Do unmarried couples who live together as cohabitees have the same rights as married couples?

It is a commonly held belief that if a couple lives together for a long time as cohabitees, they have the same rights as married couples or civil partners. This is untrue. Unmarried cohabiting couples, regardless of how long they have lived together, have far fewer rights than those who are married. “Common law marriages”, […]

Successful Claim of Damages against Developer on Defect and Disrepair

  Recently, we successfully assisted an individual leaseholder client in claiming damages, including loss of income, for her newly built flat in a prestigious area of London.   Background   Prior to the Covid pandemic, the client complained about occasional leaking in the bathroom of the flat. The problem became more serious after the client […]

Guide to the UK Fiance visa. What are the requirements and can you switch to a spouse visa?

Many people will be familiar with the ‘spouse visa’, a type of visa which allows a foreign national to live with their partner in the UK as long as the partner is either British or settled in the UK. However, there is another similar type of visa – the fiance visa. Both visas are separate […]

Migration Advisory Committee recommends scrapping the Shortage Occupation List

The Migration Advisory Committee has published its 2023 review of the shortage occupation list. Commissioned in August 2022, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is an independent non-department public body that advises the government on migration issues.   Compared with previous reviews, this review was conducted on the basis of the MAC’s recommendation that employers should […]

Concealment of essential information leads to deprivation of citizenship

By Yang Peng   Relationships in real life are not always stable; there are always ups and downs. Likewise, when applying for a visa, applicants often face challenges in proving the genuineness and enduring nature of their relationships. Consequently, accidental omissions and minor errors may occur in the complex visa application procedure.   During the […]

How to rent guide – what do tenants and landlords need to know?

The government has updated its ‘How to Rent’ guide for October 2023. It provides important information for those who are renting a home privately under an assured shorthold tenancy. You can access the latest version of the How to rent guide here.   The How to Rent guide should be given to the tenant at […]

Trust assets – how do I protect them following a divorce?

Trust assets in divorce proceedings are an increasingly common issue in family law cases. In divorce proceedings, if you or your spouse are beneficiaries of a trust and are entitled to capital or income from the trust, this is likely to be considered a financial resource. As a result, it will be financially considered by […]

Council at fault for ignoring woman’s nuisance complaints against restaurant

Nuisance complaints are a surprisingly common occurrence. While there are no statistics for general nuisance complaints, there were a total of 356,367 noise complaints recorded by local authorities in 2020/2021, giving an idea of just how many complaints councils receive in general.   The case we will be discussing today doesn’t exclusively focus on a […]

Brook House Inquiry – what were the findings? Part 1.

By Victor Falcon Mmegwa   This article is a more detailed follow up to our instant report on 19th September about the Home Office response to the Brook House Inquiry. In this article, we will go into more detail about the Inquiry, as well as take a look at some of the recommendations made by […]

ETAs to be introduced for travel to the UK – do I need to apply?

If you have travelled to countries such as Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, you may be familiar with the concept of an ETA. Short for electronic travel authorisation, ETAs are used to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the respective country. While they are already used in the previously listed countries, both the EU […]

New EPC targets scrapped following Sunak’s Net Zero reversals

In an announcement to the British public this week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that he has decided to scrap EPC targets requiring landlords to bring private rental properties up to a minimum level of C by 2025. We discussed these targets in depth in a previous article from February here.   While EPC ratings […]

The Legal Implications of Issuing Warnings Without Action in Employee Management

In the world of employment law, addressing employee misconduct demands a thoughtful and structured approach. One common error that employers often make is the passive issuance of warnings without taking concrete action. In this article, we will explore why this approach can have legal repercussions and the importance of following due process.   The Significance […]

Single-use plastic items banned in England from 1 October 2023

From 1 October 2023 businesses must no longer supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England. The UK government has announced a ban on a wide range of plastic items, which will include:   Online and over-the-counter sales and supply Items from new and existing stock All types of single-use plastic, including biodegradable, […]

Home Office states 2017 Brook House IRC abuse unacceptable

The Home Office has announced that the abuse at Brook House IRC in 2017 was unacceptable.   In 2019, an inquiry was started into Brook House Detention Centre (Brook House Immigration Removal Centre) in relation to the treatment of detainees in 2017.   The Brook House Inquiry identified 19 instances of mistreatment contrary to Article 3 of […]

UK visa fees to increase from 4th October 2023

UK’s immigration and nationality fees (UK visa fees) are set to increase from 4th October 2023. The Home Office confirmed today (15th September) that they will be increasing fees for the majority of immigration applications starting on 4th October 2023.   The fee rises were originally announced in July this year, and today, legislation is […]

Temporary admission and time spent on visitor visa may still count towards 10-year lawful residence

Migrants who have accumulated ten years of continuous lawful residence (10-year lawful residence) under any combination of visas may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.   This would also include those who spent a period of time on temporary admission or immigration bail and were subsequently granted a visa.   An example of this would […]

BNO Visa priority service introduced! Find out how to apply

The Home Office has recently announced the introduction of a new priority service for BNO visa applicants. This means that British nationals (overseas) from Hong Kong and their families who are planning to move to the UK can pay £500 to have their application processed within 5 working days. As current timescales for the BNO […]

Successful EU Settlement Scheme Appeal for couple despite lack of relevant EU permit

  We have recently been successful in the appeal of an application for our client to join his EU national partner under the EUSS (EU Settlement Scheme). There has been lots of coverage recently about this topic following a decision by the Court of Appeal in Celik vs Secretary of State for the Home Department […]

Legal advisor at Lisa’s Law qualifies as a Solicitor!

We are delighted to announce that legal advisor, Paul Cheuk, has been admitted to the Roll of Solicitors and has therefore qualified as a Solicitor. Paul has taken up the role of Litigation Solicitor at the firm with immediate effect.   Paul joined the firm in February 2022 as a Paralegal, following previous work experience […]

Online divorce companies to be investigated by the CMA – why should I use a family law solicitor instead?

If you are currently going, or ever have gone through a through a divorce, you will know it’s a very stressful time for all involved. From finding a lawyer, to negotiating between the two parties, arranging financial settlements, and even child custody issues, the divorce process can be a headache, and the costs can quickly […]

Visa holders entitled to Immigration Health Surcharge refund if working in health and care sector

  If you hold a visa, and you have worked at least 16 hours per week in the health and care sector for a period of 6 months, you are entitled to an Immigration Health Surcharge refund.   If you have any dependents, then you would be entitled to a refund of their IHS fees […]

OFSTED inspector unfairly dismissed after touching student – what lessons should employers learn from this case?

After an OFSTED inspector was dismissed for briefly touching a pupil’s head to wipe away some rain, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled that the dismissal was unfair due to a lack of disciplinary guidance and/or training. Compensation for unfair dismissal will be awarded at a later date.   The case (Hewston v OFSTED) […]

Illegal Migration Act 2023 – what are the key changes?

The Illegal Migration Act is a major piece of legislation which forms a key centrepiece of the UK government’s policy platform. The purpose of this Act is to prevent and deter illegal migration; in particular those by unsafe and illegal routes.   The government have stated that their aims are to both stop illegal boat […]

Success in obtaining leave to remain despite having no status for 23 years and little evidence

  We have recently been successful in representing a client who has been living in the UK for more than 20 years in their application for leave to remain on human rights grounds. This is despite the fact that the client had very little evidence to support their application.   Keep reading to find out […]

Home Secretary found to have adopted unfair procedure after cancelling student’s leave to enter

By Yang Peng   On 28 July 2023, The Administrative Court allowed a Pakistani student’s claim for judicial review of a decision by the defendant Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) to cancel his leave to enter as a student. The court decided that the claimant was denied the opportunity to comment on […]

Journalist who refused to use work app on personal phone wins unfair dismissal claim

An employment tribunal has ruled that an employee who refused to install a work app on her personal phone was unfairly dismissed. The installation of the app would have left the journalist unable to separate her work life and her home life, something she resisted against by refusing to have the app installed.   Depending […]

Should you make a foreign will if you have assets abroad?

Countries around the world have different inheritance and tax laws. As someone who is a domicile of England and Wales, you can make a foreign will with a lawyer which covers your overseas assets. However, in some cases it would be advisable to create a separate will to cover your assets in other countries.   […]

Harsher penalties proposed for landlords and businesses employing illegal workers!

  Presently, if you are a business employing an illegal worker (a person who does not have the status to reside in the UK), you can face a fine of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker.   If you are a landlord and have rented a property to a tenant without status, you could […]

Thinking about coming to the UK? These are the 4 most popular UK visa routes

By Yang Peng   You may have been thinking about coming to the UK, whether it is just to visit or to settle here. The UK immigration procedure can seem complicated for those who have never travelled here before. In this article we will look at the most common UK visa routes.   Option 1 […]

The SNP announces independence plan for Scottish citizenship

The Scottish government has published new proposals for how someone would be able to obtain Scottish citizenship in a independent Scotland. These proposals were published in a research paper entitled ‘Citizenship in an independent Scotland’.   The report’s release comes at a time when Scottish independence currently seems to be a remote possibility. The sudden […]

Property dispute causes couple to pay £280,000 over extension too close to neighbour’s house

When you renovate a property or plan to expand the area of ​​the property, there are usually two things to pay attention to: first, whether you need to apply for planning permission; second, how close the property extension is to the boundary. In many cases, the second problem may be more troublesome for homeowners, especially when […]

New flexible working act becomes law – can I request flexible working from day one of employment?

Flexible working is now the norm for many employers and employees alike. With Covid lockdowns forcing many employees to work remotely, businesses across the world adapted and innovated to adjust to the new working environment. The UK has been somewhat of a global leader in this area, with a recent study showing that the UK […]

What is the duty of my bank if I am a victim of fraud? Supreme Court provides clarity on Quincecare

The Supreme Court has recently made an important decision in the case of Philipp vs Barclays Bank, potentially spelling the end of the duty of care known as ‘Quincecare’.   Following this decision, victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud can no longer rely on Quincecare duty, with the Supreme Court deciding that no such […]

Court dismisses appeal for deprivation of citizenship

By Yang Peng   In an important recent case, the Court of Appeal announced that the appellant A’s appeal in the case of Shyti v Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) against the decision to deprive him of his British Nationality, was dismissed.   This article looks at the circumstances in which citizenship […]

Do you have a parent with EU citizenship? You might be eligible for a British passport!

Written by Lorraine Hon   A new law has given nationality rights to children born in the UK to EU citizens. Previously, the children of EU citizens who were working in the UK were not given British citizenship. However, this has changed with the recent implementation of a new law for those born before the […]

Surprise UK student visa announcement – students no longer able to switch to a work visa while studying!

We recently brought you news about the changes the Home Office are making to the UK Student Visa. Well, the Home Office have now surprised us all by implementing some of these changes with immediate effect!   Understandably, overseas students in the UK may be anxious about what this will mean for them, as well […]

UK Government announces huge increase in immigration fees

The UK government has announced a substantial increase in visa fees across a range of immigration and nationality routes, including the immigration health surcharge. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has framed this increase as necessary to fund a 6% rise in doctor’s wages.   Following a recommended pay rise for public sector workers of between […]

What is the threshold for ethical veganism as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010?

The Equality Act 2010 affords protections against discrimination to a wide range of people based on a range of characteristics including: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.   The word “belief” within the Equality Act is rather broad, leaving room for interpretation. […]

If a couple who own UK properties got married in a foreign country, is it better to divorce there or in the UK?

The UK is a country which is home to many immigrants from across the world. Like a lot of immigrants to the UK today, the individuals in this case decided to settle after coming here to study, meeting at work and eventually getting married. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that the couple […]

Another successful private life application after 13 years of no status in the UK

By Lorraine Hon   We are pleased to have been successful in another private life route case where our client came to the UK as a teenager after fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan.   One of the private life route requirements is where the applicant is aged 18 or above but below 25 at the […]

Court of Appeal rules that Removal of Asylum Seekers to Rwanda is unlawful

  Today (29/06/2023), the Court of Appeal reversed the High Court decision in AAA v Secretary of State for the Home Department (SSHD) on 19th December 2023 where it was held that removal of asylum seekers to Rwanda was lawful.   In today’s ruling, the Court of Appeal confirmed that any removals of asylum seekers […]

Home Office re-commences deport now, appeal later certification

By Victor Falcon Mmegwa   Recently, the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman MP, confirmed in a letter to the Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee that the Home Office have suggested the use of certification under section 94B of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 from 5 June 2023. This means that any appeal […]

Confirmed – Proposed Bill of Rights abandoned by the UK Government

  In June 2022, the UK Government proposed a Bill of Rights which was intended to replace the Human Rights Act 1998. The Human Rights Act affords us all with fundamental rights and freedoms by enshrining the rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).   The introduction of the Bill of Rights […]

High Court case could open floodgates to thousands of COVID business interruption claims

A recent High Court case could pave the way for thousands of  insurance claims by small to medium sized businesses in the UK. The fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on businesses, with the latest high-profile case involving the ExCel conference centre in London and their insurers, Royal & Sun Alliance. […]

Successful application for UK visitor visa despite previous refusals

By Yang Peng   We recently managed to help a client gain a UK Visitor Visa, despite them receiving two previous UK refusals. Keep reading to learn more about why these refusals occurred, and how Lisa’s Law can help you with similar applications.   Introduction to the case   Our client instructed us to apply […]

Indefinite Leave to Remain (10 year lawful residence) application guide

  This article serves as a guide for an indefinite leave to remain application, otherwise known as 10 year lawful residence. Contact us today for help with your application.   What is indefinite leave to remain on the basis of 10 years lawful residence?   Indefinite leave to remain allows you to settle in the […]

Is it wrongful dismissal if the employer issues a P45 and the employee is absent from work after being asked to return?

By Krystal Yan   This is a recent case that we have defended in which the Claimant sought circa £140,000 for unlawful and wrongful dismissal against our client, the Respondent.   Background   The Claimant started working as a kitchen helper for the Respondent from August 2015. In December 2018, the Claimant’s job title was […]

High Court says unpublished Home Office policy on NHS debt is unlawful

By Yang Peng   Today’s article looks at a recent case involving an unpublished Home Office policy which caused individuals to be unlawfully detained over NHS debts.   Keep reading to learn why the High Court decided the policy was unlawful and our thoughts on the case.   Background   MXK and SXB are two […]

Another successful visitor visa application from Fujian province in China

  Following on from our article in April where we discussed whether the Home Office have recently become more open to visitor visa applications made from Fujian province in China, we have been successful in another case from the region.   You can read the previous article here.   Our clients were Chinese nationals living […]

Will applicants with a skilled worker visa need to wait 8 years for settlement?

  A skilled worker visa allows a person to come to the UK and work for an employer. The visa also allows a skilled worker to bring their dependents to the UK with them.   A skilled worker visa can be issued for up to 5 years. After 5 years of holding a skilled worker […]

No fault evictions to be banned – what will be the effect on tenants and landlords?

The Renters’ (Reform) Bill 2023 was introduced to parliament last year, promising comprehensive reform of the private rented sector. It will provide welcome news for renters in particular and will see England completely ban no fault evictions as part of a long-awaited package of reform of the private rental industry. The scheme will affect approximately […]

20 Years Long Residence – what are the visa requirements?

    This guide will briefly explain the general requirements that must be met to apply for leave to remain based on 20 years residence. All requirements must be strictly met, otherwise the application will be refused.   Firstly, what is the 20 years long residence route?   The 20 years long residence route allows […]

Account Freezing Order involving seven figure sum successfully challenged and cleared by Lisa’s Law

By Yitong Guo   In the past 6 months, the Litigation team at Lisa’s Law successfully assisted an individual client to challenge two Account Freezing Orders (AFOs) against their personal accounts and have the full seven figure sum released.   Keep reading to learn about the case and how we got the desired outcome for […]

Most postgraduates on student visas to be banned from bringing dependents to the UK

  Undergraduate students are not permitted to bring their partner and children to the UK when they come to the UK to study. However, until now, all postgraduate students have had the potential to do so.   That was the case until this week, when the Home Office announced new restrictions to the student visa […]

Overseas students barred from switching from student visa to work visa until education is completed

  In 2022 there were over 485,000 student visas granted according to the Government website. This represents a 29% increase compared with visas granted in 2021.   Many who come to the United Kingdom on a student visa complete their studies and apply for employment in the United Kingdom with their newly earned qualifications. This […]

Late-night sausage rolls on the menu as Greggs and Westminster Council reach license agreement

There are many who, after a night out on the town, may find it difficult to resist the siren’s call of the nearest fast-food establishment. However, licensing rules in England and Wales often prevent certain hospitality businesses from opening late at night. Such a situation recently arose in a dispute between the high-street bakery chain, […]

Can I still apply for settlement if I exceeded the absence limit due to Covid?

  We were recently approached by a client who entered the UK in 2012. Since entering, he applied for a number of visas and accumulated 10 years lawful residence in the UK. Our client applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain / Settlement himself on the basis that he had been in the UK for 10 […]

Retained right of residence for family members of EU citizens

By Victor Falcon Mmegwa   Can family members of EU citizens acquire independent rights of admission or residence in the UK where they have lost their family connection to the EU citizen they are related to?   Qualifying family members can continue living in the UK lawfully without their EU citizen sponsor. But a person […]

Tesco found to have copied the Lidl logo in trademark lawsuit. Why did the High Court come to this decision?

In a recent case, the High Court has ruled that Tesco’s use of its Clubcard logo constituted trademark infringement, copyright infringement and passing off. Tesco filed a counterclaim in response in which they alleged some of the Lidl trademarks were registered in bad faith and are therefore liable to be declared invalid.   You may […]

Making a Will – what are some of the most common questions about this topic?

The importance of Wills cannot be understated, however sometimes they can be an area which open up some difficult conversations with families and loved ones. For the fifth and penultimate article in our series of FAQs about Family Law, we will take a look at the importance of Wills, particularly making a will, or will […]

Is the Home Office now more open to UK visitor visas from China’s Fujian province?

  For some time, it has been no secret that the Home Office have tended to refuse visitor visa applications from applicants who are from Fujian Province in China.   The commonly understood reason for this is that it is due to the large number of overstayers in the UK from the Fujian province. The […]

Child arrangement – frequently asked questions

Fourth in our series of frequently asked questions about family law is the subject of child arrangement. These are usually only relevant in the matter of a divorce or separation.   You can read the previous articles in our series of Family Law frequently asked questions here.   What is a Child Arrangements Order?   […]

New Innovator Founder Route opens – how do I apply?  

  The new Innovator Founder route came into force on 13th April 2023. It replaces the previous innovator route and start-up route.   The route is for those that wish to set up and run an innovative business in the United Kingdom. The business must be new, and an original business idea that is different […]

Abuse of YouTube copyright policies leads to permanent injunction against defendant

By Fiona Huang   For those who conduct business by using Amazon, eBay, YouTube or other platforms, you may have encountered intellectual property (IP) infringement by your competitors. One of the most effective ways to protect your IP rights is to report the infringement to the platform provider. The provider should always respond swiftly and […]

Can you achieve UK settlement without speaking English or passing the life in the UK test?

  To apply for settlement / indefinite leave to remain in the UK, there are a number of requirements that an applicant needs to satisfy. One requirement is knowledge of language and life in the UK.   Under the Home Office Discretionary Leave Guidance, it states that those who have been granted discretionary leave and […]

Is it possible to disinherit your spouse? Widow awarded 50% of estate in recent court case

By Angeline Teoh   A Will is a legal document that ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. However, if your Will is not handled properly, it may result in your spouse or close family members bringing a claim under the Inheritance Act (Provision for Family and Dependants) 1975 to […]

UK Ancestry visa – do you qualify for the UK’s ‘easiest’ immigration route?

The UK Ancestry visa is one of the most popular routes to residency in the UK. As its name suggests, acquiring the UK Ancestry visa requires you to have ancestry from the UK. More specifically, you must have a grandparent who was born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.   […]

Nuptial agreements – frequently asked questions

Third in our series looking at frequently asked Family Law questions is nuptial agreements, both prenuptial (prenup) and the less-common postnuptial agreement (postnup). Nuptial agreements continue to gain in popularity having only been considered legally enforceable in England and Wales since the 2010 test case of Radmacher v Granatino.   But what are some of […]

Discretionary leave to remain – Home Office grants leave for trafficking survivors with a pending asylum claim

By Zhuoqi Li   The Home Office has updated its caseworker guidance on Discretionary Leave to Remain. The new version of the guidance has provisions that allow acknowledged victims of trafficking to be granted leave if they have an ongoing asylum claim related to their trafficking.   Discretionary leave to remain relates to permission to […]

Divorce Financial Settlement – Frequently Asked Questions

This article is the second in a series of family law blogs focusing on questions our family law team are frequently asked. Today, we will focus on divorce financial settlement. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to divorce financial settlement.   Do I need to […]

Asylum backlog at record levels – is now the time to make discretionary leave applications to the Home Office?

  The number of asylum seekers waiting for a decision on their case has soared to record levels over the years with almost 75,000 claims in 2022 alone. The asylum backlog of claims has grown substantively by almost 10 times since December 2010. Clearly, dealing with the huge backlog is a priority for the Home […]

Divorce – what are some of the questions we are frequently asked?

This article will be part of a series of Family Law blogs focusing on questions our Family law team are frequently asked. Today, we will focus on divorce procedure itself, and some of the common issues facing those seeking to apply for divorce.   Keep reading to learn more about divorce procedure.   Can I […]

Expansion Worker Visa granted to Australian wine company within 24 hours

By Lily Dai   We recently dealt with a private limited company which was incorporated in Australia and specialises in brewing and producing bacteria–free red wine. In 2018, our client manufactured its first batch of wine. The wine achieved many sales and had a lot of success when it first launched locally in Australia. As […]

Illegal entrants to be prevented from claiming asylum under Illegal Migration Bill announced by Home Office

On 7th March, the Home Secretary announced her plan to stop illegal migration to the UK by preventing those who enter the United Kingdom from claiming asylum. The Illegal Migration Bill proposes that all that enter the UK ‘illegally’ (often by crossing the Channel in a small boat) will be detained and then removed to […]

What new routes and changes to existing routes have been announced by the Home Office in 2023’s first Statement of Changes?

The government has announced the latest statement of changes in the immigration rules, titled HC1160. These provisions have been made under Section 1 (4) and Section 3 (2) of the Immigration Act 1971. These are the first statement of changes to the immigration rules since 18th October last year, and as a result are relatively […]

Landmark case: ‘Superior landlords’ not liable for Rent Repayment Order (RRO)

By Evveline Loh   A landmark case has just been handed down on 1st March 2023 by the Supreme Court in the case of Rakusen (Respondent) v Jepsen and others (Appellants). This has been a long awaited decision as it has now been ruled that for rent-to-rent arrangements, tenants are not allowed to seek redress […]

Courts agree with the Home Office on relevance of experience and qualifications when applying for leave to remain on the basis of setting up a business

  The appellant is a Turkish national that applied for leave to remain under the European Communities Association Agreement (ECAA) in order to establish himself in business (ECAA Business Visa). His proposal involved the acquisition of an existing grocery shop and its development. He was intending to buy an existing business, organic grocery store in […]

Local authorities may be forced to pay out millions of pounds after homeowner wins £300k Japanese knotweed case

“Japanese knotweed”. The mere mention of this plant is enough to strike fear in the hearts of homeowners, property developers and landlords up and down the country. However, the High Court made a recent key judgment which marks a new milestone in the “Japanese knotweed debate” and may turn the tide on who bears responsibility […]

High Court Refuses to Strike Out Negligence Claim Against Home Secretary

  In a recent judgement, Aruchanga v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] EWHC 282 (KB), the High Court refused the Home Secretary’s application to strike out the claimant’s negligence claim against them.   The Claimant arrived in the UK in May 1995 from Rwanda and claimed asylum upon arrival. He was granted […]

India Young Professionals Scheme Visa – how to apply

The India Young Professionals Scheme visa permits young people aged 18 to 30 years old to travel and live in the UK for up 2 years. This presents a fantastic opportunity for young people from India to be able to travel to the UK, and, providing that the applicant is a graduate and has enough […]

MEES regulations make it illegal to let ‘F’ and ‘G’ Commercial Properties from April – how to prepare for EPC changes

Commercial property landlords should be aware of an important deadline coming up in the very near future. On 1st April, the application of minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) for commercial properties come into effect. This will mean that landlords who own properties which are rated either ‘F’ or ‘G’ on the energy performance certificate (EPC) […]

Lacoste’s handling of flexible working request found to be indirect discrimination against former manager

Although flexible working has been around for a while now, it reached a new level of prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic due to the need to alter working habits. Post-pandemic, employees and employers alike are continuing to favour flexible working more and more as a way to boost staff retention, work-life balance and also productivity. […]

Court finds that Chikwamba only relevant in certain circumstances

  In a recent judgement, Alam and another v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] EWCA Civ 30, the Court dismissed the Appellant’s appeals against the refusal of their leave to remain application.   The Appellants (SA and AT) both lived in the UK unlawfully. They wed British citizens and made an application […]

Lisa’s Law helps to secure indefinite leave to remain for client despite long absence period due to Covid

  We have recently been successful in an application for indefinite leave to remain on the 10-year route. Our client made an application based on exceptional circumstances outside the immigration rules and was granted settlement status despite 966 days outside the UK.   This case demonstrates the approach which the Home Office may take towards […]

Register of overseas entities deadline has passed – what now?

We previously brought you news of the register of overseas entities deadline, which you can read more about here. This deadline passed on 31st January, and overseas companies which have failed to register now face the possibility of sales restrictions and tough fines, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s latest press […]

Do I have rights in the matrimonial home if it’s in my spouse’s sole name?

By Chevonne Lin   The matrimonial home is undoubtedly one of the most valuable family assets one will own. As a consequence, people will often have a lot of questions and concerns about what might happen to it in the event of a divorce.   As you would expect, the law varies depending on the […]

To what extent can a prenuptial agreement determine the outcome of financial provisions following divorce?

By Xinlei Zhang   January may be behind us, but despite its status as the most popular month for divorce, that certainly doesn’t stop us bringing you the latest developments in divorce law throughout the rest of the year.   This article is no exception. Today, we take a look at a common aspect of […]

Luxury flat residents win Supreme Court private nuisance battle against Tate Modern

In a high-profile case, the Supreme Court has ruled that the Tate Modern’s viewing platform violates the privacy of luxury flats located opposite the art gallery. Located in the heart of Central London, in 2020 the Tate Modern was listed as the 3rd most visited art gallery in the world, with around 5 ½ million […]

Does a solicitor owe a duty of care to a person who is not a client?

Duty of care is a relatively broad concept which refers to the obligations placed on people to act towards others in a certain way. While solicitors are used to having a duty of care towards their client, it is far more unusual for a solicitor to have to hold a duty of care to someone […]

EU court says online marketplaces like Amazon can be held liable for trademark infringement

Today’s article takes a look at a recent intellectual property case involving Amazon and the Court of Justice of the EU. The court finds that online marketplaces like Amazon can be held liable for trademark infringement, keep reading to learn more.   This is a highly significant case due to the status and profile of […]

Does the Home Secretary have the right to refuse an application based on false information in a previous application?

By Jessie Yang   In the case of Khan v The Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal of the appellant, whose application for Indefinite Leave to Remain had been refused by the Secretary of State (Respondent). The appellant’s application was refused on the basis that he had […]

Minimum service levels bill – what would this mean for trade unions and the right to strike?

Following a sustained period of strike action, the UK government has recently introduced a bill to parliament which would require certain public services to provide minimum service levels during strikes. The minimum service levels bill, officially titled the Strikes (minimum services) Bill 2022-2023, recently passed its second reading in parliament after being voted through by […]

High Court rules that the EU Settlement Scheme is operating unlawfully – why?

By Jessie Yang   On 21st December 2022, the High Court delivered a judgment for a judicial review case relating to the EU Settlement Scheme which came about as a result of Britain’s exit from the EU in 2016.   This case was brought by the Independent Monitoring Authority (a statutory body set up to […]

Legal privilege – when is the right to confidentiality lost for data held on company servers?

Today’s article examines a case involving legal professional privilege, work emails and company servers. It provides a great deal of relevance to many businesses, as the issue of legal privilege in the context of work emails on corporate servers is one which arises regularly up and down the country.   In this case, the applicant […]

Lease Dispute Involving a Seven-Figure Insurance Claim leads to another Successful Settlement

By Yitong Guo   We are delighted to have started 2023 with a successful settlement involving a seven-figure insurance claim.   This case involved us assisting a commercial landlord client on their insurance claim for an insured risk. We managed to secure full insurance payment from the landlord’s insurer despite the tenant’s alleged entitlement of […]

Register of overseas entities – Lisa’s Law part of select group that can complete verification checks for you

In a bid to crack down on money laundering and improve transparency, the Economic Crime Act 2022 introduced a new Register of Overseas Entities. This came into force on 1st August 2022. Those who do not comply will face severe sanctions, including restrictions on buying, selling, transferring, leasing or charging their land or property in […]

Priority service returns for entry clearance family applications

  The Home Office have formally announced the return of their priority service for family visa applications. This will once again enable applicants to have the option to pay for their application to be considered quicker. We have now received emails from the Home Office regarding pending applications, and whether the applicants want to pay […]

How do you vary or speed up a visa application you have already made?

Making a visa application is a lengthy process, and waiting for a decision can be very frustrating, especially if you need to travel while waiting for your visa decision.   So, what options do you have? One option is to “upgrade your visa application”. Keep reading this article to find out how to vary or […]

Hussain v Parveen – when is a transnational divorce invalid in the UK?

As a London law firm which deals with clients from a variety of countries and backgrounds, we are used to facing questions about divorces filed outside of the UK. In today’s article we will take a look at an important case (Hussain v Parveen) in which the High Court clarified the validity and related requirements […]

As Tesco faces ongoing legal action, what exactly is fire and rehire? And can fire and rehire ever be legal?

UK supermarket giant Tesco has recently been embroiled in an ongoing saga with its employees over its fire and rehire practises, culminating in a court battle with the shopworkers union, Usdaw. While fire and rehire has been a contentious issue for several years, it reached particular prominence during the pandemic, with several high-profile cases involving […]

Is someone who receives an inheritance still entitled to means-tested benefits?

Today’s article focuses on the importance of legal advice on wills, with the person in question deemed incapable of managing his own property and financial affairs. An application was later made to the Court of Protection by his father with the intention of gaining authority in order to settle his son’s inheritance upon trusts.   […]

High Court rules that UK Government’s Rwanda plan is lawful

  On 14th April 2022, the UK government announced that they have an agreement with the Republic of Rwanda, whereby asylum seekers will be sent to the Rwanda for processing. The UK published the Memorandum of Understanding highlighting the agreement. This has come to be better known as the “Rwanda Plan” or “Rwanda Policy”.   […]

What will the new flexible working legislation mean for businesses and employees alike?

The government has proposed new legislation which plans to give employees the right to ask for flexible working from day one at their first job. But what are the current rules around flexible working? And what exactly would the new legislation mean for both employees and employers?   In addition to their plans to make […]

Court dismisses judicial review claim by former members of Saddam Hussain’s Ba’ath Party on grounds of “good character”

By Zeyu Huang   A husband and wife of Iraqi origin were recently refused judicial review of a decision by the Home Secretary to decline their applications for naturalisation on the grounds of good character. The Secretary of State claimed that their behaviour since arriving in the UK in 2008 and 2009 did not outweigh […]

My former spouse owns a business, can I get half of the business interests after divorce?

When a divorce occurs, couples need to consider many areas. Each of these comes with its own complexity, one of which concerns business interests and assets.   If some business assets are involved between a husband and wife, for example, both parties jointly hold a company or one party alone owns a business, how should […]

How do I apply, collect, replace or change a BRP? A comprehensive guide to the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

A Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) is a fundamental document which is used by foreign nationals in the UK or those who have a visa or have immigration permission to work, study or live in the UK. It provides evidence of your immigration status in the UK, and can be used to confirm your:   Identity […]

Campaigners lose appeal over right to use WhatsApp and private emails for government communication

The government has won an appeal over the right to use WhatsApp and private emails for official government communication. The main finding by the Court of Appeal was that there was no implied duty of the government to retain records under the Public Records Act.   This follows a decision made by the High Court […]

What are the rights of a business when it comes to noise complaints? And what to do if your business receives an abatement notice?

A Manchester music venue has recently found itself the subject of a noise abatement notice by Manchester City Council, threatening its future as a result. The venue, called “Night and Day” has been responsible for hosting many well-known music artists over the years, including Arctic Monkeys, Elbow, and Ed Sheeran. However, its future is now […]

Welcome Stephanie

We are delighted to welcome Stephanie Chow, who joins Lisa’s Law as a Legal Assistant. Stephanie has already made a fantastic impression on the team and displayed her excellent legal knowledge.   Stephanie holds a degree in Asian and International Studies from the City University of Hong Kong and subsequently completed the Graduate Diploma in […]

Employment Law Webinar – Labour Rights and Protection in the UK

Join us on Friday 25th November at 1pm for a talk given by our expert, Evveline Loh, about employment rights and protections in the UK. Evveline will cover a range of topics including: Types of workers in the UK Employment immigration requirements Contract terms to be aware of Rights during employment Termination of employment Common questions […]

Ban on exclusivity clauses extended to low-earning workers

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has introduced a new set of regulations targeted towards low-earning workers. These regulations will come into force on 5th December 2022, and include a ban of exclusivity clauses, which prevent employees and workers from taking on additional work with other employers or undergo any other arrangement for […]

Successful argument made that time spent reporting to Home Office should count towards 10 years lawful residence

We are delighted to have been recently successful in representing a client in their application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This was on the basis that our client lawfully resided in the UK for 10 years. We argued that the time spent reporting to the Home Office following an unsuccessful asylum claim should count towards […]

Storage company failed to incorporate terms and conditions in contract with meat producer, says High Court

Today’s article takes a look at a commercial law case focusing on a contract dispute between a red meat producer, Scotbeef Ltd, and D&S Storage Ltd, a storage company responsible for storing the claimant’s meat produce.   The High Court ruled on two preliminary issues in this contract dispute, which were:   Whether, as alleged […]

Descendant of Doctor Zhivago author loses copyright case

The descendant of the author of Doctor Zhivago has lost a copyright case against the author of a spy thriller novel about the publication of the iconic Russian tale.   One of the iconic novels which came out of the Soviet Union, Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak was first published in Italy as it was […]

Employee unfairly dismissed due to lack of proper redundancy consultation

It’s a word no one particularly likes to hear – redundancy. Nevertheless, it actually serves an important purpose. When it comes to a redundancy situation, companies can’t just make dismiss an employee on a whim – there are strict rules that they have to follow as part of the redundancy process.   A key aspect […]

Spouses who are domestic violence victims and stranded abroad can apply for ILR to enter the UK in Landmark High Court ruling

  By Jessie Yang   In the most recent landmark ruling on 14 October 2022, Mrs. Justice Lieven of the High Court held that victims of transnational marriage abandonment are unlawfully discriminated against because they are outside of the United Kingdom. Such discrimination was held to be unlawful and disproportionately interferes with those victims’ rights […]

Commercial Court finds in favour of Greggs in relation to Covid business interruption losses

The financial impact of government enforced lockdowns on companies during the pandemic continues to be of significance in the legal world. Most recently, the well-known high-street bakery, Greggs, brought forward a claim to the Commercial Court against Zurich insurance plc over insurance pay-outs in the form of business interruption losses (BIL). This claim was held […]

European Court of Human Rights approves deportation despite Applicant having a wife and children in the UK

By Jessie Yang   On 27 September 2022, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) gave a judgment on Otite v. The United Kingdom, concerning the deportation of a Nigerian national. The Court held that there was no violation of Mr. Otite’s rights to respect for private and family life under Article 8 of the […]

Privy Council’s landmark judgement clarifies rules on insolvent trusts

The Privy Council has handed down a landmark decision which will have a significant impact, not just on insolvent trusts in Jersey, but also more broadly in the common law world. This serves the purpose of clarifying the nature and ranking of a former trustee’s equitable lien in insolvent trusts.   Jersey trusts are often […]

Temporary Permission to stay for trafficking victims in new statement of changes

  Despite the tumultuousness in British politics at the moment, with three Prime Ministers in three months, there continue to be changes made to UK immigration policy.   Recently reappointed Home Secretary Suella Braverman, previously in the job for just 42 days before leaving due to a security breach, has publicly claimed that modern slavery […]

Indefinite leave to remain on the 10-year long residence route granted despite nearly 1200 days abroad

This article was written by our legal advisor, Zeyu Huang.    We have recently been successful in an application of indefinite leave to remain on the 10-year long residence route. Settlement status was granted despite nearly 1200 days spent outside the UK.   Our client made an application based on exceptional circumstances outside the immigration […]

Chancellor reverses mini budget fiscal policies in attempt to shore up flagging UK economy

The arrival of a new government usually precipitates a “honeymoon period”, a time when the government enjoys steady waters, a bounce in the polls, and is given greater leeway over legislation. Needless to say for anyone who has been following the news, this has not been the case for Liz Truss’ government.   As the […]

Lisa’s Law employee qualifies as a solicitor!

We are very proud to announce that Lisa’s Law employee, Stephanie Chiu, has recently been admitted to the Roll of Solicitors with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and has therefore qualified as a solicitor. Stephanie joins a select group of Solicitors at the firm.   Stephanie first joined the firm as a Paralegal in November […]

How to end a commercial property lease early

No matter how long it takes, it’s inevitable that at some point either a tenant or landlord will wish to end a commercial property lease. This can come either at the end of the lease period, or indeed, earlier than this point. If you would like legal advice when it comes to ending a commercial […]

Does size really matter? First-tier Tribunal decides ‘Mega Marshmallows’ should not be subject to standard VAT rate

It appears that when it comes to confectionary, size certainly does matter. In a recent case, Innovative Bites Ltd v Revenue and Customs Commissioners, the First-tier Tribunal decided that a food product called “Mega Marshmallows” was not a confectionary and therefore is VAT zero rated. This is not the case with standard marshmallows, which are […]

How will Priti Patel’s time as Home Secretary be remembered? And what can we expect from her successor, Suella Braverman?

After over three years in the role, former Home Secretary Priti Patel has been replaced. Her successor, Suella Braverman, represents something of a continuity figure in the role. Like Patel, she is both firmly on the right of the Conservative Party and a Brexiteer.   Formerly the Attorney General, some of Braverman’s most well-known views […]

Is supporting a football team grounds for unfair dismissal under the Equality Act 2010?

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that”.  This famous quote by Bill Shankly is certainly a sentiment the claimant in this case, a life-long Rangers fan, would identify with.   Like Shankly, the claimant in this case was a fellow Scot. But […]

Naturalisation: Home Office updates good character requirement in line with the Nationality and Borders Act 2022

A person can apply for naturalisation and become a British citizen if they satisfy all the requirements. Some of these requirements include suitability requirements, eligibility requirements and passing the Life in the UK test.   If you are looking to apply for British citizenship, new changes to the good character requirement guidance mean that you […]

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announces ‘mini budget’ as UK battles the cost-of-living crisis

With the new Conservative government still in its infancy, New Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng was expected to put forward a ‘mini budget’ today. However, the set of measures announced turned out to be anything but mini. This budget saw the announcement of the biggest set of tax-cutting measures since 1972 in an attempt to deal with […]

Success in obtaining unreasonable costs following appeal against the Home Office

  At Lisa’s Law, we deal with all manner of cases. We often like to highlight these if we feel that they might be of particular interest to those who wish to learn more about the legal sector or those who would like to see examples of the kind of work we take on board. […]

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, will these famous products lose their Royal Warrant?

Following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, a number of the features of everyday life will begin to change. These include replacing Queen Elizabeth II with His Majesty King Charles III on all currency, changing the silhouette on stamps from Queen Elizabeth to King Charles, and, in the legal world, the Queen’s […]

With the arrival of the new immigration rules, when can the Home Office consider an asylum claim inadmissible?

By Zeyu Huang   The UK government has recently introduced new regulations under which lowers the bar for ruling an asylum claim inadmissible. An asylum-seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn’t yet been legally recognized as […]

Skilled worker visa vs Scale-up visa – which is best for employers?

You may have read our recent article about the brand-new Scale-up visa, which looked at how both employers and workers can benefit from the new visa route. You can find out more by reading it here. While the in-depth Scale-Up visa article mainly looked at the visa from an employee perspective, this article will look […]

Court orders Home Office to provide asylum seeker accommodation

By Lily Dai   Refugees who come to the UK are not always eligible for asylum seeker accommodation. Section 4(2) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 allows for support to be provided to refused asylum-seekers if they meet the following eligibility criteria: They must be destitute. A person is destitute if: “… he does […]

When can deportation be considered ‘unduly harsh’ on a partner or child?

The UK Supreme Court has recently dismissed three appeals by the Secretary of State for the Home Department (Home Secretary). These appeals concerned the interpretation of provisions relating to the statutory regime of the deportation of foreign criminals.   The case involved three conjoined appeals by the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, which had arisen out […]

Welcome Zeyu

We are delighted to welcome Zeyu Huang, who joins the Lisa’s Law immigration team as a paralegal. Zeyu has already made an excellent impression on her colleagues and displayed a great appetite for the role.   Zeyu is a recent LL.M. graduate from University College London, which she achieved a Merit for. She completed her […]

Does a takeaway shop’s proximity entitle a holiday property owner to private nuisance damages?

As summer comes to an end, the number of people who go on holiday to take a break from the hustle and bustle of their daily working lives grinds to a halt for another year. Thanks to the internet, it’s now much easier to find out extensive details about a place before we book it, […]

The Scale-up visa has launched – what do you need to know?

The brand-new Scale-up visa has finally come into force. Described as “the biggest visa improvement in a generation” by the Coalition for a Digital Economy, the Scale-up work visa is designed for the UK’s top high-growth businesses to attract exceptional talent, including scientists, engineers, programmers, and architects.   With the UK facing several challenges to its […]

Does inheritance tax have to be paid before probate is granted?

Probate is a topic which we have covered in some of our family law articles in the past. In many cases, people will only be granted probate if they have paid inheritance tax. However, many people in this situation may wish to be granted probate before they pay inheritance tax in order to know what […]

Is the Home Office responsible for an asylum seeker being attacked in their accommodation?

By Xijia Xie   In today’s article, we look at a recent case, R (on the application of MG) v Secretary of State for the Home Department. In this case, the claimant is an asylum seeker who was provided with private accommodation by the Secretary of State. He was attacked by a fellow asylum seeker […]

Court rules that Leave to Remain application under domestic violence route is not suitable for dependents of T2 visa holders

Written by Katherine Sun (Paralegal)   Leave to remain (LTR) applications under the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC) scheme can be treated differently but not discriminated against based on what kind of status applicants hold. Recently, an Indian citizen’s LTR application was refused on the grounds that she was not eligible for the DDVC route […]

Britain’s hot strike summer heats up as legal sector industrial action gathers steam

The British summer of 2022 may well go down as the summer of strikes. Workers across a wide range of sectors, including railway workers, bus workers, post office workers, airport workers, and barristers have all been on strike so far this summer, largely over disputes involving pay and conditions as inflation continues to increase and […]

Police registration enters the history books for foreign nationals

For those of you are foreign nationals, when you first arrive in the UK you will probably be familiar with the need to “register with the police station” after obtaining a new visa. Even if a foreign national’s personal circumstances change, they have also previously needed to report to the registered police station.   However, […]

Is Covid a viable defence by commercial tenants for rent arrears? No, says the Court of Appeal!

The Court of Appeal has recently found that a tenant cannot use Covid as a defence for rent arrears. The case acts as an important case study for rent arrears accrued during the pandemic as well as dispute resolution between commercial landlords and tenants.   The cases in question were as follows, Bank of New […]

Successful appeal on behalf of elderly Chinese national after Home Office’s unsympathetic refusal of leave to remain

  We have recently been successful in an appeal which has led to our client, aged 84, obtaining leave to remain on the basis of her family and private life. This follows an initial leave to remain refusal by the Home Office.   Our client made an application based on exceptional circumstances outside of the […]

What does it mean for a payment to be ‘subject to completion’? Judge rules in favour of law firm after client refused to pay legal fees!

Written by Paul Cheuk    The High Court of Justice has recently handed down an instructional judgment (Blacklion Law LLP v Amira Nature Foods Ltd [2022] EWHC 1500 (Ch)) in a lawsuit between a law firm and its client. The case involved a small London-based law firm suing a multinational rice distributor and its owner-director […]

Investigation launched into ASOS, Boohoo and Asda over ‘greenwashing’ claims

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into three fashion brands over their ‘green’ claims. The three fashion brands being investigated by the CMA for greenwashing include the supermarket Asda, as well as the online fashion brands, ASOS and Boohoo.   The CMA will look at the extent to which green claims […]

Court rules that social worker’s assessment that teenage asylum seeker is an adult was false

  A person who has entered the United Kingdom to claim asylum is treated differently depending on whether they are an adult or a minor. A minor’s claim is treated more delicately by the Home Office with respect to the asylum process, decision making, and support provided by a Local Authority.   Below, we look […]

Supreme Court says part-year workers entitled to proportionally same holiday pay as full-time workers

A new ruling (Harpur Trust v Brazel) by the Supreme Court has favoured part-year workers and casual workers, opening the door to thousands of claims for compensation. The ruling says that these workers are entitled proportionally to the same holiday pay as full-time workers. It also found that the methods of calculating pro-rated annual leave […]

Company administrators cleared of breach of duty despite deficiency during sale of properties

By Yitong Guo     Today’s article comes from one of our solicitors, Yitong Guo, who specialises in property law. The article is about a dismissal application in the Chancery Division of the High Court concerning allegations of breach of duty by company administrators in relation to two companies (“the Companies”) whose business involved the […]

Home Office announces British citizenship application fee waiver for minors who can’t afford it following legal battle

By Xinru Jia   A person officially becomes a British Citizen when they apply to the Home Office and are able to show they are entitled to British Citizenship. This is achieved by providing evidence that they fulfil certain sections of the British Nationality Act 1981.   Most applications to the Home Office have a […]

Sir Mo Farah’s revelation sheds a light on the dark world of human trafficking

It was one of the major talking points of the week. The British icon and most successful track distance runner of all time, Sir Mo Farah, revealed this week that the story he had told the world was, in fact, not true.   Mo Farah (as he is now known), was born as Hussein Abdi […]

Is breakfast cereal junk food? Yes, according to the High Court!

Is breakfast cereal junk food? That’s what the High Court decided recently when the cereal manufacturer, Kellogg’s, failed in its legal challenge against the government’s new food strategy.   The proposed regulations by the Department for Health and Social Care would mean that foods which are high in fat, salt and sugar would be banned […]

Man wins right to have a surrogacy baby using embryo created with his late wife

In today’s family law article, we will look at an unusual case which made headlines across the internet. It presents a complex moral issue for the parties but one which offers hope and optimism for the claimant involved as well as the few who similar situations in the future.   The landmark ruling gives widower, […]

A fast track to digital surveillance? European Consumer Organisation takes action against Google

You probably have a Google account, and probably also assume that everything you do on Google’s services is tracked, but do you realise the extent to which Google actively pushes you towards ensuring that you don’t avoid its surveillance practises? The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has directly sought to tackle this issue by announcing that […]

Welcome Amber!

We are delighted to welcome our newest colleague, Amber Zhao. Amber will be joining us as a paralegal and has already displayed great legal knowledge and a brilliant work ethic since she’s been here.   Amber has an extensive academic background, having studied at Central South University(LLB), King’s College London(LLM) and The University of Law […]

Prenuptial Agreement vs Postnuptial Agreement, which is better?

Today we will take a look at a subject which comes under Family Law, one of our main practise areas. This article looks at which is better, a postnuptial agreement or prenuptial agreement?   You might be wondering, what exactly is the difference between a postnuptial agreement and a prenuptial agreement? Aside from ‘pre’ and […]

Man who resided in UK for 22 years under false identities found to have had human rights infringed

  In today’s article, we look at a recent case, R (on the application of AM) v Secretary of State for the Home Department. This case concerns a person that had been living in the UK for over 22 years but had continuously provided false identities as well as convictions in the UK.   A […]

British Bill of Rights – a clampdown on human rights or restoring ‘common sense’?

The Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab, has introduced a new ‘British Bill of Rights’ to Parliament. The government claim that the legislation will “end the abuse of the human rights framework and restore some common sense” to the UK’s justice system by rebalancing the relationship between the legislature and the courts.   This […]

Akinsanya v Secretary of State for the Home Department – What does the Home Secretary’s response mean for Zambrano applicants?

  A person is considered a ‘Zambrano carer’, should they be a non-EEA national primary carer of a British citizen who would be unable to reside in the UK, if that primary carer were required to leave. Zambrano carers have been recognised as having a right to reside in the UK under EU law following […]

Plans to shake up private rented sector announced

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced a spate of planned reforms to private renting in its new White Paper, dubbed ‘a fairer private rented sector’. It claims that this will offer a “fairer deal” for the 13 million renters in the United Kingdom, as well as ‘fundamentally reforming the private rented […]

Will the Rwanda policy overcome its initial legal barriers?

  You may have seen our most recent article, where we looked in detail at the responses by both the Human Rights Watch and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to the UK Government’s Rwanda scheme. However, the following article will analyse the latest events, where the Government’s attempt to deport asylum seekers on its […]

Potential future challenges on expulsion of asylum seekers to Rwanda?

  The UK government signed the Asylum Partnership Arrangement with the Rwanda government on the 14th of April 2022.   As part of the plan, the government is intending to relocate some asylum seekers to Rwanda on a one-way ticket.  The relocation plan will target young single migrants who have arrived in the UK since […]

Woman receives jail sentence for fraudulent £4m NHS claim

The NHS has been a highly respected public institution since its founding in 1948, symbolising the post-war consensus of the UK’s welfare state.. Such is the sanctity and esteem in which it is held in by the British population, that it has been described by some as the country’s new “national religion”.   Indeed, former […]

Can Article 3 of the EHRC protect a HIV positive criminal from being deported? No, says the Upper Tribunal!

Written by Katherine Chan   A new ruling by the Upper Tribunal sheds light on how the courts balance the interest of public justice and the human right requirement.   Following the case of AM (Art 3; health cases) Zimbabwe [2022] UKUT 00131 (IAC), the law is not altered but it does reflect the approach […]

Is it sex-related harassment to call a man ‘bald’ at work?

Baldness is a fact of life for many men. While in some cultures it has been seen as a sign of wisdom, for many in the UK today it is a sensitive issue which sees thousands of men seek treatment for hair loss in an effort to retain a perceived sense of youth, virility, and […]

Samsung found liable for hosting apps which mimicked luxury Swatch brands

The South Korean technology giant, Samsung, ranked by Forbes in 2020 as the 8th largest company in the world, has found itself on the receiving end of a decision by the UK’s High Court which determined the technology company to be held liable for trademark infringement.   In principle, this came down to the fact […]

Lisa’s Law client granted Spouse Visa despite making an application within the UK

  We are pleased to have been successful in an appeal which has led to our client obtaining leave to remain on the basis that he has a partner settled in the UK. This is despite our client making an application within the UK and therefore not satisfying the eligibility requirement of making an application […]

Trainee solicitor begins training contract with Lisa’s Law!

At Lisa’s Law, we love to celebrate the milestones and achievements of our staff – so it gives us great pleasure to announce that our colleague, Jeffrey Lam, has begun undergoing a training contract he was offered by Lisa’s Law.   Jeffrey originally joined the company at the back end of last year on 29th […]

Celebrating 10th anniversary of Lisa’s Law!

Lisa’s Law is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a company. To celebrate the landmark, we are rewarding our loyal customers by organising a competition where you can win a voucher worth up to £250!   The best part is, all you need to do is like the post and leave a comment to have a […]

Continual Residence: when is it broken? How are days calculated?

Written by Xijia Xie   Imagine this: you are on your tenth year in the UK, thinking you will soon be eligible for settlement based on your long lawful residence. Your personal plans are lining up, but it all depends on the arrival of that one plastic card. However, right before your submission, you come […]

Lisa’s Law wins Indefinite Leave to Remain appeal for Hong Kong client who spent over 2 years abroad

  Lisa’s Law’s immigration supervisor, Mahfuz Ahmed, has recently been successful in an appeal of significant importance to our client. The case shows that a well-prepared appeal can lead to a fantastic result, despite our client not meeting the stringent criteria set out by the Home Office for indefinite leave to remain applications.   Background […]

Amazon held liable for Intellectual Property infringement by Court of Appeal! What are the consequences?

The online retail behemoth, Amazon, has been found by the UK Court of Appeal to have made a trademark infringement in a recent legal battle with Lifestyle Equities CV, a Netherlands-registered company.   The case, Lifestyle Equities CV and another v Amazon UK Services Ltd and others [2022] EWCA Civ 552, reinforces the fact that […]

As the UK government prepares to transfer the first group of migrants to Rwanda, what does the plan mean for UK immigration law?

Written by Stephanie Chiu   With the news that the Home Office is planning to send migrants to Rwanda imminently, the following article takes a look at the Rwanda Asylum plan and gives our legal perspective on the policy. The UK government signed the Asylum Partnership Arrangement with Rwanda on the 14th April 2022.   […]

Lisa’s Law paralegal qualifies as a licensed conveyancer

We are delighted to announce that paralegal, Michael Hsiesh, who has been with Lisa’s Law since May 2018, has completed his qualifications and is now qualified as a licensed conveyancer by the Council for Licensed Conveyancing. Michael’s new title is Licensed Conveyancer Immigration Paralegal.   In addition to his conveyancing responsibilities, Michael also handles a […]

Nationality and Borders Act 2022: Fixing a Broken Asylum System by Breaking It Further?

The Nationality and Borders Act, described as being the “cornerstone for the government’s new plan for Immigration” and fixing the “broken asylum system”, has received Royal Assent and become law.   For some time, the UK has faced increasing numbers of migrants travelling to the UK across the English Channel from France. Those on the […]

Nearly 5 years after the Grenfell Tragedy, does the Building Safety Act do enough to make residential property safer?

The Building Safety Bill has officially received Royal Assent and become law. The legislation has been a long time in the making, with the national outrage which followed the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017 leading to the resurgence of a national debate about the safety of properties in the UK.   Of particular concern […]

How should an estate legally be handled in the form of probate when a relative dies?

Losing someone close to you is never easy. If a deceased loved one listed you as an executor, you may also need to be strong enough to manage their property, money, and other possessions. However, UK law requires you to apply for a probate in accordance with the rules of law in order to make this […]

Ground Rent charges set to be scrapped for new leaseholders. What does this mean?

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced that the Leasehold Reform (Ground Rent) Act 2022 will come into force on 30th June 2022. The news comes following an initial 2018 consultation by the government, meaning that the arrival of this legislation has been in progress for a long time. The government have […]

The end of fake reviews? New rules claim to protect consumers and boost competition

The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has announced new rules which it claims will protect consumers and boost competition. This follows the “reforming competition and consumer policy” consultation which was launched by the government last year. The Government-sponsored Consumer Protection Study 2022 found that between April 2020 and April 2021, the equivalent to […]

Past association with extremists results in naturalisation claim being refused by Home Secretary

    A person can apply for naturalisation and become a British citizen if they satisfy all the requirements. Some of these requirements include suitability requirements, eligibility requirements and passing the Life in the UK test.   Schedule 1, paragraph 1(2)(a) of the British Nationality Act 1981 states that any applicant must be in the […]

UK Expansion Worker Visa – what do you need to know?

Have questions or looking for help applying for a UK Expansion Worker Visa? Contact us today by emailing info@lisaslaw.co.uk or calling us on 020 7928 0276.   But first, read our article below to learn all about the new UK Expansion Worker visa which replaces the Sole Representative route for overseas companies seeking to expand […]

Afghan boy entitled to damages after being unlawfully removed by the Home Office

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed     The Court of Appeal have recently handed down a judgement determining that a vulnerable 16 year old Afghan boy should be awarded damages for the infringement of his Article 8 rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).   Article 8 of the ECHR states:   1.  Everyone […]

Former Scottish footballer’s IR35 tax battle offers warning for off-payroll working arrangements

  Former Rangers and Scotland icon, Neil McCann, has lost a battle with the tax man over his work for Sky Sports. The ex-footballer is reported to owe HMRC £190,000 as a result of being regarded for income tax purposes as an employee.   Meanwhile, another recent high-profile case saw the tv and radio presenter, […]

Home Office broke the law by searching, seizing and retaining data from phones of migrants

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed     The Divisional Court has handed down a judgement determining the Home Office’s policy of searching, seizing and retaining data from the mobile phones of migrants arriving to the UK by boat as unlawful.   The court’s ruling occurs at a time when the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, is trying […]

Employer guidance for respiratory infections such as Covid-19

The UK Health Security Agency has published new guidance for employers around reducing the effect of respiratory infections in the workplace, including Covid-19. In terms of business law, this is certainly something to take into account for employers.   Although all Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted by the Government, the guidance asks employers, workforce […]

What is No Fault Divorce? The reforms that have modernised UK divorce law

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (commonly known as no fault divorce) represents the biggest reform to divorce law for 50 years. With the legislation now in effect since 6th April 2022, let’s take a look at the main changes to divorce law and why there has been so much discussion about the reforms. […]

Court orders child to be returned to Italy after judicial review of mother’s asylum application deemed inadmissible

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed A recent case (R v G 2022) involving an Italian family which saw the father make an application under the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction 1980 for the return of his child has highlighted the complexity around the relationship between family law and asylum law.   The […]

As the 2022/2023 tax year edges closer, how will the upcoming changes to employment law affect you?

As the 2021/2022 tax year comes to an end, there are a number of upcoming changes to employment law in April which will be of interest to people and businesses alike.   With so many announcements made last year which are now coming into effect, it’s not always easy to keep up with all of […]

Does the new UK Expansion Worker Visa represent a step backwards for businesses looking to expand in the UK?

  The Home Office’s new statement of changes, Immigration Rules HC 1118, appears to represent one of the biggest shake-ups to the system since Britain formally left the EU and introduced the new points-based immigration scheme on 1st January 2021.   As well as the High Potential Individual and new Scale-Up route, which we addressed […]

Family loses right to appeal after deported father killed by Taliban

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed In a case involving a man killed by the Taliban after being deported to Afghanistan, the Upper Tribunal has ruled that an immigration appeal is over once the appellant dies.   You could be forgiven for not being aware of the circumstances around the right to appeal and whether the right […]

Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement – what are the key points?

Rishi Sunak found himself in the spotlight today as he delivered his Spring Statement to a country that is currently dealing with a significant rise in the cost of living. It is unsurprising that many people up and down the country have been curious as to what the plan might be for the near future, […]

UK’s Plan for Growth scheme introduces ‘High Potential Individual’ visa route among other immigration avenues. What are the key points you need to know?

It can be challenging to keep up with the latest changes to the Immigration Rules especially as they have been updated a few times in recent memory, so one can be forgiven for feeling a bit left behind. However, as usual your friends at Lisa’s Law are here to help.   Think you might be […]

Naturalisation – consideration of good character requirement.

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     A person can apply for naturalisation and become a British Citizen if they satisfy all of the requirements. Some of those requirements include suitability requirements, eligibility requirements and passing the Life in the UK test.   Under the British Nationality Act 1981, it is mandatory that all applicant must […]

Welcome Serena!

We are very happy to announce Serena Liu as our newest team member. Serena has already displayed excellent legal knowledge and shown herself to be a hardworking team player.   Serena Liu is a graduate from LLM in general English law, the University of York. She received a distinction in her academic studies there. Prior […]

Home Office falls short in human rights case through failure to disclose important information.

As a law firm dealing with plenty of immigration cases, we have seen many sides to the Home Office. As reasonable and experienced legal professionals, we understand that some matters are complex and hurdles can become apparent at any time in the course of a case. However, there are times when Home Office mistakes can […]

Ukraine Family Scheme now open in the UK! Who is eligible and how does it work?

The situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, and the Russian troops are moving ever further into the country, bringing with them a feeling of terror and uncertainty. The Home Office sees this, and has now opened a new route for Ukrainian’s with family members living in the UK.   The route allows eligible Ukrainian nationals […]

Visa waiting times updated for both in-country and out of country applications. What are the key points you need to know?

Visa waiting times, as many applicants will know, can fluctuate. While some people will have positive experiences, many will find themselves waiting much longer than they had anticipated for a decision to be reached on their application.   This blog will delve into the latest guidelines from the Home Office on what people should expect […]

Concessions made to the Immigration Rules for Ukrainian nationals in wake of Russian invasion

It will not have escaped your attention that Putin has launched an invasion into Ukraine, igniting major concerns across the globe and potentially lighting the initial spark which could lead to war in Europe, some fear.   Ukraine will be looking for aid from its allies, including the UK. Part of the UK’s support to […]

Woman seeking to separate from her husband finds that he secretly divorced her decade ago! What legal lessons are on show in a surprising recent case?

We all know that some marriages are less successful than others. This is a normal part of life and divorce has become increasingly common in recent years, with less stigma being attached to it than ever before. It is far better to accept that a marriage does not work than to suffer in silence, with […]

Tier 1 Investor Visa Route Closed Due to Security Concerns! What does this mean for people already in the UK under this route?

The Home Office has taken drastic action by closing the Tier 1 Investor Visa Route to all nationalities after claiming it left the UK open to security breaches and corruption. This route has come under investigation in the past but was not expected to be closed so suddenly.   The route was appealing to wealthy […]

True father revealed at last! What did the courts decide in a recent parentage case and what does the result mean for the family?

It goes without saying that your family is a massively important part of your life. If you are fortunate, they are the people that will be by your side through the good times and the bad. The people in your family can play a major role in your personal development and may influence your personality, […]

Secretary of State ‘confused’ by Zambrano Carer status! A recent case may raise more questions than it answers.

Immigration rules in the UK can often be challenging to understand. As a law firm we are constantly being asked questions regarding rules and regulations and while we are always happy to answer questions, it is an indication that further clarity is needed to that people know where they stand in terms of their status […]

Offshore Well-Boat Workers wanted by the UK! What does the new concession introduce?

The UK has a habit of changing certain rules in order to fit their own needs, often bringing in new temporary concessions in order to fill roles that are required at specific points in time. You may remember recently this occurred when Heavy Goods Vehicle drivers were given leave to enter the UK to help […]

Home Office to still charge high fees to children applying for British citizenship

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     Children applying to be registered as British citizens under the British Nationality Act 1981, need to pay the Home Office a fee of £1012.00 for the registration.   The British Nationality Act 1981 permits the Secretary of State to charge a fee for registering a British citizen. The fee […]

Buying an ‘off-plan’ property can be a slippery slope! What can we learn from a recent case in which multiple people lost large deposits?

The reality of purchasing property is plenty of hard-work, time, energy and money. There is a lot at stake, and many hurdles to overcome. There are various avenues that can lead one to being a homeowner, and some people choose alternative routes to others. One such alternative route is to buy a property ‘off-plan’. Like […]

Applicant is granted asylum due to becoming ‘westernised’ in the UK

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     Asylum seekers can come to the United Kingdom, and their cultural, traditional and religious ideals and principles may have changed after spending a duration of time in the UK or in Europe.   Those asylum seekers may believe that they have been ‘westernised’ and therefore this may cause danger […]

Government Authorised Exchange route (‘GAE route’) – What is it and how does it work?

There are many routes into the UK and these routes can allow applicants to remain in the country for various amounts of time. Where the applicant only plans to stay in the UK temporarily, they usually have to go through slightly different processes to those who are looking for a more permanent settlement.   The […]

Solicitors on the Lenders Panel: What does it mean, why is it important and whose panels are we on?

We have said it before, and we will likely say it again: purchasing a property is one of the most financially demanding ventures that you can undertake. However, it does not only require money and time but also trust, and that trust must flow in all directions within the proceedings in order to make the […]

Rent Repayment Order not applicable to directors of corporate landlords! What can we learn from a recent case?

There are various reasons that a tenant or a group of tenants may want to pursue a rent repayment order (RRO). One of the more common complaints leading to an RRO is where a landlord is renting out an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), but claims can also be made for the following offences: […]

Right to work checks to see changes from 6 April 2022!

This is one that all employers should be aware of if they do not want to incur a heavy fine for hiring an unauthorized migrant. Right to work checks should apply to all candidates, even British citizens to avoid claims of discrimination, and while they are not mandatory they are extremely useful and can save […]

Does overstaying break the period of lawful residence? An insight from a recent case can tell.

Written by Katherine Chan.     The recent case of R (on the application of Afzal) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2021] All ER (D) 82 (Dec) sheds light on the contentious issue of continuous lawful residence under paragraph 276 of the Immigration Rules. The Court held in this case that although […]

More options on offer for Afghan nationals in the UK as situation in their country remains volatile. What can we learn from the new Home Office guidance?

You have likely seen on the news that the political and economic situation in Afghanistan remain in dire circumstances, with the Taliban in full control of the nation. There are reports of many people going without food, shelters being overly full and many businesses being unable to operate properly.   To show support to Afghanistan […]

Naturalisation – flexibility in the 5 year residence requirement

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     A person can apply for naturalisation and become a British Citizen if they satisfy all of the requirements. Some of those requirements include suitability requirements, eligibility requirements and passing the Life in the UK test.   Schedule 1, paragraph 1(2)(a) of the British Nationality Act 1981 states that any […]

Post-Brexit Britain starts embracing skilled workers: sponsorship applications triple and near-zero action has been taken against sponsors

Sometimes the best way to figure out what is going on in the world of UK immigration is to take a look at the numbers related to it. We have analysed the data related to the sponsoring of applicants on the Tier 2, 4 and 5 routes. There are some interesting trends that reading this […]

EU Residency Rights not available to ex-partners who have experienced domestic abuse – what can we learn from a recent case?

We focus on a case today which is just one of many pending cases which have been stagnating since before Brexit, and are potentially affected by alterations of rules due to the UK leaving the European Union. The main issues within this case revolves around the Home Office denying the claimants right of residence in […]

New guidance released to combat Property-Title-Fraud! What does it mean, and what can you do to stop it?

Purchasing a property is many peoples main lifetime goal, and often takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication to achieve. Not to mention the ever increasing costs of property in the UK. It is no surprise then that fraudsters will try to target those who are so close to completing the purchase of […]

Welcome Minnie!

We are over the moon to welcome Minnie Tse into our ranks, who has filled the role of Office Administrator! During her first week she has already exhibited excellent traits that are suited perfectly to the role, including being hard-working, focussed and with a fantastic attention to detail.   Minnie studied Sociology and Education in […]

Are workers entitled to time off due to bereavement, and what types of changes to this issue are MPs fighting for?

Losing a loved one is undeniably difficult and can lead to serious emotional anguish, depressive thoughts and in some cases trouble dealing with everyday life. It can often be the lowest point in someone’s life, and wherever possible those around them should offer support and comfort to help them get back on track.   When […]

When will security for costs be ordered within family proceedings, and what can we learn from a recent case?

When it comes to family proceedings, the default position is that each party covers their own legal costs. If there is some unreasonable conduct by one of the parties, or circumstances that are deemed relevant enough to warrant some kind of financial support or guarantee, then the courts may take this into consideration and orders […]

Welcome Katherine!

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Katherine Sun who joins us as a Legal Assistant. She has already shown herself to be extremely hardworking and friendly, fitting in to the team excellently.   After working in one of the leading entertainment companies in Beijing, Sohu, Inc, as a legal advisor for 4 years, Katherine came […]

Copyright Confusion! Work done in ‘personal time’ deemed to be owned by employer instead of employee.

Everyone likes to be rewarded for the work they do, and it is a well-known fact that employees who feel valued by their employers tend to be more productive and achieve a more harmonious work/life balance.   However, in some circumstances there can be friction in the work place. One such issue that has arisen […]

Mother’s plan to keep child backfires! A look into child custody and supervised contact

The love and responsibility that parents feel for their children can be one of the most powerful things in the world. Often, parents will make life decisions based around what is best for their children, even when it means a harder life for themselves. However, there are times when parents can make the wrong decisions […]

Welcome Xinru!

We are thrilled to announce Xinru Jia has joined us as a Legal Assistant, and has already shown herself to be a fantastic addition to our firm!   Xinru achieved her bachelor’s degree in law in 2020 from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, she then graduated from UCL in 2021 with master’s degree in […]

Welcome Xijia!

We are so pleased to welcome Xijia Xie into our firm, joining us as a Legal Assistant. He has proven himself to be dedicated and knowledgeable, a real asset to our team!   Xijia is a qualified public service interpreter (DPSI English Law Pathway, Mandarin/English). He completed his MA in Law while studying at the […]

Why would one want to have a clean break regarding matrimonial assets in divorce?

Written by Xinlei Zhang.   The recent case of Sismey v Salandron [2021] 10 WLUK 372 illustrates the importance of having a clear break following a divorce settlement. It concerns a divorce settlement which was not effective during the parties’ lifetime, but only came into force by way of a will on one party’s death. […]

Father takes legal action against ‘globe-trotting’ mother in order to claim child back from an unwanted nomadic lifestyle – a lesson in habitual residence.

There are many issues that can arise between parents, often related to their own children. It is true that being responsible for a young person is difficult, but it can be made even harder when the parents themselves stop seeing eye to eye on important matters, such as how and where the child lives.   […]

Acas publishes new guidance on fire and rehire practices. What do they say and how might employers and employees be affected?

When it comes to running a business there are often ups and downs; one of the more significant negatives can be sizing down on staff. Of course, sometimes there are inescapable reasons for firing an employee that would not be up for debate, such as stealing from the company, behaving in an aggressive way to […]

If your ex-spouse has taken your children and moved permanently to another country, can you bring them back?

Written by Angeline Teoh.     If you and your ex-spouse are separated, it is illegal for any parties to take the child(ren) abroad without the other parent’s consent, unless permission from the Court is obtained. Failing to obtain consent from the other party will make you run a risk of falling foul of the […]

Persistence, preparation and persuasion is key!

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     We were recently successful in an appeal of significant importance to our client, which shows that a client’s persistence and a well prepared appeal, can lead to a fantastic result, regardless of previous decisions.   Background   Our client is a Chinese national who came to the UK alone […]

How can COVID-19 restrictions affect EUSS applicants, and what measures are in place to bypass this issue?

One of the major concerns for people applying to the EU Settlement Scheme throughout the ongoing pandemic is the fact that they have been outside the UK for longer than they had planned, meaning their continual residence may be affected. This can easily occur when travel restrictions are put in place, meaning people can be […]

Sky TV presenter hit with HUGE tax bill after losing IR35 case appeal. What can we learn from this?

In a recent case, the First Tier Tribunal found that the working relationship between presenter Dave Clark and Sky Sports to be based around an IR35 contract, specifically between 2013 and 2018. As a result of this, Clark is faced with a tax bill of over £280,000. This case is one of many similar ones […]

Commercial Rent Debt accrued over the Pandemic to be handled under new Code of Practice – What does this mean for landlords and tenants?

It has been announced this week that new laws and a new code of practice will dictate the handling of debts accrued by those renting commercial property during the pandemic, who have been unable to pay rent and other costs because of lockdowns and a lack of business. This will be of interest to both […]

Welcome Peggy!

We are so pleased to announce that Peggy Lim has joined our team as a Paralegal. She has already proven herself to be an intelligent and hard-working team player.   Peggy achieved both her LLB and LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Sheffield, passing with distinctions. She completed her Bar Practice […]

Child Arrangements Orders: What are they and How To Apply?

Written by Angeline Teoh.   A Child Arrangements Order (CAO) is an order that regulates arrangements for a child. The Court can make orders relating to children arrangement, such as who should have children’s custody and how contact with children should be maintained and in what way. This article will try to cover the common […]

Immigration Issues in the Autumn Budget: What Changes Have Been Announced?

Last week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the government’s tax and spending plans for the year ahead, which he promised would focus on rectifying the large financial pressures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This budget, according to the Chancellor, will pave the way for economic growth, higher productivity and room for people in the UK to […]

Important evidence? You need to spell it out in detail to the Immigration Tribunals

There are many aspects that must be taken into account when someone wishes to apply for leave to remain in the UK, including passing an English language test from a recognised provider. One of the accredited test by the Home Office used to be the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) provided by an […]

New Settlement Fast-Track: Private life applicants can now obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain earlier!

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.   Under paragraph 276ADE of the Immigration Rules, an applicant can make an application for leave to remain on the basis of their Private life established in the United Kingdom.   These applications are considered in accordance with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects your right […]

No Home Office Decision, No Appeal – What Can You Do Then?

Applying for leave to remain, visa extensions or going through any other immigration procedures can be stressful and leave applicants with serious anxiety and confusion. This is made twice as hard when the case becomes mixed up in various court jurisdictions and responsibility ends up being juggled around, leaving the person at the centre of […]

Can the Home Office simply ignore Court Orders that are invalid?

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.      A Court Order is an official judgement made by a Judge at the end of a hearing, or in the interim, (prior to a final order being made). The contents of the Order depends entirely on the case presented to the Judge.   There may be exceptional circumstances where […]

Discretionary leave to be given to trafficked asylum seekers says the High Court.

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     Victims of Modern slavery and trafficking both abroad and in the UK, who have claimed asylum, typically have to wait a substantial amount of time for their claim to be considered. The Competent Authority will make a reasonable and then conclusive grounds decision as to whether an individual is […]

Welcome Lin!

This week we are so pleased to announce a new addition to the Lisa’s Law family! Lin Niu has come in as a Legal Assistant and has already proven herself to be a massively important and extremely hard-working individual within our legal team.   Lin graduated from Brunel University London with an MSc in Marketing, […]

Migration Advisory Committee conduct deep-dive into the Intra Company Transfer visa route – what did they find and what is going to change?

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is an independent, non-statutory, non-time limited, non-departmental public body that advises the government on migration issues. Recently, they conducted a review of the Intra-Company Transfer visa route to explore what is working about it and review what needs to be changed. This inspection was requested by the Home Secretary Priti […]

Can a judgement summons be used purely to commit a debtor to prison?

When marriages end, the effect on those involved can be emotionally intense. Many difficult, but necessary, aspects of a life previously shared must be divided up and responsibilities need to be assessed and assigned. Where money is involved, things can take a nasty turn, particularly when one partner owes the other a significant amount.   […]

The Creative Worker Visa – Who is it for and how does it work?

In this blog we will take a deep dive into the Creative Worker Visa route, examining who the route is for, what the requirements of it are, and where it can lead for those who are accepted on to it. This visa, while it may seem to some to be exclusive in nature, is actually […]

Can you sell your matrimonial home in divorce proceedings?

Written by Xinlei Zhang.   As we explained in our previous article, the Court will generally apply the equal-sharing principle in resolving financial dispute in divorce. In most cases, the parties’ matrimonial home will probably be the most valuable asset. The Court has power to make such adjustment order and/or order for sale as it […]

Were Asylum cases considered between 2005 – 2014 under the unfair Detained Fast Track Rules unlawful?

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.   Asylum seekers flee their home country to travel to the United Kingdom to seek protection. They sometimes go through tremendous suffering, adversity and hardship in their travels.   Once they arrive in the United Kingdom and claim asylum, the UK have a responsibility to consider their claim.   Detained fast […]

International Sportsperson Visa – Something new or a simple rebranding?

You may have recently seen that the UK’s Immigration Rules had a fairly significant update, with many visa routes and procedures being tweaked, added and removed. We summarised some key points within the new rules in our article UK Immigration Rules: Let’s keep up with the changes! One visa route in particular that got a […]

Paragraph 39E of the Immigration rules and whether application for leave to remain is considered to be made ‘in-time’.

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     An application for a leave to remain must be made prior to the expiry of your existing leave to ensure that you are not an overstayer. Overstaying in the UK will subject you to the hostile environment, which means there will be restrictions in renting, employment, accessing medical treatment […]

Childlessness and Short-lived Marriages are not Decisive Factors in Family Asset Division

Written by Xinlei Zhang.     When considering financial resolution in divorce, usually couples are able to agree on financial arrangements between themselves or with the help of solicitors. If this is not possible, you may seek help from family mediation or, as a last resort, seek a Court order. Let us delve into the […]

What happens in a Fraudulent Property Transfer?

Written by Evveline Loh.     The case Victus Estates (2) Ltd and others v Munroe; Benjamin v Victus Estates (1) Ltd and another [2021] EWHC 2411 (Ch) is concerned with two appeals involving two separate property transfers where fraud was involved.   The two- property transferred raised same issues:   Where property is owned […]

Eviction notice periods to return to pre-pandemic timescale – what do landlords and tenants need to know?

The COVID-19 pandemic threw everyone into a world of uncertainty and anxiety, with people unable to work, many confined to their homes and entire industries grinding to a halt. It was a time for compassion, and one element of compassion that the government took, and one that was entirely necessary, was the ban on residential […]

Changes to family permits, relevant documents and more may work in favour of family members applying under the EU Settlement Scheme

Some readers may have seen our recent article titled UK Immigration Rules: Let’s keep up with the changes – which was a comprehensive look at the many updates and tweaks that the Home Office has made, or is going to make, to the immigration rules in the near future. Amongst the vast amounts of information […]

When is Section 3C leave revived when an appeal is lodged out of time?

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.   Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 explained   The Home Office can take a number of months to decide an application, which would usually result in an applicant’s leave expiring after they have made an application.   Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 is a very important provision, […]

Absence Of Parent Does Not Itself Make An Adoption Process Procedurally Irregular: Courts Refuse Mothers Application of Adoption Order.

It is never nice to see a family be split apart, however in certain unfortunate circumstances it is necessary, especially when the safety of children is concerned. When there is a serious issue, and parents are deemed unfit to look after their children, those children can be put up for adoption via an adoption order, […]

UK Immigration Rules: Let’s keep up with the changes!

The Home Office has recently published newly updated immigration rules which will dictate how people are able to enter and remain in the UK. Some of the changes you will read about here are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or the situation in Afghanistan, while others will be connected to the EU Settlement Scheme […]

Welcome Angeline!

We are so pleased to announce Angeline as the latest member of our team, joining as a paralegal! She has already proven herself to be an extremely hardworking and knowledgeable individual.   Angeline is from Malaysia. She holds a LLB Law degree from Nottingham Trent University. Recently, she finished her LLM Bar Training Course with […]

EU Settlement Scheme: How can I apply for an administrative review if a decision goes against me?

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), we are certain many of you will know, was set up in response to Brexit to allow EU, non-EU EEA and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members to apply to enter or continue to stay in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period the opportunity to protect […]

In what circumstances can you challenge the Secretary of State’s Policy Guidance?

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     The Secretary of State drafts policy guidance and statements of practices for their caseworkers, and great reliance is placed upon these documents by applicants, when making immigration and other applications.   There may be circumstances where the contents of such policies may be considered by some as unlawful. In […]

Can time spent under a visit visa count towards 10 years long residence?

Written by Mahfuz Ahmed.     Under the UK’s  ‘long residency’ rule, a person can qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain allowing them to stay in the UK without any time restrictions, provided that they have been resident lawfully in the UK legally for 10 or more continuous years.   Long Residency is typically shown […]

Welcome Mahfuz!

We are thrilled to announce that we have recruited an extremely experienced and knowledgeable solicitor, Mahfuz Ahmed, who we can already tell will be a hugely important asset to our growing firm!   Mahfuz is a Solicitor, who provides advice to clients on all aspects of immigration law, and litigation.   Mahfuz has extensive experience […]

Slanderous claims result in privacy injunction in recent private law child proceedings!

Using our voice and expressing our opinion is a right that everyone in the UK, and most of the world, often take for granted. Communication plays a key role in a healthy and successful life, and in most circumstances creates positive and interesting dialogues between people, allowing us to think in different ways, learn new […]

Refugee Resettlement – How does it work and what is the UK government doing to aid Afghan refugees?

As the situation in Afghanistan has forced many civilians out of their homes the UK’s refugee resettlement policies have once again been cast into the limelight. In this article we will take a look at the current policies the Home Office has in place for people who find themselves in this unfortunate situation, and analyse […]

Furlough Frenzy! What is considered unfair in terms of employee dismissal during the pandemic, and what can we learn from two cases with very different outcomes?

Navigating the often uncomfortable realm of employee dismissal has long since been a challenge for employers. Of course, employers do not seek out the chance to dismiss workers, as it often results in administrative as well as social awkwardness for them, but it can unfortunately be a necessity.   People losing their jobs is one […]

The Role of Certificates of Sponsorship: Home Office to Profit from struggling music industry?

It is no secret that the music and entertainment industries were hit extremely hard by coronavirus. With venues closing, shows being cancelled and travel restrictions being put in place, it is fair to say that many aspects of this lucrative market ground to a halt.   Now that restrictions are slowly being lifted, those who […]

Welcome Angel!

We are so thrilled to announce that Angel Yeung has joined us as a Paralegal, and has been excellent from the get go!   Angel obtained her LLB degree from East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai and pursued her Master’s studies at University of Bristol in 2018. Also, she is going […]

Obtaining status in the UK via deceptive means? It could come back to haunt you!

Having the right to remain in the UK indefinitely can be a goal for a lot of people who wish to call the country their home. It can be a fairly long process, taking 3, 5 or even 10 years before applicants can be considered eligible. It may seem like a long while, but the […]

Better late than never! How can those who missed the deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme still apply, and what are the requirements?

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), many of you will know, was set up in response to Brexit to allow EU, non-EU EEA and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members to apply to enter or continue to stay in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period the opportunity to protect their residence in […]

Welcome Alex!

We have been growing steadily over the past couple of years, and with an ever expanding client list comes the need for more excellent lawyers to deliver the quality legal service that we are known for!   So, without further ado let us introduce Alex Yang, the latest member of the Lisa’s Law family!   […]

Wrongful vs Unfair Dismissal: What is the difference and what role does ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance play?

Wrongful or unfair dismissal is a reality of employment, one that the majority of people do not have to go through, but for those that do face it will know well enough how stressful it can be. While the two may sound similar, they are in fact very different.   In this article we will […]

Multiple Dwellings Relief denied in recent case! When is it an option for buyers?

Anyone who has been fortunate enough to purchase a second property of their own, or even those who know someone else who has done so, are likely to have heard of Stamp Duty Land Tax. Usually, this tax will have been spoken about in negative terms, as an additional cost that is sometimes left unbudgeted […]

Termination of parental responsibility – when can it occur and what can we learn from a recent case?

As a law firm we understand that families can go through hard times as well as good times. Often, when issues arise they can be sorted out. Alternatively, the issues cannot be completely fixed but a reasonable compromise can be made, and people can come to an arrangement that works for everyone. However, when things […]

Landmark Ruling Could Unlock EU Settlement Scheme for Zambrano Carers!

We have said it before, and we will say it again: the deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme is right around the corner on 30 June 2021. This must be a priority for all EU citizens and their family members, as if they do not register or submit their applications in time, they may not […]

EU Settlement Scheme – Coronavirus related absences to be overlooked by Home Office?

The deadline to the EU Settlement Scheme is at the end of this month (30 June 2021), meaning that EU nationals and their family members will have a limited amount of time to apply for visas to either continue to stay in the UK or come into this country, depending on their personal circumstances.  For […]

Denial of homeworking or furlough request from employees due to fears of COVID-19 may not itself amount to unfair dismissal

Coronavirus has been a huge part of our lives for almost one and a half years now and the effects of it have reached far and wide. It has taken many lives, ravaged the economy, put thousands out of work and made people homeless. The nature of the virus makes it unpredictable, as new variants […]

Splitting up the family? The importance of Retained Rights of Residency for family members of EU citizens.

With the deadline to get onto the EU Settlement Scheme rapidly approaching, people all over the UK who have come to know this country as their home will be feeling tense and confused about where they will stand come the 30th of June. While the Home Office often sugar-coats the immigration system as straight forward […]

Coronavirus and UK Immigration: What story do the statistics tell?

On the 27th of May the Home Office released their most up to date quarterly immigration statistics for the year ending 21st of March 2021. These stats include data in which we can see how many people came to the UK during this time period, how many extended their stay, the number of people who […]

E-visas, E-permission to Travel, E-sponsorship System – What are the key points in the Home Office’s New Immigration Plan?

On the 24th of March 2021, the Home Office released their official plan moving forwards on how to deal with immigration and border control in the UK. Part of the statement issued on the government website addresses the well-known fact that free movement between the EU and the UK ended on 31 December 2020 as […]

How to move homes under the current Unlocking 3.0?

Moving home has been possible during lockdown, but the moves have happened within rules that have been changing as we gradually take steps towards normality. As we move forward into Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown, where more social contact is permitted in certain situations, the government have once again updated the guidance […]

Fantastic positions open here at Lisa’s Law – come and join our team!

We have some fantastic roles available in our busy, London based law firm. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic we are pleased to say that business has continued to grow here at Lisa’s Law. We are thrilled to say that we are looking to welcome some new faces to fill some excellent positions across […]

Protection for renters remains, but notice period is cut to 4 months

Over the course of the pandemic, the government has brought in many polices and guidelines in order to protect UK residents. One such measure was a ban on evictions, whereby renters could rest assured that they would not be made homeless during the COVID-19 outbreak. This was a very positive policy which benefitted many people. […]

EU Settlement Scheme Backlog Could Leave Many Applicants Status In Legal Grey Area!

The all-important EU Settlement Scheme has been open since March 2019 in response to Brexit. Its purpose is to allow EU, non-EU EEA and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members living in the UK the opportunity to protect their residence in the UK. The deadline to get on to the EU Settlement Scheme is […]

May 16th: Cut-Off Date for Right to Rent Check Concession!

On March 30th 2020, landlords were given the green light to conduct right to rent checks on their tenants using digital means to make life easier during the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant that the checks could be conducted over video calls, tenants could scan over documents or take photos of relevant paper work rather than […]

An App for Your Applications – Let’s Hope it Lasts Longer This Time!

A large wave of applications for replacement Biometric Residence Permits (“BRP”) and Biometric Residence Cards (“BRC”) over the past few months has led to some congestion within the Visas and Citizenship Appointment Service (UKVCAS), which has the risk of paralysing the Home Office’s visa application system again. More and more applicants are struggling to book appointment […]

Domestic Abuse and COVID-19: a new protocol to ease confidentiality concerns for victims

Domestic abuse is an incredibly serious crime which often goes unreported and unnoticed, leaving police data on such crimes only accounting for a small part of a larger issue. While recent data does show that domestic abuse is on the rise, it is difficult to say for certain that the rise is directly related to […]

When does the Bank of Mum and Dad finally close? A look into ‘adult child’ maintenance.

Young adults living with their parents is not as unusual as it was a couple of decades ago. The prices of houses has gone up, especially for those living in major cities, and more and more people decide to carry on studying before taking up real jobs to earn enough money to afford rent and […]

The return of Sabrina and a warm welcome to Yvonne and Samantha!

We have been really busy over the last few months, dealing with many enquiries for our happy clients. This week we have welcomed some new faces into our ranks, which is very exciting! Today we are so pleased to announce Yvonne and Samantha as the newest members of our team!   Yvonne     Yvonne […]

Spring Event Results and an Introduction to our Social Committee!

You may have seen our recent blog which included all of our staff members brilliant Easter Egg decorations, which we did as part of our Spring Event. It was so nice that everyone got involved and had a chance to show off their creative side. Plus, painting the Easter Eggs was a great way to […]

£1,000,000 Voucher Scheme Launched to Promote Family Mediation

On 26th March 2021, the Ministry of Justice announced a voucher scheme to encourage families to resolve disputes on children, finance and properties by mediation, rather than through Court proceedings. Under the scheme, eligible families will receive a one-off £500 vouchers towards their mediation costs.   In this blog we will discuss how the Family […]

We are growing! Say hello to our new staff members!

Despite the challenges the past year has brought with it, we have continued to grow and develop here at Lisa’s Law. We have a dedicated team of professionals who have truly adapted and thrived, providing their clients with the same excellent service that they have come to expect from us.   We are thrilled to […]

New Skilled Worker Visa route expands recruitment pool! What does this mean for employers?

The rules for the Skilled Worker visa route will allow for more potential applicants to come and work in the UK, meaning more choice for employers looking to bring new talent to their companies. One of the main differences between the previous Tier 2 General visa and the Skilled Worker visa is in the level […]

More reasonable Skilled Worker visa requirements brought in! What does this mean for the catering industry and its potential employers?

People wanting to come and work in the UK, and those employers who want to recruit from overseas, are more likely to be able to do so under the Skilled Worker visa route rules. Whereas before applicants would only be considered if they were offered a role in the UK listed under the Level 6 […]

Looking for the next stage in your legal career? From Paralegals, to Solicitors and Supervisors, we are now hiring!

We have some fantastic roles available in our busy, London based law firm. Despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, business has continued to grow here at Lisa’s Law and we are pleased to say that now is a good time to recruit some new team members!   Working at Lisa’s Law   […]

Child abuse laws finally expanded: Sports coaches and faith leaders to face the same consequences as teachers and doctors.

Some important developments are being made to the the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which was introduced to Parliament on 9th March 2021. It is likely to become law very shortly.   One key part of the bill is about child abuse. It has widened the definition of positions of trust to include sports […]

Graduate Visa – Eligibility, application process and more.

The recent changes to the immigration rules included some more details regarding a visa type that has plenty of interest around it: the Graduate Visa. This visa promises to allow the brightest and best from around the world to look for work in the UK after completing their studies, but who exactly is eligible for […]

Shortage Occupation List, Graduate visa, and Global Talent visa routes updated in latest changes to the Immigration Rules.

The Home Office announced its first Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules in 2021 on 4th March 2021.   As many will know, the Immigration Rules are used to regulate peoples entry into, and permission to stay in, the United Kingdom. Like any ruleset, it must be updated to factor in any changes of […]

How can employers promote straightforward vaccinations for their workers?

Vaccinations are essential to the end of the Coronavirus pandemic and the UK is making decent strides in getting its population vaccinated, with over 20 million people having already received their first dose.   It is within everyone’s best interest that the pandemic ends sooner rather than later so that our economy, healthcare services and […]

Visa Applications – Waiting Times and What to Expect.

Applying for visas can vary from being straight forward to actually turning into a stressful ordeal. It really depends on individual circumstances, and it is unlikely that any two visa applications will play out in exactly the same way. One major factor to take into account is the amount of time it takes for visa […]

Uber drivers no longer considered self-employed, Supreme Court rules! What employment rights are they now entitled to?

Uber has over 60,000 drivers in London alone, and operates in many other parts of the UK. Until last week these employees had been seen as self-employed sole traders, meaning that they only received payment when they were carrying a fare, were not entitled to holiday pay and were not guaranteed to earn above minimum […]

Stamp Duty Land Tax – What are the higher rates and who has to pay them?

This blog will outline the latest guidance related to the higher bracket of Stamp Duty Land Tax, who it applies to, and in what scenarios it does or does not have to be paid. SDLT is a topic containing many avenues, which we will explore in upcoming articles, but for this one we will mainly […]

Illegal migrants in the UK can be vaccinated with no fear of removal!

The Coronavirus pandemic has turned the world upside down. It is widely agreed around the globe that the main collective priority is to get everyone vaccinated as quickly as possible, putting an end to this bleak chapter of humanity as efficiently as possible.   This is why the vaccination of everyone in UK, no matter […]

Lisa’s Law – Here For You As Always!

We know that life in lockdown can be hard, but instructing a solicitor has never been more straightforward. We have ensured that our existing clients, as well as those who enquire with us for the first time, get a fantastic legal service without having to leave the comfort of their homes.   Mobile App   […]

Buying a Property at Auction – Risks and Rewards from a Legal Perspective

Buying a property can be a daunting process and is likely to be the most expensive purchase a person will make in their lifetime. The most common way to buy a property is through an estate agent, but some people choose to go through auctions instead. In this article we will examine the differences between […]

Coronavirus Complications – Where will the Home Office be lenient to those re-entering or remaining in the UK?

The COVID-19 pandemic has made life increasingly complicated and unpredictable. When it comes to people who are reliant on visas and approved leave to remain to legally stay in or enter the UK, the travel restrictions as a result of coronavirus can be extremely stressful.   With this in mind, in what situations will the […]

BNO Visa Finally Opens on 31/01/2021 – Deadlines, Delays, Requirements and Refunds!

By now it is likely that you have heard of the exciting British National Overseas (BNO) Visa, which offers a fresh route to British citizenship to millions of Hong Kong residents who hold British Nationality Overseas passports.   The visa will open to apply to from 31 January 2021, and we are here to help […]

Deadline approaching – It’s time to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme!

The deadline to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme is 30 June 2021, meaning there is now officially less than 6 months until time is up. It is of paramount importance that those who need to apply do so in good time.   Who needs to apply?   The EU settlement scheme is designed to […]

Legal practitioners: Mind the Label! – the parallel effect of “Subject to Contract” and “Without Prejudice”

Written by Yitong Guo.   Case concerned:   Joanne Properties Ltd v Moneything Capital Ltd [2020] EWCA Civ 1541[1]   The Case Background   This case concerns a claim brought by Joanne Properties Ltd (‘JPL’) in the Queen’s Bench Division due to a dispute of a financial arrangement between the parties. JPL was the owner of […]

Things to know in an application for a rent repayment order – a view from the prism of Martin Joseph Rakusen v Mikkel Kepsen and others

Written by Felix Otouke.   The case is about an appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) by Mr Rakusen against the decision of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (FTT). It was issued on 18th December 2019.   Case breakdown   In 2006 the freeholder of the building granted a lease of Flat 9, Mandeville […]

Non-competition restriction in employment contract unreasonable and void – Quilter Private Client Advisers v Falconer.

Written by Rosa Huang.       When an employment is terminated, the employer runs the risk of losing of its business (or staff) before it had opportunity to strengthen relationships with customers who have been used to dealing with the departing employee. The risk may be significant especially when the departing employee was in […]

Possession Action in Lockdown 3.0 – What you need to know.

With a new lockdown comes a wave of repercussions in terms of law, society and lifestyle. Procedures are updated, rules are created or waived and people must once again readjust to keep up with the times.   One important issue that we have spoken about in weeks previously is evictions and possession actions which are […]

Supreme Court overturns settled case law on limitation – Test Claimants in FII Group Litigation v HMRC

Written by Rosa Huang.     In the decision on Test Claimants in FII Group Litigation v HMRC handed down on 20 November 2020, the Supreme Court overturns decision of House of Lords in relation to the application of Section 32(1)(c) of the Limitation Act 1980, and unanimously allowed the appeal arising in the course […]

The Importance of Frontier Worker Permits – What are they and who can apply for one?

The Brexit transition period is over, and with the start of the New Year we find ourselves stepping into some new terrain in terms of immigration, employment and family law. While these changes in policy and rules may seem daunting, we will keep you right up to date with all the important events and news […]

More Guidance on the EU Settlement Scheme – Evidence, Information, and Qualifying Periods.

The EU Settlement Scheme is of great importance for a huge amount of people now that the effects of Brexit are right around the corner. For a full rundown of the scheme you can read our article: A Clearance of the Past? – How Can You Benefit From the EU Settlement Scheme?   In this […]

Rental guidance updated! What do you need to know?

New guidance has been released for people renting property from a landlord, which attempts to give clarity to such tenants. This guidance must be provided to tenants who are in a shorthold tenancy which started any time after 1 October 2015.   The information is helpful to both the renter and the landlord, so it […]

When it comes to whistleblowing, what is the part of protected disclosure agreements?

First off, what is a whistleblower?   A whistleblower is a term used to describe a person who leaks sensitive information, reports wrongdoings, crimes, or morally questionable practices or events that occur within their own workplace. Usually, the reports are regarding people in high positions such as management or particular duties that the person has […]

Working from home renders many commercial buildings empty, but how can they be used otherwise? Consultations on development rights have begun!

Working from home has become a normal part of life due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Some will have taken to it better than others, appreciating the lack of commute or the morning rush. However, for many it is a significant challenge, having much less social interactions, being unable to meet with clients and feeling cooped […]

Gender Pay Gap Statistics for 2020 Revealed! What can we learn?

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published the latest report on gender pay gap statistics for 2020. There are some positives to take from the report, as it was found that for full-time employees, the pay gap fell 2.4% between April 2019–April 2020, and for all employees, the gap fell by 1.9% within the same […]

Get your property back! What does the new guidance for private landlords say about the possession action process?

Property is a massive part of life. It is where families make homes, people raise children, or it can be simply a sanctuary to come back to after a difficult day. However, another huge aspect of the property world revolves around business, whereby landlords look to make money by allowing tenants to rent out their […]

Working with children during COVID-19 – A look at the new Legal Guidance

New legal guidance regarding working with children during the Coronavirus pandemic has been released by The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass).   What do Cafcass do, exactly?   Cafcass represents children in family court cases in England. They advise courts about the best interests of children and help the voices of young people […]

Foreign healthcare workers and families: what support are available to you from the Home Office?

This year has been a difficult one for many people due to the strains of COVID-19. Everyone has had to alter their way of life, people have been very ill and there has been extra pressure on healthcare professionals. Without the doctors, nurses, carers, and paramedics who dedicate their lives to helping others we would […]

Be Careful of Oral Agreements!

Written by Evveline Loh.     The court had recently handed down their judgment in Coleman v Mundell [2020] EWHC 2852  in the Queen’s Bench Court around the end of last month. The case was a dispute about an oral agreement made between Mr Philip Coleman (the “Claimant”) and Mr Mundell (the “Defendant”). The Claimant […]

Child protection mediation services to be considered in England and Wales after Nuffield come forward with recommendations

The Nuffield report   The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory aims to improve the lives of children and families by putting data and evidence at the heart of the family justice system. Recently, they put together a report which grouped together evidence gathered from 17 studies on child protection mediation in Australia, Canada, and the US, and […]

Home Office’s Math Puzzle: 18 Months or 540 Days? – How long is a person allowed to be away from the UK under applications for settlement based on 10 years’ lawful residence?

Written by Chuanli Ding.     I had always believed that in an application for settlement based on 10 years’ lawful residence pursuant to Paragraph 276B of the Immigration Rules, as soon as the applicant has not been away from the UK for more than 180 days on any single occasion or 540 days in […]

Right to Rent Checks – What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

This article is written in line with the new guidance published by the Home Office for landlords to guide them through the right to rent checking process. The full publication is available here.   First things first, what does right to rent mean?   It is not a difficult phrase to read; however, it can […]

Settlement Based on 10 Years Continuous Lawful Residence: Is Your Gap Book-Ended or Open-Ended?

Written by Caryn Toh.     The Court of Appeal raised the issues of the gaps in 10 years continuous lawful residence applications in the case of Hoque & Ors v SSHD [2020] EWCA Civ 1357 on 23rd October 2020. It considered whether unlawful residence which was followed by grant of lawful residence (“book-ended gap” as it […]

New Safety Measures Brought in for Victims of Domestic Abuse during Remote Hearings

Domestic abuse has unfortunately been on the rise since national lockdowns became part of life. People are forced to remain indoors most of the day when in some cases their home is the most dangerous place for them. This terrible crime destroys families and ruins lives. Measures must be taken to put an end to […]

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) – Another Minefield of Rent Repayment Claims for Landlords after the Rent Deposit Scheme!

First things first, what does HMO mean?   The concept of HMO was introduced by the Housing Act 2004. To put it simply, under section 254 of the Act, it refers to a building or part of a building or such building consisting of self-contained flats where:   its living accommodation is occupied by persons […]

BIICL new ‘Breathing Space’ guidelines for commercial contract disputes

Written by Rosa Huang.     England has been plunged into its second lockdown for a four-week period beginning from last week, but work of the courts and tribunals will continue to be exempted from lockdown measures. The exemption will help to avoid any substantial delays from the lockdown, given that the backlog of cases […]

Family Litigation: Relocation of children must only occur in exceptional circumstances

In relation to family litigation regarding children’s custody, the general position is that the child’s usual residence should not be changed unless in exceptional circumstances. When considering the issue of usual residence, the Court will consider how long the residence has lasted and how well the child has settled down into the surroundings including schooling, […]

Important Update: Amendments made to Immigration Skill Charge Regulations

The Immigration Skills Charge (Amendment) Regulations 2020 passed both houses of the Parliament on 3rd November 2020. It is to amend the Immigration Skills Charge Regulations 2017.   What is the immigration skills charge?   First thing first, immigration skills charge is levy paid by employers who hire foreign workers to the government.   Employers […]

Employment Focus – Are You Eligible for Furlough during Lockdown 2.0?

The second UK-wide lockdown begins tomorrow, bringing with it a fresh wave of anxiety. A large part of peoples worry will be based on their employment and how the new rules will affect their income. The furlough scheme kept many heads above water during the first lockdown back in March 2020 and with the scheme […]

Lockdown 2.0 – We remain open and ready to take your instructions!

As we are sure you all know, the UK’s second lockdown will start on Thursday the 5th of November and will last for 4 weeks.   We are writing this to let everyone know that we will remain open throughout the entirety of this lockdown and will be able to provide the same high quality […]

Mortgage Application Guide – Avoiding Money Laundering Allegations

Getting the approval for a mortgage on a property is a very tough thing to do for most people, especially in the current climate we find ourselves in. Often, a long time has been spent filling out forms and going over options with lenders and other professionals, not to  mention saving up the money needed […]

Latest Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules – Key Takeaways

The most recent changes to the Immigration Rules, according to the Home Office, aim to continue the government’s commitment to ‘simplifying the rules’ while also bringing in the Future Points-Based Immigration System.   This blog post aims to highlight the key parts of these new changes. For the full guidance you can follow this link. […]

Immigration Changes for EEA Nationals from Jan 2021 – What you need to know!

From 1 January 2021 the UK is bringing in new immigration rules in line with the country’s decision to leave the EU as a result of Brexit. A major part of these new rules is that EEA nationals will have to go through to the same immigration controls as non-EEA nationals. This has not been […]

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Faster, Cheaper and Equally Capable Of the Job?

Written by Lavinder Kaur.   What is Alternative Dispute Resolution?   When you have a contractual or commercial dispute, it is not granted that you must go to court to have your grievance addressed. Parties usually have a choice to opt for one of the methods of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) to resolve their […]

EEA Nationals – What to expect from Jan 2021 when entering the UK

From the very beginning of 2021 the more tangible effects of Brexit will be felt, especially for people entering the UK from abroad. This blog will focus on what EEA nationals will need to bear in mind when entering the UK for short trips in the New Year.   If you are an EU, EEA […]

The Home Office Has Made Covid-19 Concessions on Financial Requirements in Family Visa Applications

In the current times we find ourselves in it is important to try and focus on even the smallest of positives. While the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a massive toll on everyone in the nation, migrants living in the UK have some extra concerns on their minds in terms of how their and their family […]

Litigators Beware! Double hurdles ahead! The latest implication on setting aside default judgement

Written by Yitong Guo.   Case concerned:   Penta Ultimate Holdings Ltd and another v Storrier [2020] EWHC 2400 (Ch)   The Case   This is a claim brought in the Chancery Division in the High Court, concerning a dispute on alleged professional negligence by the former chief financial officer of the claimant.   A […]

Long-term renters! You may have to pay SDLT on your tenancy!

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is usually something people associate with purchasing a property or land rather than with renting tenants, but it may surprise you to know that certain long term renters have had to pay 1% SDLT since 2003.   Who is effected?   People who have been renting for a substantial amount […]

Shareholder claims and principle of ‘reflective loss’ – What can be learnt from Broadcasting Investments Group Ltd v Smith?

Written by Rosa Huang.     In the most recent case, the Broadcasting Investments Group Ltd v Smith, application of principle of ‘reflective loss’ in the Supreme Court decision in Marex Financial Ltd v Sevilleja was considered by court, shareholder of a shareholder of a shareholder of the claimant company seeking an order of specific […]

Restraint of trade – out with the old, in with the new

Written by Salina Lim.     In the recent case, Peninsula Securities Ltd v Dunnes Stores (Bangor) Ltd [2020] UKSC 36, the Supreme Court has shed light on the law and questions posed in respect of contractual restraints which restrain the use of the land.   On 19 August 2020, in the case of Peninsula […]

Can you discharge or modify the Restrictive covenant, easement / right that is affecting your land?

Written by Jessie Cheow.     Creebray Ltd v Deninson and another [2020] UKUT 262 (LC) – Unsuccessful application to modify or discharge covenant.   Background   The applicant company, the registered proprietor of a vacant plot of land (Oldways) applied to discharge or modify a restrictive covenant pursuant to section 84 of the Law […]

Compliance is Key! Naturalisation, EEA Nationals and the ‘Good Character’ Requirements

When applying for naturalisation or attempting to register as a British citizen, adults and children aged ten or over must meet what is known as ‘the good character’ requirement. This is said to vet undesirables from integrating into the UK permanently by checking that the applicant has not taken part in illegal activity or ignored […]

Court Finds No Evidence of Discrimination as Women’s State Pension Age Rises!

Women across the nation are likely to be united in their disappointment in the Court of Appeal’s decision to disregard campaigner’s accusations of discrimination after their state pension age was risen to be the same as a man’s.   The case in question which we will be focussing on in this article is *R (on […]

EU Settlement Scheme – Do not fall through the cracks!

The EU settlement scheme is designed to offer EU, non-EU EEA and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members living in the UK before the end of the transition period (during which free movement continues) the opportunity to protect their residence in the UK after the transition period has ended. The deadline to apply is […]

High Court: GAGAs can be enforced!

To enter into a commercial lease, one of the requirements of a landlord giving their consent to assign the lease will normally be that the original tenant agrees to enter into an “authorised guarantee agreement”, or (AGA) with the landlord to guarantee the incoming tenant’s liabilities for the lease.   When the incoming tenant fails […]

Rishi Sunak – What is the economic plan for the UK going forwards?

Currently, you could be forgiven for not being completely up to date with government policies, laws and legislations, as the Coronavirus has meant constant alterations and updates from the government.   Today’s announcement from Chancellor Rishi Sunak is certainly one to pay attention to, however, as it dictates the UK’s plan for dealing with the […]

Court of Appeal: ‘undue harshness’ is indeed capable of occurring quite commonly!

Written by Caryn Toh.     Court of Appeal: ‘undue harshness’ is indeed capable of occurring quite commonly!   On 04th September 2020, the Court of Appeal tackled the application of the definition of “unduly harsh” in the case HA (Iraq) and RA (Iraq) v SSHD [2020] EWCA Civ 1176.   Deportation   The UK […]

Eviction Ban Now Over, Igniting Fresh Worry For Renters – But What Options Are Available?

The ban on evictions, which gave renting tenants some much needed breathing room during the lockdown period, has now been lifted meaning proceedings will be going to court for the first time since March.   In England, Wales and Scotland, landlords must give six months’ notice of eviction, which has increased from two months before […]

Why the need to consider making an application for pre-action disclosure?

Receipt of documents before legal action can be vital to understand the strength of a prospective claimant’s position, how to ultimately plead its case and to explore the likelihood of whether a settlement can be reached to ultimately reduce the litigation costs. It is also intended to assist prospective claimants who need the disclosure to […]

Sky-high divorce rates part of the Coronavirus impact

The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but for marriages that were already in rough water the lockdown and restrictions brought in by the disease have been the final straw for many couples. Being on top of each other for a long period of time may have magnified issues that had been there all […]

COVID Secure Search Order Issued For Disgruntled Gas Company

Covid 19 has disrupted people’s life to a great extent. The government has issued strict social distancing guidance and threatens that any one in breach of it will face serious penalties. Court rooms and legal proceedings are no exception to this.   In such context, many hearings have become virtual. The Ministry of Justice issued […]

Do Not Ignore Restrictive Covenants!

Written by Felix Otouke.     The word covenant derives its root from Latin word ‘convenire’. Meaning “come together”, agree, unite or be suitable.   A restrictive covenant is a promise that prohibits us from doing something. Therefore, in the context of an owner or occupier of a piece of land, it is a promise […]

Employment Law Focus: In the eyes of the law, dismissal based on hearsay is unacceptable – even in serious circumstances!

It is reasonable for employers to want their employees to have clean criminal records for a variety of reasons, one major reason being the reputation of the business or institution they are responsible for. However, in the eyes of the law any dismissal made in response to an employee being at risk of having committed […]

Huge changes to immigration rules set to pave way for EEA students coming to the UK!

There have been some major changes to the UK’s immigration rules today, including an introduction of the Student and Child Student rules for the Points Based Immigration System which will replace the Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child) routes. There is also altered rules for English Language provision and some new guidance on the […]

Digital Identity in the UK – What does the future hold?

Six new principles have been developed to boost secure use of digital identity and strengthen digital identity policy in the UK.   Mark Warman, Digital Infrastructure Minister has said:   “We want to make it easier for people to prove their identity securely online, so transactions can become even quicker – it has the potential […]

Competition and Markets Authority has 4 major property developers in its crosshairs!

Four of the UK’s largest housing developers could face legal action after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed it has initiated action over the way leasehold homes were sold.   The developers in question are:   Barratt Developments   Countryside Properties   Persimmon Homes   Taylor Wimpey   The CMA claims that it has […]

Wedding bells are ringing! New reforms to offer new options for couples tying the knot

After the difficulties that 2020 has served up to us it is always nice to remember the good times in life, the events that bring families and friends together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company.   Weddings are up there with the biggest events in life and it appears that they are going to […]

Want to know what information the Home Office holds about you and how to obtain it?

We all know the feeling of having given something we own to a friend or family member and they take forever to give it back to us. It can be frustrating, and it can often leave us hesitant to loan anything to them again. Well, this same feeling is present when the Home Office are […]

September Brings Wave of HUGE Property Law Changes

Some really interesting and important changes to property law are being introduced from September 2020, with a focus on both environmentalism and industrialism being demonstrated. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is bringing in extra funding to promote greener UK homes, while applications for property extensions and rebuilds are also becoming more streamlined in a bid to revitalise […]

A Rightful Owner Or A Trustee For All?

Written by Stephanie Chiu.   A trust is not a novel concept to many. It is a way of managing a person’s assets. A person (a settlor) places his/her assets into a trust, appointing someone (trustee which can be the person him/herself) to manage the assets for the interest of someone else or even the […]

A Clearance Of The Past? – How Can You Benefit From the EU Settlement Scheme?

A quick refresher   As many will know, the EU Settlement Scheme has been set up in response to Brexit to allow EU, non-EU EEA and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period the opportunity to protect their residence in the UK after […]

Protecting Your Trade Secrets – What We Suggest: A Perception of Celgard LLC v Shenzhen Senior Technology Material

Written by Rosa Huang.     Recently an interim relief is granted by High Court of Justice of UK in a case enforcing the Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc) Regulations 2018 (“the Trade Secrets Regulations”), Celgard LLC v Shenzhen Senior Technology Material.   What we know about the case   The dispute is between Celgard LLC […]

The Law of the Land: Use Classes See Significant Changes!

Planning use classes are the legal framework which determines what a particular property may be used for by its occupants. In England, these are contained within the provision of Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987.   On the 21st July 2020, the government published The Town and Country Planning Regulations 2020 which will […]

When Is Consent Unreasonably Withheld?

Written by Evveline Loh.   In many contracts, in particular, those dealing with landlord and tenant relationship, if some sort of consent is required from one party to enable the other party to do (or not to do) something, there is normally provision that such consent should not be unreasonably withheld. However, the issue whether […]

Moving further into the modern age? Probate applications to go online!

In a world that revolves so much around technology, it is only right that the legal sector keeps up. This is why all probate applications made by solicitors would have to be conducted online under recent proposals from the Ministry of Justice, encouraging practitioners to go step forward into digitisation.   What exactly is probate? […]

Non-molestation orders – A way to free yourself from abuse

People spending a lot of time indoors due to lockdown naturally meant that couples who were having issues previously experienced an amplification of the problems in their relationship. This led to a spike in separations and divorce, which is usually a tough time for the individuals involved and their family members.   What makes this […]

Possessions Proceedings, Evictions and More – Landlords vs Tenants in the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has had a massive effect on the livelihoods of most of the world’s population. One of the most important things in life is the place you choose to live, and what to do with property that you own. It must be appreciated that renting property during this strange year can bring new […]

Family Law Focus: Navigating Child Custody

When it comes to a couple separating, a top priority is always the welfare of any children involved. In many cases, this can leave parents at odds with each other and unable to agree on who should take custody.   The main concerns often revolve around who the child will live with, if the custody […]

The Principle of Reflective Loss Does Not Apply To Creditors

Written by Lavinder Kaur, solicitor at Lisa’s Law.   What is reflective loss?   Firstly, the rule of reflective loss is derived from the principle of Foss v Harbottle, the company, being a separate legal entity, is the proper claimant to recover any loss resulting from an actionable wrong.   A shareholder’s loss in respect […]

Eat Out to Help Out – Get your business found!

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme means diners are able to get discounts of up to 50% on food and drinks between Monday and Wednesday between the 3rd and 31st of August, with the government reimbursing the businesses for these discounts, in a bid to get the hospitality industry back on track.   People […]

Stepping into the future? Will witnessing over video to be legalised in the wake of COVID-19

Wills witnessed using video technology such as Zoom and Skype are to be legalised, as the government aims to make it easier for people to have their final wishes met during the pandemic, and start to look ahead to a post-Coronavirus United Kingdom.   The basics of this new policy is as followed:   Government […]

Changes in place to help those who need urgent passports get them faster

Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO) has had to bring in some changes to account for the fact that an increasing number of people who do not meet the urgent and compassionate criteria will want a passport more quickly as international travel restrictions continue to ease, particularly those with pre-existing bookings.   Essentially, many people have […]

De Facto Adoptions Given Wider Allowances by Home Office

The Home Office has just published its internal guidance to caseworkers on visa applications for children who are adopted or to be adopted in the UK. Noticeably, the guidance has provided much needed clarification on the eligibility of de facto adoptive children coming to the UK and joining the family they have been integrated into, […]

Leave it or Sign it? Simple miscommunications can lead to serious consequences!

Wtitten by Yitong Guo.   BEC Construction Limited v Melt Hythe Limited [2020] EWHC 970 (TCC)   The Fact:   This is a High Court case in TECHNOLOGY & CONSTRUCTION division.   The Defendant Melt Hythe Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Its registered office is at an address known as Sunnyside, […]

BNO visa is open to Hong Kong Citizens from January 2021  – who is eligible and how will it work?

Following the announcement by PM Boris Johnson on 4th June 2020 that the UK would offer a new route to British citizenship to millions of Hong Kong residents who hold British Nationality Overseas passports (for more information on BNO passports, please click here), the Home Office has officially confirmed that these BNO citizens will be […]

Home Office update: Replacement visas available until the end of the year, with VAC’s now accepting passports

If your 30 day visa to travel to the UK for work, study or to join family has expired, or is about to expire, you can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates free of charge until the end of this year. This does not apply to other types of visas.   This process […]

Jarvis v Evans – Unlicensed Landlords and Possession Notice in Wales

Written by Evveline Loh.   The Court of Appeal gave an important judgement on the 7 July 2020. It was held that a notice served under s8 of the Housing Act 1988 by a landlord is a ‘notice to terminate a tenancy’ falls within the scope of s7 (2) (f) of the Housing (Wales) Act […]

Looking after the UK – Health and Care Visa to launch on 4 August

The Home Office have announced a new Health and Care Visa for foreign medical workers which will open for applications on 4 August 2020.   Instead of thinking of this visa as brand new, it is better to think of it as a new pathway within the Tier 2 (General) visa route. Plus, it is […]

Congratulations to Rosa Huang for being admitted on the Solicitors Roll!

We are hugely proud of Rosa Huang who has worked extremely hard to pass her Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme and has now been officially admitted on the Solicitors Roll.   Since joining us in near the start of 2020, she has been so professional, dedicated and successful in all of her work and displayed such […]

Family Law Focus – The Importance of Consent Orders

When a family finds itself going through tough times, one of the best remedies can be a plan for the future which can help bring clarity to an otherwise murky situation. Even when a family is breaking apart, being certain about how assets are being divided can bring some much needed stability, and provide a […]

The Future of UK Immigration is here…But what does it look like?

Home Secretary Priti Patel has revealed the UK’s new points based immigration system and post Brexit visa rules in a document spanning over 130 pages, so we have broken down the key factors for coming to work, study or visit. More detailed articles on the specifics will follow, but this blog will largely cover the […]

A new 5-year settlement visa for BNOs, who is eligible?

According to an announcement made this month by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the UK will target people holding BNO (British National Overseas) Status a new visa route with the possibility of permanent residency further down the line.   This route allows people from Hong Kong with BNO status to apply for a one-off visa for […]

With COVID-19 still in Sight, Redundancy Wave has Arrived!

One of the major fallouts of the coronavirus pandemic is the effect it has had on people’s livelihoods and careers. At the start of the year many people in work would have assumed their place was relatively untouchable if they continued to work hard and fulfil the role they were brought on to do.  However, […]

Migrants who face imminent destitution can also apply for public funds now

The Home Office has just updated their policy on public funds. The amended policy will allow migrants who face imminent destitution, not only those who are already destitute, to apply for public funds, which is clearly another positive step forward.   Online applications for access to public funds have already been available to certain migrants […]

PhD students to get 3 years PSW visas and all other graduates 2 years – the UK has opened its arms to global talents

The UK’s desire to becoming a leading scientific superpower has taken its first steps today, with the new Research and Development Roadmap being revealed by the Business Secretary Alok Sharma.   What are the key points of this plan?   Attracting and retaining global talents Government to ensure UK is the best place in the […]

Splitting assets in a divorce – How does it work?

Divorce is always going to be a difficult thing to deal with, and there is no definitive guidebook that everyone can turn to when figuring it out. Each divorce, like each marriage, is unique. A couple will spend so much time building a life together, it is only natural that they will also accumulate wealth, […]

Visas for the sole representatives of overseas businesses – What are they?

It is not always easy for a business to expand into a new market. Among others, culture, market conditions, law and tax systems can be completely different. It is natural that the business may want to send someone as its representative to the new market to establish a certain presence before it eventually decides whether […]

Finally some light at the end of the tunnel? – Property transactions in May see a slight rise

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) presents monthly estimates of residential and non -residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries, and as you’d expect that last couple of reports have shown a downward trend due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   You can check out our report on the April report here: Lowest rate […]

Pubs and restaurants may have to register all customers as hospitality industry re-opens

Decisions on relaxing the 2-metre distancing rule and reopening hospitality on 4 July are expected to be finalised at a meeting of the government’s Covid-19 committee today.   The committee will also be discussing the option of customers having to give their name and contact information on entry, as a means of keeping track of […]

Time to upgrade! Short term student visa holders can now apply for regular Tier 4 visas from within the UK

New guidance has been released for Tier 4 sponsors, Tier 4 students and short-term study students in response to the outbreak of coronavirus. As always, the concessions will all be kept under regular review by the government and will likely be withdrawn once the situation returns to normal.   As always, we are here to […]

Free visa extensions for family members of NHS workers – but only if you are NOT British?

Here at Lisa’s Law, we feel very passionately about the NHS and all the people who work within it. The UK is so fortunate to have a healthcare system as strong and open as the NHS, especially during such times as we find ourselves in now. Without all of the hard-work, selfless dedication and sacrifices […]

Lockdown divorce rates are sky high…and their affect on the property market is HUGE

Being in lockdown has been hard on all of us, but it has been even worse for couples who were already questioning the lifespan of their marriage. With the current rules keeping everyone cooped up at home, it can intensify an already volatile relationship.   Divorce rates since lockdown have seen a significant rise, and […]

Lowest rate of property transactions for over a decade! But how can you benefit?

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) presents monthly estimates of residential and non -residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries.   With the world so affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at the moment, we can tell by the recent reports that purchases are on a massive downward trend.   The Figures presented in […]

Welcoming Solicitor Evveline Loh into Our Ranks!

We are very happy to welcome Evveline Loh who started working at Lisa’s Law this week.   Evveline has over 5 year’s valuable experience to bring to the team, and she qualified as a solicitor in 2019.   Evveline studied law at the University of Sheffield and subsequently completed her Legal Practice Course at the […]

Renters Let off Unfeasible Fees!

A ban on letting agents and landlords charging their tenants extortionate fees was extended to all renters from 1st June 2020.   On 1st June 2019, many fees were banned for people taking on new tenancy agreements. This is known as the Tenant Fees Act 2019, and has now been extended to all renters in […]

A New Route to British Citizenship, Boris Promises to Hong Kong residents

As many may have read in the news, China has announced it has intention to impose a national security law on the city. Many residents in the city territory worry the law could affect Hong Kong’s unique freedoms.   In response to this, Boris Johnson has said the UK will change its immigration rules to […]

Reasonable or Criminal? Failing to produce Immigration Documents is a serious issue

It goes without saying that the only way one should enter into any country, including the UK, is by legal and correctly organised means, which involves having all the necessary paperwork and documentation on your person at the time of your arrival.   However, we are aware that life is not always so simple, and […]

Immigration Detainees Have Dropped by More Than 75%

In a recent statistical report on Covid-19 and the immigration system, it was noted that between the start of the UK lockdown on 23 March and the end of April, 295 people entered immigration detention.   231 of these people were classed as “clandestine entrants”, which means they entered the UK via secretive means, or […]

Furlough scheme set to wind down as national debt goes through the roof

At present, almost 8 and a half million people are on furlough, equating to a quarter of the total jobs in Britain.   A quarter of company directors surveyed by the Institute of Directors say they would not be able to afford to pay even 20 per cent of the furlough scheme if required – […]

Immigration News: All visas in the UK are automatically extended to July 31!

Although it was long overdue, the USCIS finally made the above announcement. This means that the identities of the following people have been automatically extended to July 31:   All those who hold a visitor visa in the UK expiring on or before July 31; and   All those who hold a student visa, spouse […]

Naturalisation Applications – Double Standards Continue

The Home Office has updated its guidance policy regarding naturalising as a British citizen. Naturalising this way requires the applicant to have been in the UK lawfully for at least 5 years before the application.   The Home Office’s policy is used to guide their caseworkers in their decision as to what residence should be […]

Jury trials to resume, but safety is paramount

HMCTS has confirmed that four Crown Courts have been assessed as currently suitable to hold jury trials and will begin to do so from next week.   They are:   Central Criminal Court, London (Old Bailey) Bristol Crown Court Cardiff Crown Court Manchester (Minshull Street)   Courts expected to reopen in the coming weeks are: […]

Wind Farm Workers – Extended Period to Join UK Workforce for non-EEA Nationals

In 2017, the Home Secretary introduced a concession to the Immigration Rules to allow the employment of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who are joining vessels engaged in the construction and maintenance of offshore wind projects in UK territorial waters.   The Home Office has just announced that this concession has been extended, with workers […]

Mortgage Lenders Introduce New Policies for More Flexible Routes for Buyers

The property market has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, but now mortgage lenders are beginning to introduce new measures to make things easier for people looking to buy or sell during this tough time. The aim is to reduce the amount of disruption caused to such transactions by COVID-19 in the coming months. […]

More funding in place for TFL

A statement issued from the Department of Transport today (18.05.20) states the following:   “In order to keep vital public transport services running in London and further ramp up services to support social distancing, the government agreed on Thursday 14 May a package of support for Transport for London (TfL). It comprises £1.095 billion of […]

Lisa’s Law COVID-19 Update: Your Online Solicitor!

Business is operating as usual here at Lisa’s Law Solicitors, and we have many brand new developments to ensure a high quality and efficient legal service is provided to our clients.   While rules relating to coronavirus mean people now have to stay indoors, we have adapted and brought in new technology which allows clients […]

The Most Recent Changes to Immigration Rules – key things to be aware of

It might seem like a strange time for the Home Office to change the Immigration Rules, with a global pandemic going on which has already cast so much uncertainty over the world.   Nonetheless, they are never short of surprises. On 14th May 2020, the Secretary of the State laid down changes to the Immigration […]

UK officially adds loss of taste and smell to COVID-19 symptoms

A loss of taste or smell have now been added to the list of symptoms related to coronavirus, and if people realise they are experiencing this they should stay home for at least 7 days.   Up until now, only a fever and cough were triggers for people to shut themselves away in self-isolation in […]

How should business owners be keeping their workspace clean and safe for their employees?

The workforce in England is still being told to work from home where they possibly can, a rule which will come as a relief to most people as the struggle against COVID-19 continues.   However, some people will be going into work now that Boris Johnson has encouraged those who cannot do their jobs from […]

Stuck outside the UK with an expiring passport? – here is what you should do

Getting a British passport is usually not too difficult for nationals of the country, but the coronavirus crisis has complicated the process for many people.   If you are in the UK and need a passport urgently, the bad news is that Premium and Fast Track services are temporarily unavailable due to COVID-19. The good […]

Moving house is possible once again – but how will it work with social distancing rules?

England’s property market will reopen from today with estate agents getting the green light from the government to start operating again.   Conveyancers and removals firms can also start operations again, and buyers and renters will be able to complete purchases and view properties in person. Surveyors are also allowed to enter homes to complete […]

Coronavirus can be kept outside – but for some the devil lives at home!

This article was written by Shanshan Chen. Domestic abuse on the rise   It has been 50 days since lockdown started on 23 March 2020 in the UK. Lockdown and quarantine have resulted in a horrifying surge of domestic abuse in countries affected by COVID-19 all over the world. Some experts describe the situation as […]

Too many detainees granted bail? Judges and Home Office failing to see eye to eye.

In what appears to be a heated debate, a senior judge has rebuked claims from the Home Office about the level of bail being granted to detained migrants recently, saying that the independent judiciary deal with such cases based on the law and nothing else.   The Home Office is supposed to detain only those […]

PM’s vague speech leaves many confused – but what has actually changed?

Yesterday evening, Boris Johnson announced the government’s plan to continue to fight coronavirus in the UK with a view to, at the same time, introduce policies that will help move the country towards normality once again. This announcement was followed by a 60 page guidance document made public today (11/05/2020).   His speech has been […]

Force Majeure: When is it relevant and can you rely on it?

What does force majeure mean?   Force majeure, which is French for ‘superior force’, refers to a clause that is included in contracts to remove liability for natural and unavoidable catastrophes that interrupt the expected course of events and prevent participants from fulfilling the obligations of the contract.   Some examples of what can potentially […]

What Protection is the Government giving to Universities during the Coronavirus Crisis?

The Home Office has today revealed new measures aimed at stabilising university admissions this autumn, with an aim to ensure “students are safeguarded at a time of unprecedented uncertainty”.   Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, announced the measures which have been based on proposals from the universities sector.   Williamson said:   “We […]

COVID-19 Testing – Who can apply and how does it work?

Knowing how many people in the UK have the coronavirus is obviously of paramount importance. Those who know that they have it will be more inclined to completely self-isolate – as we know that in some people the virus can show little to know symptoms but is still very contagious. This is vital for key […]

What powers do the police have in enforcing social distancing?

The police are doing a fantastic job on the front-lines of this crisis, and deserve a huge amount of respect, gratitude and empathy from the general public. What is already a massively demanding job has been made much tougher due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is no surprise that the Thursday public clapping for the […]

Are public funds available to migrants due to COVID-19, and how can they apply for them?

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, and has now solidified itself as one of the largest global catastrophes to occur in recent history.   For the vast majority of people in the UK, the worries that come with the virus are universal: worrying about the health of family members and themselves, having to self-isolate, […]

Coronavirus job retention scheme has now launched – but how does it work?

First things first, what does it mean to be furloughed?   Furloughing means an employee’s job is put on hold. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme allows firms to put employees on furlough, meaning they do not work but still get paid by the employer with money provided by the state.   The government will cover […]

Employment issues created by the Coronavirus – Where do you stand?

Issues bred from COVID-19 surrounding employment are some of the most vital, as peoples livelihoods may be affected.   This article aims to answer some of the frequently asked questions we have seen to do with coronavirus and employment.   Can an employer lay off employees?   The virus has caused countless businesses to lose […]

Free Professional Will Service for Our Amazing NHS Workers

The outbreak of COVID-19 has hit everyone hard, but none harder than the incredible NHS staff who are risking their lives every day in order to look after others.   We are hugely lucky to have the NHS, not only in hard times such as the ones we currently find ourselves in, but every day. […]

Home Office updates guidance once again for Sponsors

During the current situation with COVID-19 guidance around employee and employer sponsorship schemes are in a constant state of flux.   The guidance has been updated yet again. The latest changes are as followed: Completing a visa application in the UK   UK Visa and Citizenship Application Centres (UKVCAS) and Service and Support Centres (SSCs) […]

Uncertain times call for extraordinary measures for Landlords and Tenants

The following article was written by Salina Lim of our Conveyancing team.    Commercial tenants and landlords have an ongoing relationship in relation to lease terms despite the impact of COVID-19 on the economy on a global scale. This article touches on the various battles that tenants may endure against landlords, and vice versa during […]

Telephone and Video Hearings – Rules, Etiquette, and Advice

With the restrictions in place regarding social distancing, hearings are now largely taking place through video technology or over the phone. Below are some tips on how to make this process easier for everyone involved, as well as some guidance around the rules for regular hearings which still must be followed during video and telephone […]

50% Discount on Our Professional Will Drafting Service!

Act now! First 50 applicants will receive 50% discount on our Professional Will Writing Services!   One of our caseworkers has generously chosen to donate their hard-earned bonus to help fund clients in making their wills during these uncertain times, so we are offering half price wills to the first 50 clients who contact us […]

Some rules for visas relaxed due to COVID-19 – but do they go far enough?

Coronavirus has everyone feeling nervous, whether it is concern for the health of family members, missing the freedom of the pre-coronavirus world, or financial worries that come with being in lockdown – most people have been negatively affected in some way.   For those who rely on visas to remain and work in the UK, […]

Building Success from Disaster: Tomorrow belongs to the prepared

When the coronavirus struck and Boris Johnson placed the UK on lock-down on 23 March 2020, the UK’s housing market was left in total turmoil and potential sellers and buyers in the lurch.   Current government advice states that house viewings should be avoided. Recent guidelines issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local […]

Child Abduction Proceedings and other Litigation Concerns – Amendments made amid Coronavirus

Amendments have been made to the practice and case management rules around Child Abduction Proceedings due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The new guidance will be in place until further notice.   International Child Abduction and Contact Unit:   The ICACU staff are now operating remotely and are encouraging other Central Authorities to submit applications by […]

Coronavirus outbreak has thousands thinking about wills – we are here to help

The demand for wills has understandably increased since the outbreak of the coronavirus, with more people starting to contemplate their end of life plans. Financial consultancy firm deVere Group have revealed that the demand for wills jumped by 76% in the past fortnight alone.   People want to make sure everything is in place so […]

Housing possession proceedings suspended for 90 days

After considerable consultation on the impact of COVID-19, the court service has suspended all ongoing housing possession proceedings until June 25th 2020 – this means that neither cases currently in nor those about to start can progress to the stage where someone could be evicted.   This suspension will apply to those in both England […]

Coronavirus and the housing market – is it best to hold fire on moving home?

Whether it’s buying your first home, moving to a new location or selling a property that you’ve wanted to get rid of for years, navigating the property market can be a massively stressful and financially significant experience.   With the added complications of the coronavirus, this process is now even more challenging; many people have […]

Visa extensions and switches due to coronavirus – who can benefit and how can we help?

In response to the increasing severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Home Office have altered their immigration policy to allow those with visa’s soon to expire or without status to apply for extension or switch into other type of visas without having to leave the UK, in order to alleviate mass anxiety surrounding this issue. […]

Home Office has granted easy visa extensions until 31 May due to coronavirus

The situation for people who are in the UK on an expiring visa and unable to leave because of travel restrictions is a very serious one, which the government has now addressed.   The official guidance says:   If you’re in the UK and your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020: […]

What support is available for businesses during the coronavirus crisis?

The government has announced details of their support schemes for businesses during this difficult time, as you may have read about in our previous article here.   Businesses of all shapes and sizes may have been forced to close their doors for the foreseeable future in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.   […]

Adding to our service list – a great time to instruct!

The coronavirus outbreak is slowing the UK down in many ways, but it is not having an effect on our relentless work ethic and desire to deliver an excellent legal service to our clients.   In fact, quite the opposite! We are welcoming any new cases in the following areas, as well as continuing our […]

COVID-19 Update from Lisa’s Law Solicitors

As the situation with COVID-19 becomes increasingly serious, we want to let our past, current and future clients know how we are operating and adapting to ensure a fantastic legal service is still delivered to all those who instruct us during this time.   Usually, we work from three London based offices. However, due to […]

Has your business been affected by Coronavirus? We can help you receive Government Aid!

Coronavirus has hit the business world hard, and everyone is understandably very worried.   Rishi Sunak has pledged £330bn worth of aid and cuts to help businesses through these uncertain times.   We value all of our clients greatly, and we know that many of them own businesses of various sizes – we will not […]

Budget 2020 – Tackling Coronavirus and Helping the Vulnerable?

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak today unveiled the new Conservative government Budget for 2020.   Sunak’s speech was made confidently despite the added pressure of the coronavirus outbreak and he promised to invest massive amounts of money into the NHS, UK businesses, and environmental issues amongst other things.   This article will focus on […]

Containment Phase to Continue – Cobra Coronavirus Meeting Confirms

Boris Johnson held another Cobra meeting today to discuss the coronavirus and how the UK plans to handle it.   Those at the meeting, which included leading health experts, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and senior politicians, concluded that the UK should remain in the ‘containment’ phase of its plan.   This means that measures […]

Money worries and travel chaos – Coronavirus saga continues

The number of people in the UK who have tested positive for the coronavirus now stands at 115, and that number is only going to get higher as the days go by.   The outbreak has caused much uncertainty and disruption, especially regarding travel, work and school life.   It has been predicted that, in […]

Coronavirus Crisis – Your Rights as a Worker

Coronavirus is at the front of everyone’s mind, and has been for some time.   Schools have been closing across the UK over fears that pupils and staff have been exposed to the virus, either from being on holiday in affected countries or contracting it from those around them.   The virus has now fully […]

Coronavirus battle plan in the UK

Current data on the coronavirus (COVID-19) shows that everyone in the UK is susceptible to catching the disease and more likely than not it will have a massive effect on how the country operates.   The vast majority of those who catch coronavirus will experience mild to moderate symptoms, but it is highly infectious and […]

Coronavirus ‘very likely’ to be a significant challenge for UK says Boris Johnson

Widespread transmission of coronavirus in the UK is now “highly likely”, Public Health England (PHE) has said.   Director for Health Protection Paul Cosford said the country must be prepared.   What’s the global situation?   The number of people killed worldwide by the coronavirus has exceeded 3,000, with China reporting 42 more deaths. More […]

No visas for lower skilled workers from 2021– how will this affect the UK?

Low-skilled workers will not get visas under post-Brexit immigration plans, the Home Office have revealed. This will come into effect on 1 January 2021.   The reason for this move is to decrease net migration to the UK, which has been high on the Conservative agenda for some time, and to try to use people […]

No cap on applications – UK’s new immigration system treats EU and non-EU citizens equally

Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced more details of the UK’s “brand new” immigration system today (19/02/19), which will take full effect on 1 January 2021, which the government has said will open up the UK to the brightest and the best from around the world.   Interestingly, rather than being branded as an Australian […]

Exceptional Talent now becomes Global Talent in the UK

There is a new name given to the Exceptional Talent visa category – it will be called the Global Talent route under Tier 1 from 20th February 2020 onward. This will replace the Exceptional Talent route. This category is mainly targeted for individuals in the fields of Science, Engineering, Digital Technology and Humanities with the […]

Coronavirus: immigration guidance if you’re unable to return to China from the UK

Coronavirus has been at the front of everyone’s mind over the past few weeks. It is a scary situation when an illness like this one begins to spread, and it is very easy for people to start thinking the worst and panicking.   One thing that has been done to reduce the spreading of coronavirus […]

British travellers may be turned away from airports due to this new rule!

British travellers looking to visit countries in the European Union will have to jump a new hurdle due to Brexit, the Home Office has confirmed.   During the transition period for the remainder of 2020, UK passports are valid for travel anywhere in the EU up to and including the date of expiry.   However, […]

Property dispute handled excellently at Lisa’s Law

We recently navigated our way to success in a particularly challenging litigation case, whereby the defending party used various tactics to confuse and delay legal proceedings from taking place. While, as legal practitioners, this can make for frustrating work, it is all the more satisfying when that work pays off and our client is left […]

Windrush Debate – Compensation and Crime

The Windrush Generation has once again been claiming headlines as the government continues to deport offenders who came to the UK as children, in the face of large scale anti-deportation protests.   Who are the Windrush Generation?   A quick refresher on who comes under this label:   Those arriving in the UK between 1948 […]

Life after Brexit – how will it affect YOU?

As you may have read in our recent article, the UK is currently going through a ‘transitional period’ during which Boris Johnson and his political colleagues will hold extensive negotiations regarding the relationship between the UK and the EU with European leaders.   These negotiations will be completed and the results announced by 31 December […]

Amnesty International – Make a Will Month

We are very pleased to announce that Lisa’s Law Solicitors will be taking part in Amnesty International’s Make a Will Month campaign for 2020.   This wonderful initiative runs throughout March and will help raise vital funds for an excellent cause and is open to anyone who requires a simple will.  We also offer free […]

Huge numbers of Brits applying for non-UK passports post-Brexit!

More than 350,000 Brits have applied for a non-UK passport as an insurance policy post-Brexit, in the hope that it will grant them immunity from any negative outcomes of exiting the EU.   This surge has been rising steadily since the result of the EU referendum back in 2016, with some even forfeiting their British […]

What’s the score with Brexit’s Transitional Period?

Whether you are for it or against it, Brexit will be officially happening at 11pm tonight (31.01.20). This means the UK will be separate from the EU from this point forward, but the effects on everyday life will not become obvious due to a ‘transitional period’ which will last until the end of the year. […]

Tonnes of Talent! New Visa Type Explained in Statement of Changes to Immigration Rules

Boris Johnson has said numerous times that he wants the UK to be seen as a country of ideas and that a major part of his time as Prime Minister will be dedicated to attracting the ‘brightest and best’ people from around the world to live and work here.   A statement of changes to […]

A new dawn for UK immigration? Here is what to expect.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is hugely influential on the Home Office and the rules they bring in when it comes to migrants coming to work and settle in the UK. Today (28.01.20), they have released their official report on how they believe the Home Office should operate in this area.   We have summarised […]

Boris Johnson signals to get rid of £30,000 threshold for immigrants by 2021

The Prime Minister is planning on wavering plans on putting a £30k minimum wage threshold for immigrants coming to work in the UK after Brexit, according to recent reports.   This comes as part of Boris Johnson’s new immigration policy post-Brexit, for which he is said to be inspired by the current Australian system.   […]

UK Immigration Rules to be Completely Overhauled!?

The Immigration Rules are the document that set out the precise criteria for granting or refusing permission to enter and remain in the United Kingdom. It is a massively important document, but often people who use it the most (legal professionals, visa applicants) complain that it is very poorly constructed and difficult to understand.   […]

New update on family reunions and biometrics collection information

There is a minor update and change in the Family reunion application category in regards to their location of the application and place for the biometric information to be taken from now onward.   All applications made in the UK for the family re-union must be sent to:   UKVI Family Reunion Team, Admin Team […]

New Bill Puts End to Divorce ‘Blame Games’

Divorce is always going to be a hard thing to go through, whether you’re one half of the unhappy couple, a child of divorce or a close friend caught in the crossfire. It can be a hugely emotional time and often it’s made worse by the ensuing legal battles concerning property and custody of kids. […]

Immigration law at music festivals – what’s the score?

Music festivals can be great fun, and are becoming more popular than ever. Attendances have been increasing steadily, with around 4 million people in the UK now attending at least one per year.   When music-lovers are pitching their tents and discussing which of the performers they want to watch during their time at the festival, immigration law and […]

Missing the EU Settlement Scheme Deadline – A Word of Advice

First things first:   The deadline to apply for a post-Brexit status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme is 30 June 2021 or, If the UK leaves the EU without a deal   You are required to be residing in the UK before it leaves the EU to apply. The deadline for applying will be 31 December 2020.   You can […]

Custody battle between parents – how to make the best of a bad situation

The love between a parent and their child forms the base of the strongest bond imaginable between humans, and most families will do whatever it takes to stay together. However, sometimes life gets in the way and family situations are not always going to be perfect. We recently handled a sensitive family case, and are […]

Client receives HUGE unexpected bill leading to a true David vs Goliath success story!

Life can be full of unwelcome surprises.   Picture the scene:   A businessman rents out a premises from their local council, paying them rent and believing that the energy bills are included in that rent. They have never received a bill and have always assumed that the landlord takes care of it.   Once […]

Subletting Chaos – what could go wrong without a landlord’s permission?

Like all areas of business, things do not always go to plan in the world of conveyancing. It is always important to know exactly what you are getting into, and what type of people you are dealing with before even thinking about entering into a contractual agreement.   This isn’t always as easy as it […]

Tax avoidance case successfully handled! Client saves over £70,000!

The running of a business can take its toll. From balancing finances, looking after staff, providing a good service and everything in-between, it is no wonder that thousands of business owners in the UK frequently experience high levels of stress!   That stress is multiplied tenfold when you are accused of running your business in […]

Sole Representative of an Overseas Company Visa – The Do’s and Don’ts

Sole Representative is a UK visa category allowing an employee/member of an organisation to enter the UK as a representative of an overseas company for the purpose of establishing a wholly owned subsidiary or branch in the UK for the overseas parent company. This visa has become a very common and famous choice for corporate […]

Family reunions – A success story from Lisa’s Law

To be separated from your family for a long time is one of the hardest and most heart-breaking ordeals a person can go through. This is heightened when it is a parent who is separated from their child, with hardly any means of reuniting.   Even when the child grows to be almost 18, in […]

Administrative review – who, what, how?

If you have been denied a UK visa, an Administrative Review is a way to challenge the decision of the Home Office. Your application will be reviewed by a Home Office official. However, you must be aware that you cannot submit any new evidence in order to challenge the decision or rectify the shortcomings at the […]

Home Office can make serious errors, but how can we deal with them?

A recent Home Office blunder meant that a man was refused leave to remain to care for his terminally ill partner.   The Home Office denied O’Neill Wallfall’s application because he could not prove that ‘travelling back to the Iraq would put his life at risk’.   However, Wallfall, as a Jamaican national who had […]

Success story from Lisa’s Law – Settlement visa attained for mother and child

The overarching reason why Lisa’s Law exists is because we want to help people. Whether this be supporting someone just starting out to get their first business up and running or assisting a family in moving into their first home, we aim to be a pillar of support throughout the entire journey.   We recently […]

£1m investor visa – time is of the essence!

A few years ago, an investment of £1m into the UK was enough to ensure a right of residence for the investor. Since November 2014 the required amount has been increased to £2m, but for those who already hold a Tier 1 (Investor) visa on the back of the original £1m route are still able […]

10 years continuous residency – the do’s and don’ts

After living anywhere for an extended period of time, immersing yourself in the surroundings and carving out a place for yourself the community, you will begin to think of that place as your home. It is with this in mind that the Home Office offers the 10 year continuous residency route to indefinite leave to […]

No-deal Brexit possibility sparks further changes to the immigration rules

While the chances of a no-deal Brexit are growing increasingly slim, the Home Office have issued some changes to the immigration rules which will only come into play should the UK leave the EU without a deal.   Brandon Lewis, the Minister of State for Security and Deputy for EU Exit and No Deal Preparation, said […]

New changes to the Tier 4 Visa Route – International students to receive warmer welcome!

As many of you will be aware the immigration rules have seen many important changes that came into force at the beginning of October this year. Some of these rules directly affect students wanting to study in the UK.   We know how stressful student life can be at the best of times, so we […]

Mastercard Madness – Are you due compensation?

The vast majority of adults living in the UK could be entitled to compensation of up to £300 after a David and Goliath style court dispute led to a £14bn class action lawsuit.   Picture the scene: you are in your local convenience store buying some supplies for the week ahead. You place your items on […]

Tier 1 Visa Routes Updated: What has changed?

The Home Office published some new changes to the UK Immigration rules recently, and many of them have now come into effect this month. The purpose of this article is to communicate the changes made to the Tier 1 visa routes that are on offer.   Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa:   The Tier 1 […]

New additions to post-Brexit immigration policies unveiled!

Yesterday, the Queen made a speech which contained details of rather large scale reforms brought in by the Conservative government. More than a third of the new and returning bills are directly involved with new arrangements following Brexit.   The proposed immigration bill highlights its purpose to bring an end to free movement and will lay the foundation […]

Lower paid workers have their say on the Brexit madness

Brexit has a lot of people worried for all sorts of reasons. Many of those who voted to leave the EU back in 2016 are now feeling an uncomfortable twang of uncertainty in their stomachs, although of course there are the staunch leavers who just want Prime Minister Boris Johnson to see Brexit through even […]

A unique case study: the rights of family members of EU citizens is often a grey area

The rights of family members of EU citizens is a topic that we have visited frequently in recent months, with issues surrounding this area of law becoming something of a theme in news reports around the continent. The case we will be focusing on today again brings up some new issues, and highlights that the […]

Exceptional talent visa – Appeals now accepted in terms of endorsement refusal

An update has been made to the endorsement review form available for the Exceptional Talent visas from September 2019. It now allows the applicants the chance to request a review on a decision made against them in terms of endorsement.   This will be of great interest to anyone pursuing this visa route. You can take […]

Dependant parents and the EU Settlement Scheme: what is the deal?

As previously announced, the EU Settlement Scheme has allowed for EU citizens (and their spouses or civil partners) to have their dependent parents join them in the UK.   While this is great, there has been an air of confusion surrounding what qualifies as a ‘dependent parent’, and how the Home Office determines who makes […]

PSW is back – international students can now stay in UK for two years after graduation?

An increased focus on genetic research and the prevention of illnesses and disease means that the Home Office is planning to increase the amount of time international students with successful degrees have to find work in the UK after graduating.   Students will need to have successfully completed a degree from a trusted UK university […]

EU & non-EU: there have been important changes to the UK immigration rules

The Home Office have just announced some changes to the UK’s immigration rules. They will be of particular interest to those wanting to access the EU Settlement Scheme in the wake of Brexit.   These changes are fairly extensive, but are definitely worth knowing!   Amendments to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS):   The Home […]

Losing a British Passport abroad – consequences and solutions

For a lot of people airports can bring on feelings of nervousness and nausea for a vast array of reasons. You want everything to go swimmingly when you are at the airport so that you can get to where you’re going without any hassle, and the cost of plane tickets and the desire to get […]

Applying for Visa’s and Extensions – The Devil is in the Detail

An Indian entrepreneur living in the UK on a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa has had her visa extension denied, due to errors within her forms showing employees payroll information.   A core requirement of a successful Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa holder is their obligation to create at least 2 jobs in the UK within the […]

More Brexit confusion – what is happening with free movement?

The Home Office has hinted that EU free movement rules will end immediately if there is a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, sparking mass confusion and offering no concrete information.   This change could affect the rights of EU citizens who arrive in the UK from November onward.   Former Prime Minister Theresa May was […]

Living together vs Marriage – legal rights breakdown.

In the eyes of many people around the world, marriage does not have to be synonymous with love. Millions of people live together, have children and do all the things married couples do without ever tying the knot. Of course, on the reverse side there are people who see marriage as a very important part […]

10 things that should be at the front of first time buyers minds

Here at Lisa’s Law we deal with tonnes of different property cases, be it commercial conveyancing, or a growing family looking for a bigger place to live as the kids get older. An important demographic that we enjoy working with are those looking to buy property for the first time.   We have compiled a […]

Home Office error results in 2,500 students deported!

The Home Office have recently come out about some mistakes and misjudgements on their part which resulted in are 34,000 foreign students being wrongly accused of cheating in an English Language test in 2015. This test was important to their status in the UK and as a result of these errors many of them have […]

Good character testing on youths – a help or a hindrance?

The ‘good character’ tests conducted by the government are carried out with the general public’s interest in mind, with their main purpose being to exclude any non-desirables from being granted citizenship in the UK. It may be safe to say that these tests and those carrying them out, on the whole, would be met with […]

The Magic of the Make a Wish Foundation

The ethos of our company, from the very beginning, has always been to help people. Whether it is working hard on an immigration case to reunite families, assisting a young couple to make their first steps on the property ladder, or educating vulnerable people of their rights in the workplace, we want everyone to know […]

EU Spouses of British Citizens – What does Brexit mean for you?

The result of the 2016 referendum had a lot of people feeling on edge for many different reasons, but some groups definitely had more substantial and tangible fears than others. Right near the top of this ‘stress pile’ lie the spouses of British citizens from EU countries.   Everyone, understandably, feared the worst. Assumptions were […]

Right to buy schemes – it’s not always Easy Street!

First things first, what is a right to buy scheme?   A right to buy scheme helps eligible council and housing association residents in England buy their home with a discount of up to £110,500 (£82,000 outside of London). This is an option only open to certain people and there are certain criteria that must […]

Lisa’s Law is now a member of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme!

Today is a very exciting and proud day for all of us here at Lisa’s Law. After many successful residential conveyancing cases and tonnes of happy clients leaving our offices with smiles on their faces, we have now been fully recognised by the Law Society as an accredited member of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme!   […]

New divorce laws mean couples can split a lot more amicably.

Divorce is never easy and can have negative effects on all those involved, from the couple in question to their children, extended family and even friends. What makes divorce even worse is when the process is dragged out over a long period of time, where the pain is made worse by seemingly endless blame games […]

Bullying in the workplace – you don’t have to put up with it!

Bullying in the workplace is more common than you may think. Considering, on average, we spend around a third of our life at work this cannot go unchecked and people who feel that they are victimised must be supported and know that they need not stand for it.   Workplace bullying can take many forms, […]

Immigration rules should be relaxed when it comes to families, say campaigners.

The government is under increasing pressure from MP’s and charities to ease up on some of the rules that are currently prohibiting refugee families from reuniting. The current rules only allow for adult refugees to apply for their married or civil partners and children under 18 years old. Grandparents, siblings and children over 18 are […]

Money Talks! How can cash lead to quicker UK settlement?

It is no secret that having plenty of money is an extremely helpful and advantageous situation to find yourself in. It brings added security and comfort to your life. Although finding yourself in this situation is difficult and often requires tonnes of hard work, some luck and lots of support; however, it can indeed make […]

When the Court’s Judgements Conflict Each Other, What Will Happen?

Although it is quite common for judges sitting in Courts such as the County Court and the High Court to give oral judgements right after a hearing, the judges at the first-tier Immigration and Asylum Tribunal were not allowed to give oral judgements prior to 20th October 2014. They would have to reserve their judgements […]

Global Talent Visa – Home Office to add another UK visa option

The Home Office will launch a new fast-track immigration scheme for selected individuals who have skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM subjects). This will act as an extension of the already existing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa route. The fast-track immigration route will be designed to attract elite researchers and specialists in science, […]

Flipping Properties – is it flippin’ risky?!

The amount of people buying properties, fixing them up in a short amount of time before selling them for profit (otherwise known as flipping) has drastically reduced in recent years. In London just 1,240 houses or flats were sold on within 12 months of being purchased last year, a fall of 86 per cent since […]

Residential disputes – is your home fit for habitation?

Landlords and tenants enter into a contract together with hopes of a mutually beneficial and harmonious relationship. Each hope to get what they want and both envision disputes and confrontation to be at a minimum or ideally non-existent. The unfortunate thing about this is most of the time life is not so simple and care […]

Overstaying may have an effect on your potential UK citizenship! Find out why now

Evidence of overstaying in the last 10 years will have a significantly negative impact on people applying for UK citizenship, as new rules are introduced by the UK Home Office. Essentially, all people who have stayed on in the UK after their visas have expired will be refused citizenship apart from in certain circumstances. The […]

Bullying in the workplace – you don’t have to put up with it!

Bullying in the workplace is more common than you may think. Considering, on average, we spend around a third of our life at work this cannot go unchecked and people who feel that they are victimised must be supported and know that they need not stand for it. Workplace bullying can take many forms, much […]

Immigration Law

At Lisa’s Law, our expertise covers all aspects of immigration, nationality and asylum law, whether it is an application, an appeal or a judicial review claim. In particular, our experienced team is capable of providing professional solutions to the following types of work: Business Immigration Work Permit Migrants Intra-company Transfer migrants EEA free movement migrants […]