This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May) and according to statistics published by the Mental Health Foundation mental ill health is now the most common cause of work-limiting conditions among those aged 44 years and younger. The data also reveals that working conditions and environment are having a significant impact on […]
No win, no fee arrangements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements are a beneficial option for individuals pursuing personal injury claims. A Conditional Fee Agreement allows claimants to access legal representation without the burden of upfront legal costs. Essentially, if the case is unsuccessful, the claimant is not required to pay any legal fees, which […]
None of us knows what the future holds for our health and wellbeing, and that of our loved ones. Considering this and planning for the unimaginable is not easy to do, but as Shelley Collingbourne, Partner and Lucy Mitchell, Senior Legal Advisor in our Wills, Trusts and Probate team explain, having a Power of Attorney […]
There are many different types of Trusts, each providing a solution to match the short and long term needs of a trustee, as Tracy Creed, partner and head of our Private Client team explains. What is a trust? A trust is defined* as a way of managing assets – namely money, investments, land or buildings […]
The Duty Worker Protection Act 2023, an amendment to the Equality Act 2010, came into force on 26 October 2024, and requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. Whilst a necessary addition to the laws protecting people in the workplace, do they reflect today’s technology-dominated, remote workplace? Whilst COVID19 […]
Midlands law firm Sydney Mitchell has announced a string of senior promotions, including new partners for its Private Client and Family teams. The 260-year old firm, which has offices in Birmingham, Solihull and Sheldon, has promoted Private Client specialist Lorna Payne and Family Law expert Gemma Whitchurch to salaried partner, taking Sydney Mitchell’s partnership to […]
Though it has long been expected, a date has now been set when immigration fees across several categories of visas and sponsorships are set to increase. These changes mean higher costs for businesses currently sponsoring workers, and those considering sponsorship. Not only is the application fee for skilled worker visa’s rising, but also the associated […]
Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination. Whilst there may be jurisdictional differences owing to the American Laws, this case highlights the fundamental point of pay parity and overall fairness irrespective of any protected characteristics and differing jurisdictions. Emma-Louise Hewitt, Partner and Head of our Employment team explains. […]
The head of the Employment Law team of Midlands firm Sydney Mitchell has been announced as the new President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, the largest regional division of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Emma-Louise Hewitt, Partner and Head of Sydney Mitchell’s Employment Department since September 2018, takes over the Chamber’s Presidency on 20 […]
Overage agreements, also known as clawback agreements, are commonly used in commercial property transactions as an increasingly popular way for property developers and investors to protect their profits when selling property or land, that is expected to gain significant value in the future. Shilpa Unarkat, Partner and head of our Commercial Property team answers some […]