Our lawyers are recommended in The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2018 editorial (listed below)

WEST MIDLANDS
Dispute resolution - Commercial litigation - Birmingham
- Dean Parnell
- Kamal Majevadia

Dispute resolution - Debt recovery
- Kamal Majevadia
- Hayley-Jo Lockley
- Gemma Parker

Finance - Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Leanne Schneider-Rose

Human resources - Employment
- Dean Parnell
- Samantha Glynn

Insurance - Clinical negligence - claimant
- Mike Sutton
- David Lydon
- Adam Hodson
-Stephen Jesson

Insurance - Personal injury - claimant
- Mike Sutton
- David Lydon
- Adam Hodson

Insurance - Professional negligence
- Sundeep Bilkhu

Private client - Contentious trusts and probate
- Kamal Majevadia (leading individual)
- Tracy Creed

Private client - Family - Birmingham
- Karen Moores
- Mauro Vinti

Private client - Personal tax, trusts and probate
-Tracy Creed ~
- Nicholas Bennett
- Ravinder Sandhu

Public sector - Health
- Dean Parnell
- Fahmida Ismail
- Tony Harris (Deceased)

Real estate - Commercial property - Birmingham
- Georgina Walsh
- Div Singh
- Fahmida Ismail

Real estate - Property litigation
- Sundeep Bilkhu
- Kamal Majevadia

Fantastic news Sydney Mitchell has won Law Firm of the Year in the 5-15 partners' category in the Birmingham Law Society Awards 2018. A great achievement!  Thank you to all the partners and staff who made this achievement possible.

Partners Fahmida Ismail, Sarah Archer, Kam Majevadia, Tracy Creed, Dean Parnell and Mauro Vinti accepted the award on the night presented by Emma Jesson and the category sponsored by Tony Rollason (Landmark Information Group).

Fahmida Ismail commented:

What an excellent result, recognising the hard work contributed by every single person in the firm in making us exceptional and being recognised by the Birmingham Law Society as Law Firm of the Year.

We are all extremely proud to continue to serve our clients to the highest standard.  Birmingham has such a lot to offer businesses and individuals and Awards like this just continue to show that we have great quality firms and people here in Birmingham.

Sydney Mitchell specialist teams include employment, commercial property, company and commercial services, litigation and insolvency. Private client teams include family law, residential property, dispute resolution and wills and probate, contentious probate, tax and trusts and personal injury.

Sydney Mitchell previously won this award in 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and it is a fantastic result that the firm has won the award in 2018.

Well done to all the winners in the Birmingham Law Society Awards 2018  - full list link attached

http://www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk/2018winners

If you would like help on any legal matters, please call 0121 698 2200 or email enquiries@sydneymitchell.co.uk or fill in our online enquiry form

Santa Clause may very well be coming to town but it is important for employers to remember that tribunals are often tasked to rule on whose been ‘naughty or nice’ at the office Christmas do! So let’s keep you off the naughty list!!

AVOIDING EMPLOYMENT LAW ISSUES AT CHRISTMAS

It is vital that each and every Christmas reveller attending the festive celebrations hosted by employers is made fully aware of the policies and procedures governing their behaviour and expectations.

Employers should take steps to ensure they are up to date on what their responsibilities are in relation to parties or events which they organise or sponsor to mark the festive season.

After all, it is the employer who will have to answer for the actions or risks to welfare of the employees at the event.

So, what should you do? Employers need to make their list and check it twice before decking the halls to ensure they avoid a jingle hell at this year’s Christmas do!

POLICIES AND PROCEEDURES

All employers should have in place the relevant policies and procedures setting out the expectations on standards on behaviour for all staff, both in the office and at work related functions including the office Christmas party. Employees should be gently but firmly reminded that the event is organised by their employer and so they should adhere to the expectations of their employer. It may seem a tad draconian but taking such as approach could save an employer a lot less stress and financial risk in the long run.

It does not mean that you have to label yourself as the  ‘spoil sport’ or Ebenezer Scrooge. The very ethos behind the annual Christmas party is to allow employees to unwind and relax as reward for their hard work throughout the year. Providing a fine meal, a glass of wine or two and even some live entertainment can be a perfect token of your appreciation.

We ho-ho-hope that you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (and that you have an incident-free Christmas party)!

For help or guidance please speak to Emma-Louise Hewitt on 0121 698 2200 or email e.hewitt@sydneymitchell.co.uk

Midlands Top Tier Award Winning law firm Sydney Mitchell LLP is delighted to announce that it has expanded its Commercial Property Team in the West Midlands with the appointment of Richard Cox as a Consultant Solicitor.  Richard specialises in all areas of commercial property.  He joins the firm from Shakespeare Martineau in Stratford where he was a Partner for the last 17 years and was head of the Stratford Real Estate Team.

Div Singh, Senior Partner at Sydney Mitchell said:

Richard’s Commercial Property expertise and experience is a great addition to the Team and he has certainly hit the ground running quite literally; in addition to his legal skills he has recently been awarded Participation Coach of the Year by Triathlon England.

Richard covers all aspects of Commercial Property including development projects acting for both developers and owners on residential/commercial projects. He has worked extensively within the utility industry dealing with renewable energy projects such as Wind Farms, Biomass Plants and Combined Heat and Power Plants. He also deals with general landlord and tenant work and sales/purchases of land and buildings.

Richard Cox, Commercial Property Consultant, Sydney Mitchell, commented:

It is great to join such a well- known, long established and award winning Midlands Law Firm. I am really looking forward to working with Shilpa and the Corporate Team and hope to add to the already excellent service the team is providing to clients.

Richard has acted for a number of property developers, both residential and commercial, plus a number of large investors in office and retail premises.

Richard joins Commercial Property Senior Associate Shilpa Unarkat based in Shirley and the Company and Commercial Team, Div Singh, Fahmida Ismail, Roy Colaba and Jay Singh based in the city office.

In his spare time, Richard organises a Junior Triathlon Club and occasionally takes part in Triathlons.  He is a School Governor for Stratford Girls Grammar School. He also enjoys playing golf and when he can find time he likes to bake bread and cakes.

Sydney Mitchell’s specialist teams include employment, commercial property, company and commercial services, litigation, insolvency, licensing and gambling law. Private client teams include family law, residential property, dispute resolution and wills and probate, contentious probate, tax and trusts and personal injury.

Sydney Mitchell LLP is pleased to announce their chosen charities for 2019 are Age UK - Solihull and the Buddy Bag Foundation; two great Midlands charities that have been selected by staff for its fundraising activities.

Sydney Mitchell invited the charities to meet partners and staff at their offices to hear more about the charities and what they are hoping to achieve over the next 12 months.

Lorraine Hart, Fundraising Manager at Age UK Solihull said:

We're so grateful to have been chosen as one of Sydney Mitchell's two chosen charities for the coming year. 

It was great to meet the Birmingham, Shirley and Sheldon teams and to see their enthusiasm for supporting us both through fundraising and volunteering and to hear about their own experiences of seeing the challenges faced by older people. 

We look forward to working with the teams to our mutual benefit.

Karen Williams, Founder of the Buddy Bag Foundation added

Buddy Bag Foundation would like to thank Sydney Mitchell for choosing us as their Charity of the Year.

Together, we can raise awareness and essential funds to continue to provide Buddy bags to children in emergency care.

Together, we can make a real difference.

Karen Moores and Sarah Archer, Partners at Sydney Mitchell commented:

We are pleased to support such worthy charities. Both were put forward by staff in our recent staff survey.

It is great to be helping both young and old and we are looking forward to engaging with the local community to provide support to both.

*Age UK – Solihull provides help and support to older people in the borough of Solihull. The Vision of Age UK Solihull is of a world where older people flourish and our Mission is to improve the lives of all older people in the borough. Most of our services are provided free.

All the money we raise stays in Solihull to help pay for services which include information and advice, companionship and practical help.  Find out more at www.ageuksolihull.org.uk .

**The Buddy Bag Foundation was created in response to the rising number of children who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home.  The Foundation helps restore a sense of safety and security into a child’s life during a traumatic time.  By providing these children with a few essential items, the charity can help make the transition into emergency care a little easier.  Over 48000 children require emergency accommodation each year in the UK.  Founder Karen Williams launched the Buddy Bag foundation in 2014 after being inspired by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in Australia.

Sydney Mitchell LLP is a Legal 500 Top Tier firm based in the Midlands with over 100 employees. The firm’s specialist teams include employment, commercial property, company and commercial services, litigation and insolvency. Private client teams include family law, residential property, dispute resolution and wills and probate, tax and trusts and personal injury.

Picture:

Lorraine Hart, Age UK-Solihull; Karen Moores, Partner, Sydney Mitchell; Sarah Archer, Partner, Sydney Mitchell; Karen Williams, Founder Buddy Bag Foundation

Sydney Mitchell shortlisted for Medium Law Firm of the Year in the The Law Society Legal Awards

Sydney Mitchell are proud to announce that the firm has been shortlisted for Medium Law firm of the Year.  The awards will take place in London on 17th October.

The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of nominations this year. The success stories received featured a remarkable number of inspiring achievements demonstrating the outstanding skills, experience and determination that continues to drive our profession.

Sydney Mitchell are proud to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award. 

We thank our staff for their hard work and excellent service levels that result in our nomination for such awards.

Well done to all for reaching the shortlist.  To put this into context there are 10,500 law firms in the UK so it is a real accolade to be shortlisted.

Good luck to all firms at the Awards in London on 17th October 2018.

A glorious sunny but windy day saw our highly skilled golfers raise a fantastic £2600 for local Midlands’ charities. Ladbrook Park Golf Course was in excellent condition with Midway Care Group winning the competition.

Eastcote Wealth Management came in a very close 2nd place and Fahmida Ismail’s Sydney Mitchell team in 3rd place.  It was an exciting completion with Mulligans, Jokers and a yellow ball thrown in to keep players on their toes.

Freedom Technical won the Yellow Ball competition; the longest drive was won by Andy Chubb of Insol Group and the nearest to the pin winner was Richard Hales of Green Office Technologies.  Unfortunately no one won the £5000 Hole in One Prize on the 12^th however Angela Harrison was the first to get on the green with an impressive drive.

Our two Midlands’ charities will benefit from the £2600 raised on the day; Age UK Solihull* and the Buddy Bags Foundation**.

Div Singh, Senior Partner at Sydney Mitchell commented:

All players showed their generosity in supporting the fundraising and a special thank you to Automated Systems Group who sponsored the 18th hole and to Ladbrook Golf Club for donating a four-ball for the raffle.  £935 was raised from the mulligans and raffles alone.  It is great to be able to raise much needed funds for Age UK Solihull and the Buddy Bag Foundation.

Lorraine Hart of Age UK Solihull commented:

We are really grateful to Sydney Mitchell for organising the Charity Golf Day and would like to thank everyone who supported this event and for selecting Age UK Solihull for their charity this year.  Everyone needs help in later life, and it is great to be able to give that much needed support to older people in the Solihull Borough.

Alison Bird of the Buddy Bag Foundation, added:

The Buddy Bag foundation was set up to help children fleeing violent situations, often having to leave home quickly, without the chance to collect basic items.  Often children arrive in emergency accommodation with just the clothes they are wearing.  Every penny raised by charity goes to creating the Buddy bags that are given to children affected by situations beyond their Control.  Each bag costs £25 and contains the basic toiletries, pyjamas, socks, underwear, book, picture frame and a small teddy bear to provide a little comfort for them.

We thank the generosity of the players and Sydney Mitchell for supporting our Charity.

*Age UK – Solihull provides help and support to older people in the borough of Solihull. The Vision of Age UK Solihull is of a world where older people flourish and our Mission is to improve the lives of all older people in the borough. Most of our services are provided free. All the money we raise stays in solihull to help pay for our services which include information and advice, companionship and practical help.  Find out more at www.ageuksolihull.org.uk.

**The Buddy Bag Foundation was created in response to the rising number of children who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home.  The Foundation helps restore a sense of safety and security into a child’s life during a traumatic time.  By providing these children with a few essential items, the charity can help make the transition into emergency care a little easier.  Over 48000 children require emergency accommodation each year in the UK.  Founder Karen Williams launched the Buddy Bag foundation in 2014 after being inspired by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in Australia. www.buddybagfoundation.co.uk

Sydney Mitchell LLP is a Legal 500 Top Tier firm based in the Midlands with over 100 employees. The firm’s specialist teams include employment, commercial property, company and commercial services, litigation and insolvency. Private client teams include family law, residential property, dispute resolution and wills and probate, tax and trusts and personal injury.

Pictures

Winners – Midway Care Limited; Matt Harrison, Lee Harris, Ian Brown and Angela Harrison with Div Singh, Sydney Mitchell and Kam Majevadia

2^nd Place - Eastcote Wealth Management; Jonathan Hearn, Trevor Law, James Carty, John Ruddick with Div Singh, Sydney Mitchell and Kam Majevadia

3^rd Place – Sydney Mitchell; Fahmida Ismail, Aamer Janjua, Asif Din, Mohammed Shoiab with Div Singh, Sydney Mitchell and Kam Majevadia

Yellow Ball winners – Freedom Technical; Mark Reynolds, Baljit Singh, John McCormack, Narendra Patel

About Age UK Solihull

Age UK – Solihull provides help and support to older people in the borough of Solihull. The Vision of Age UK Solihull is of a world where older people flourish and our Mission is to improve the lives of all older people in the borough. Based at The Core, Central Library Building, Solihull, B91 3RG and in Chelmsley Wood Library. 0121 704 7840 info@ageuksolihull.org.uk Charity number 1055887

About the Buddy Bag Foundation

The Buddy Bag Foundation was created in response to the rising number of children who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home.  The Foundation helps restore a sense of safety and security into a child’s life during a traumatic time.  By providing these children with a few essential items, the charity can help make the transition into emergency care a little easier.  Over 48000 children require emergency accommodation each year in the UK.  Founder Karen Williams launched the Buddy Bag foundation in 2014 after being inspired by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in Australia. hello@buddybagfoundation.co.uk

www.budybagfoundation.co.uk @buddybagsuk Charity No. 1164916

Midlands Legal 500 and award winning law firm Sydney Mitchell LLP is delighted to announce their new Head of Employment Law Emma – Louise Hewitt. Emma joins the team in Birmingham from Standley & Co, Solicitors.

Emma has extensive experience in a variety of employment matters for both individuals and businesses ranging from SME's to large global multi-site organisations. She has led a variety of complex tribunal cases and advises on all aspects of employment law including settlement agreements, redundancies, unfair dismissal and discrimination cases.  She has specialist experience in high value terminations, executive service agreements and post termination restrictions. Emma has advised a number of organisations on HR matters and delivered HR training courses to business owner, managers and directors.

Emma-Louise Hewitt commented:

I am really pleased to be joining such a well-regarded Firm that has been established for over 200 years.  The Firm has a fantastic reputation and its Legal 500 status and Law Firm of the Year 2018 award speaks for itself.  I am looking forward to working with a forward thinking firm to achieve the best results for its clients.

Dean Parnell, Joint Head of the Dispute Resolution Team, added:

We are delighted with Emma’s appointment which will add further strength and depth to our existing team.  Emma brings a good range of experience to this role which will be of immediate benefit to our clients; it is certainly an exciting time for the employment team at Sydney Mitchell.

Emma is based in the firm’s Birmingham office.

In her spare time Emma enjoys a good book and run, but more importantly spending quality time with her family.

Tactical manoeuvring designed to ensure that big money divorce cases are heard in England, where judges are perceived as being more generous, does occur. In one case, however, the High Court cleared a wife of any such cynical conduct.

The former couple were both German nationals, but had lived in England for some years prior to the breakdown of the marriage following the wife’s discovery that the husband had had an affair. She petitioned for divorce in England, just over a month before her husband lodged a parallel petition in Germany.

In arguing that the divorce proceedings should take place in Germany, the husband claimed not to have been properly served with the English petition. He also asserted that the wife’s petition was an abuse of process in that, at the time it was issued, she held no genuine belief that the marriage had irretrievably broken down. She was alleged to have lodged the proceedings simply to ensure that the divorce would proceed in England in the event that a divorce proved necessary.

In rejecting those arguments, however, the Court found that the wife had clearly been shattered by the discovery of the husband’s affair. Her petition was genuine and was designed to be served immediately and to bring the marriage to an end. A delay in serving the petition was largely due to an administrative error and the husband was fully aware of the English proceedings before he lodged his own petition in Germany. In the circumstances, the English courts had jurisdiction to consider the wife’s petition.

Please contact Karen Moores on k.moores@sydneymitchell.co.uk for advice on this or other related Family Law matter.