Part 36 Offers – Winning the Case but Losing the Costs
One of the most misunderstood aspects of civil litigation in England and Wales is the Part 36 Offer. Many clients believe that if they win their case, they will recover their legal costs from the other side. Unfortunately, litigation is rarely that straightforward. A recent High Court decision demonstrates a harsh reality: a party may succeed […]
Claiming Against an Estate – What Matyas v Daniel Shows About the Cost of Getting it Wrong
You lived with someone for years, shared a home, built businesses together, and treated everything as ‘ours’. Then your partner dies, and the will leaves most of it to someone else. You feel certain a share is yours, maybe even that you own part of the property outright. Before you act on that, it helps […]
Dawrani v SSHD – The Importance of Procedural Rigour at the First-Tier Tribunal
After an immigration appeal is lodged, the Tribunal will issue directions to both parties, the appellant and the respondent, namely the Home Office. Firstly, the Tribunal will instruct the Home Office to provide its appeal bundle by a specified date. After that, the Tribunal will set a deadline for the appellant to submit their evidence. […]
Brent Cross v John Lewis: Reminder that Your Commercial Lease Might Need a Digital Makeover
If you are a landlord or tenant with a commercial lease, are you familiar with your rent/rent review clause? Does your lease include a Turnover Rent mechanism? Written by Yitong Guo, Senior Associate Solicitor What is Turnover Rent? It is a rental structure commonly used in commercial sectors, such as retail, and leisure. The […]
Kirishani v Major: When Are Cohabitation Agreements Legally Binding?
In the recent case of Kirishani v Major [2025] EWCA Civ 1134, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales considered when financial arrangements between cohabitants may be legally binding. The Court confirmed that the presumption against an intention to create legal relations, traditionally applied in the context of spouses and family members, may also […]
When Can the Home Office Revoke a Sponsor Licence?
The High Court’s decision in R (on the application of Jaggi Construction Ltd) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWHC 1431 (Admin) highlights the importance of lawful decision-making in sponsor licence cases. The judgment considers whether the Home Office correctly interpreted its Sponsor Guidance and whether it should have made further enquiries […]
Lost in Translation? Foreign Language Documents and Giving Evidence in UK Courts
Court proceedings in England and Wales are conducted in English. For parties and witnesses who are more comfortable using another language, this can create practical and legal issues that should be dealt with early. Language is not just an administrative matter. If documents, witness statements or interpreter arrangements are not handled properly, the court may […]
Home Buying and Selling Reform: The Roadmap Explained
The Government has published its roadmap for home buying and selling reform in England and Wales. The announcement follows two consultations launched in October 2025 and sets out a phased programme of reform aimed at making residential property transactions faster, more transparent and more certain. The current system is often criticised for delay, duplication and […]
FAQs on Lasting Powers of Attorney
Why do you need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the mental capacity in the future, for example due to illness or injury. An LPA […]
Safeguarding Children in Asylum Cases – Why the Children’s Commissioner Opposes New Home Office Removal Powers
On 24 June 2026, The Children’s Commissioner for England published a response to the Home Office consultation on family removals and changes to support for failed asylum-seeker families. Written by Victor Falcon Mmegwa, Senior Associate Solicitor Summary of the proposals The Home Office consultation, titled Family Returns: Reforming Asylum Support and Enforcing Family Returns, […]