costly mistakes that may arise from unintended legal consequences. By taking this step, you can set yourself up for a smoother separation and a better outcome in the long run.

 

Avoid Social Media Oversharing

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, and it can be tempting to turn to social media to share your feelings with friends and family. However, oversharing on social media during a divorce can have negative consequences on both your emotional well-being and your legal case. Posting personal information or emotions online can be used against you in court, and can also escalate conflicts with your ex-spouse or even mutual friends. 

Therefore, it is important to avoid social media oversharing during this time. Instead, consider confiding in a trusted friend or family member in person, or seek the guidance of a therapist to help you navigate your emotions during this challenging time.

 

Focus on the Long-Term Picture

When going through a divorce, it can be easy to get caught up in short-term issues and concerns. However, it is important to also focus on the long-term picture. This means considering the impact of your decisions on your future, and not just on your immediate needs or emotions. 

For example, a decision made in the heat of the moment during a disagreement may have long-lasting consequences that can affect your financial or emotional well-being. By keeping your long-term goals in mind and seeking guidance from professionals, you can make informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run. Remember, a divorce is a significant life event, and taking the time to carefully consider your choices can help ensure a smoother separation process and a better future for yourself.

 

Keep Communication Respectful and Open

This may be difficult, especially if there are hurt feelings or tension between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse. However, it is important to remember that respectful communication can prevent further conflict and can help both parties reach a mutually beneficial outcome. Try to avoid using accusatory language and instead focus on expressing your own thoughts and feelings in a calm and clear manner. 

Additionally, it is important to actively listen to your ex-spouse and acknowledge their concerns. By keeping communication respectful and open, you can work together to navigate the divorce process with less stress and conflict.

 

Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation and arbitration are two options to consider. Mediation involves a neutral third party who works with both parties to facilitate a resolution that works for everyone. Arbitration involves a third party who makes a binding decision on the disputed issues. Both methods can be less expensive and less emotionally draining than going to court. 

Additionally, they allow for more control over the outcome, as opposed to leaving it up to a judge. Before immediately turning to litigation, it’s worth exploring these alternative options to see if they may work for your situation.

 

Conclusion

The process of divorce can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. However, by following some simple dos and don’ts, it is possible to navigate through it with relative ease. It is important to seek guidance from legal and financial professionals, to communicate effectively with your spouse, and to prioritize the well-being of any children involved. Remember to take care of yourself throughout this process and to seek help if needed. With the right mindset and approach, a smooth separation is achievable.

Law, News, South West, South West England News, Start Ups, Start-Up News

Roskilly and Mills: new legal practice launches in Bristol, specialising in advising non-married couples on separation, wills and inheritance disputes

Emily Roskilly and Lucia Mills announce the launch of their new business, Roskilly and Mills, which will provide specialist advice to cohabiting couples pre and post-separation with a holistic, transparent and empathetic approach.

“Common law marriage is a myth,” explains Emily Roskilly, “In the legal world, there is no such thing. The truth is that married couples have greater rights than unmarried ones, and unmarried couples and those who co-own property may need specialist legal advice. Contrary to popular belief, when there is a property dispute, this area of law is civil Law and not family Law – the two specialisms are governed by different Courts with different rules. When cohabiting couples separate, it is often a huge shock because one of them may end up with nothing – and huge costs!”

 

Post-pandemic, there has been an increase of 9.6%* in granted divorces, but many couples who lived together through lockdown were unmarried (or were unable to wed) and are now looking to separate.

Lucia Mills adds “There have been calls to reform the law in this area, however, this is currently not being prioritised.  We believe the law is out of step with modern-day society and there should be increased awareness for all unmarried couples”.  When a couple is married, the matrimonial assets are considered to be part of the family financial pot (which includes pension, savings, etc) and the Court often addresses these cases on a need basis and considers equality regardless of legal ownership.  However, this is not the case for unmarried couples and we therefore offer specialist advice to unmarried individuals in a changing world.

 

Emily empathises with those separating having been through it herself Roskilly and Mills are supportive of reform and are keen to raise awareness.  They are both members of Resolution, a professional body committed to a constructive approach to family disputes, who are actively campaigning for reform in this area.

 

As well as providing legal services, Roskilly and Mills understand that cohabiting couples also need help with finances, childcare, divorce coaches and well-being. Roskilly and Mills have experts on hand and tailor-made advice to help with every stage. And Emily and Lucia – unlike many corporate law firms – do not have internal financial targets which means they can focus on their clients.

 

“We are transparent about our fees” explains Emily “We understand that sometimes clients need emotional support – and we don’t charge a fee for kindness and a confidential chat.”

“As mums ourselves, we are keen to put the human, compassionate element back into legal advice. We ensure clients are involved in all decision-making, kept informed and updated throughout and that they fully understand the specialist legal advice they receive. The last thing our clients need to feel is uncertainty, in these difficult times.”

 

Roskilly and Mills have the following advice for ALL couples currently cohabiting:

-Be clear on intentions from the outset – they can prepare Cohabitation Agreements

-Consider putting a declaration of trust in place on the purchase of a property

-Obtain specialist legal advice on your rights if you are unsure of your legal position or if you have already separated

 

Roskilly and Mills also provide advice in respect of will and inheritance disputes which is also a complex and niche area of law.  We can advise on whether you have a claim against an Estate post-death,  with regard to executor and beneficiary disputes and potential validity challenges against wills.

For more information about this modern forward-thinking firm go to https://roskillyandmills.co.uk

 

—

 

*ONS statistic 9.6% in granted divorces between 2020 and 2021 (Nov 22 figures)

Appointments, Law, News, Yorkshire

New Partner Promotions at Yorkshire Law Firm

Leading law firm Ison Harrison has made six promotions across its network of Yorkshire offices.

Nicola Hunter, Natalie Clayton, Faye Chadwick, Ben Palmer, Olivia Williams and Jordan Grimbley have all been promoted to partners at the firm.

This latest series of promotions follows Ison Harrison’s successful transition to becoming entirely employee owned at the beginning of 2022 when the three shareholder directors agreed to sell the business to an Employee Ownership Trust. 

Nicola Hunter joined the firm as an experienced family solicitor in August 2018.  Having previously worked at the firm’s Otley and Guiseley branches, Nicola will take on the responsibility of running and building up Ison Harrison’s private family offering across East Leeds based at the Crossgates office.  

Natalie Clayton joined Ison Harrison nine years ago as an apprentice in the firm’s cashiers team and by mid-2022 had risen through the ranks to become assistant head of the firm’s biggest team, the new build division.  Natalie is based at Ison Harrison’s head office in Leeds City Centre.

New build property specialist Faye Chadwick joined the new build team as an experienced conveyancing solicitor in August 2019 and has been manager of the Wakefield branch since it opened last year. An experienced and well-respected property solicitor, Faye has successfully grown the firm’s presence in Wakefield and across West Yorkshire, turning the office into one of the top performing regional branches. 

Corporate employment solicitor Ben Palmer is based at Ison Harrison’s Leeds City Centre office. He joined Ison Harrison’s expanding regional team in 2021 and has over 16 years of employment expertise. He has acted on behalf of a wide range of clients ranging from airlines, PLCs and pharmaceutical companies to manufacturing. Ben was also responsible for the introduction of the successful ‘In House employment retainer package’ where the firm offers employment law and HR services to businesses across the country through a monthly retainer fee.  

Olivia Williams joined as a new build conveyancing assistant in 2016, was quickly promoted to fee-earner and secured a training contract in September 2018. Olivia has been successfully managing the firm’s York office helping to establish the firm’s presence in North Yorkshire. 

Jordan Grimbley joined the new build team in 2017 as a conveyancing assistant and became a fee-earner before starting his training contract in 2018. Originally intending to become a commercial litigator, Jordan adapted his skills toward wills and probate law. Jordan qualified as a wills and probate solicitor in 2020, just over three years after first joining the firm and has since built up a strong practice at Castleford where he is based, assuming responsibility for developing the next generation of trainee solicitors. 

Ison Harrison, which has a network of seventeen offices throughout the region, was founded in 1978. Forty-five years later it now employs more than 240 staff across Yorkshire and offers the broadest suite of legal services in the region.

Commenting on the promotions, Jonathan Wearing, managing director said: “This series of promotions is our second of 2023 and continues the successful year we’re having. These newest strategic promotions come just 18 months after the firm became entirely employee-owned. Since becoming employee-owned, the firm has gone from strength to strength, increasing its commercial offering significantly to include corporate, litigation, employment and commercial property for an ever-growing commercial client base. It has been an exciting period of growth and the second half of the year is looking equally as strong.”

“To see continued promotions following on from the success of becoming fully employee-owned is hugely satisfying. The contributions made to the firm from the promoted individuals are all richly deserved.”

The firm has an annual turnover of £20 million and represents around 20,000 clients each year. Over the years, it has represented clients in many high-profile cases including several families at the inquest of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster.    

Added Jonathan Wearing: “Under our new employee-owned structure, Ison Harrison remains totally committed to recruiting and retaining the very best people in the legal profession as evidenced by this latest round of promotions. The promotions clearly demonstrate how employee ownership is benefiting the workforce as well as our valued clients.” 

Charity & CSR, Charity Events, Law, Sport

Thames Valley based Blaser Mills Law beat the heat to win the 2023 Jansons Rowing Cup

Local businesses unite and raise over £10,500 for Myocarditis UK

Blaser Mills Law set the fastest time at this year’s Jansons Rowing Cup and secured first place with a winning time of 1:21mins and followed one second behind by Ridge Consulting in the local competition on Wednesday, 14th June 2023 at Dorney Lake in Berkshire. The Jansons Rowing Cup started in 2016 with just a handful of boats crewed by a bunch of enthusiastic local business owners. Today, the sell-out event, has 90+ rowers working in law and architecture through to property and transport.

Andy Jansons, Managing Director of Jansons Property comments: “For the eighth year in a row this event has been a great success, bringing together the local business community to network and fundraise. This year all tickets sold out in advance, and I’m delighted to say that the money raised has gone to Myocarditis UK which reached a major fundraising milestone recently of £1,000.000. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a fantastic event!”

With 13 teams of rowers taking part, only one could be crowned the winner. Blaser Mills Law declared victory with most improved team being Lewis & Partners. The team securing last place is historically awarded with the Crabbed Oar, this year it was Flourish PR. The Jansons Cup begins with heats followed by semi-finals and lastly the A and B finals to choose the winning teams. The local guests arrived at 12:15pm, with the rowing commencing at 1:15pm and then concluding with a short awards ceremony along with a BBQ in the clubhouse to celebrate the day.

This year’s entrants are from a variety of local and regional businesses including:

  • Berkeley Group Plc
  • Blaser Mills Law
  • DAY Architectural Ltd
  • Evoke Transport
  • Flourish PR
  • Haslams Chartered Surveyors
  • i-Transport
  • Lewis & Partners
  • Lichfields UK
  • Ridge Consulting
  • Savills
  • Savills Hotels
  • Walsingham Planning

 

Hiren Gandhi, Partner at Blaser Mills Law, comments; “We’ve been taking part in Jansons Property Rowing Cup for 5 years. After winning once before 4 years ago, we’re delighted to scoop the Jansons Cup again in 2023. Winning the Cup is a bonus as the main highlight for the team is being able to support Myocarditis UK, and their tireless efforts to raise money for the rare heart condition. Although we are now tired and drained, it has been well worth the effort.”

All funds raised on the day are donated to Myocarditis UK – a charity dedicated to researching the causes, prevention, and cures of this life-threatening heart condition. To donate and to find out more about Myocarditis UK, please visit www.myocarditisuk.com where you can also discover the full events list for 2023.

HR, Law, Leadership

How can businesses navigate ongoing economic headwinds?

Written by Sharon McDermott, co-founder and managing director at Trenches Law

The word of the year for 2022 may have been a cocktail of gaslighting, goblin mode and permacrisis, but we think the best way to describe it would be ‘unpredictable’. From changing leadership to conflict and COVID, we all deserved a pat on the back for getting through it.

Despite turning over a new leaf as we headed into 2023 with optimism, it soon became apparent that the new year wasn’t going to be plain sailing either. Amongst many things, the UK found itself in the midst of an unprecedented cost of living crisis.

Perhaps one of the most notable changes in the world of work was the continuation of remote and flexible roles — with a landmark law passed in December, which grants employees the right to ask for such arrangements from day one.

This resulted in many employers re-evaluating their physical spaces. Indeed, at Trenches Law, we have since closed down one of our buildings to protect staff from spiralling commuter costs. But for others, the office is a safe haven – protecting them from taking video calls in dressing gowns, and helping them to keep energy bills down at home.

So how can we redress the balance and look after our staff in such a turbulent economic climate?

Nurturing the top talent

Rising inflation means many staff are seeking more competitive salaries — particularly in the telecoms sector. This understandably puts managers in a tricky position. At Trenches, we’ve introduced a 5% pay rise for all staff, but we also understand that employee welfare goes well beyond salary alone.

With this in mind, it’s about introducing supportive measures to nurture the workforce. This starts with offering flexibility – particularly around remote working. Some employees prefer to avoid the commute, while others may rely on the energy savings or the social interaction in the office. We need to encourage a culture of communication that supports both.

It’s also important to remember that this is not necessarily about 9-5 or 10-6. It’s about empathising with staff and accommodating their needs – for example, allowing time to pick children up from school and reduce childcare costs, or finish an hour early if they desire, and make up time another day.

Checking in with teams

A culture of communication also means ‘checking in’ on your teams. Whether this is a weekly virtual call or a one-on-one in the office, it’s essential that people feel acknowledged and valued. We’re proud to have introduced access to mental health first aiders – trained, impartial third parties in whom staff can confide, particularly if they feel like they cannot speak to their colleagues.

There are also the ‘little things’ that make a big difference. Keeping personnel motivated while watching costs can sound like a balancing act – but it doesn’t have to be. The smallest gestures can aid productivity and put a smile on the faces of those in your team.

For example, we sent all our staff a tea-themed advent calendar, helping them to keep warm throughout December. We also offer our employees the freedom to go to the gym during the day — not least because off-peak memberships are often cheaper and gym floors are less crowded. Plus,  exercise produces endorphins that help us keep on top of our mental health through tricky times.

Taking a long-term view

While we may be facing a cost-of-living crisis right now, it’s important to make long-term changes, not simply pay lip service. We’ve already seen the benefits of long-term remote working post-COVID. We’re going to keep our staff motivated with these gestures, and this starts from the moment they’re hired.

Trenches Law offers a fully-funded apprenticeship programme, providing accessible training to new starters. For existing staff members, we also have a paid-for learning and development programme, allowing teams to pursue a vocational qualification at no cost.

Again, as business leaders, we need to view this with a long-term lens. While there are associated costs with learning and development schemes, retention rates can improve by up to 50% with strong learning cultures. Remember that the average cost for hiring a new staff member starts from £3,000 – and that’s not accounting for training or other HR benefits. The longer we can hold onto top tier talent, the better our bottom lines.

Above all, have faith

We are all feeling the pinch right now and emotions will be running high. That’s why it’s so important to invest both money and time into your workforce – and your support is underpinned by confidence. Show your employees that you trust them to choose their own schedules or pursue new learning opportunities. They don’t need to be micro-managed.

We have all seen the headlines showcasing the consequences of poor staff practices recently. From mass firings to resignations and even strikes, the fate of our businesses lies in our people’s hands. We cannot underestimate the importance of looking after our teams.

So, what can you do as a manager? By offering a flexible and personal approach, you’ll help your teams feel included and valued, wherever they’re working. The cost-of-living crisis may be a temporary situation, but a company culture lasts a lifetime.

Trenches Law is a telecoms law specialist. Find out more.