Date 3 October 2011
Welcome to the October edition of the Commercial Litigation Stay Alert.
In this edition David Linklater considers the potential problems associated with commercial squatters highlighted by recent events at Dale Farm and Simon Walsh explains the government's proposed changes to litigation funding and costs recovery and why you need to act now.
We address other common legal-business issues in our recent media coverage including Service Charge Arrears, Confidentiality Clauses, Paternity Leave and The Bribery Act.
We would also like to take this opportunity to extend an invite to our free autumn workshop, Agency Worker Regulations 'Equal Treatment' see below for further information.
If you have any questions or comments on any of the articles in this Stay Alert! please e-mail me or call your usual SA Law contact. Please also feel free to forward this Stay Alert! to any of your colleagues or contacts who may be interested in it.
Last but by no means least, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my co-head of department Robert Ryall on his appointment as a trustee for Keech Hospice Care. Click here to learn more.
Kind regards,
Tracy Lacey-Smith
Partner
Joint Head of Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Dale Farm - The Saga Continues
It isn’t often that an eviction process garners as much publicity as Dale Farm. Whilst everyone is familiar with the broad facts, David Linklater talks us through potential problems of commercial squatters.
Click here to read the full article.
All Change - Act Now or Risk Paying More Later
Simon Walsh explains the key terms of art following the on-going debate on the rights and wrongs of the Government's proposed changes to litigation funding.
Click here to read the full article.
Questions & Answers on Recovery of Unpaid Invoices
The recovery of unpaid invoices can be an issue for many companies, solicitor Ben Ashworth answers your questions.
Click here to read the full article.
SA Law Mentors local St Albans School Pupils in CVS Dragons Apprentice Scheme
SA Law is delighted to announce we are taking part in The Connect St Albans Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge 2012.
Between September 2011 and March 2012 our SA Law ‘Dragon’, Solicitor Chris Alexander, will be mentoring a group of eight pupils from St Albans Girls School (STAGS).
Click here to read the full article.
Recently Published Articles & Coverage in the Media
SA Law is regularly asked to contribute to various sector publications in our specialist areas. Here are a few of our most recent pieces:
Raising the bar
Commercial Dispute Resolution Solicitor Ben Ashworth investigates the radical proposals to raise the small claims threshold. The introduction of compulsory mediation appears to have simplified the system and saves parties money, but do they hold up to closer scrutiny?
Click here to read the article originally published in The Solicitors Journal.
Am I liable for service charge arrears which predate my purchase?
Property Litigation Solicitor Chris Alexander tackles this question that regularly comes up in the months after a leasehold purchase when managing agents/landlords chase arrears.
Click here to read the full article originally published on the Leashold Life website.
How safe are your company secrets?
Commercial Dispute Resolution Partner Tracy Lacey-Smith talks us through the importance of Confidentiality Clauses in light of the New of the World scandal and how to ensure your company's commercially sensitive information stays private.
Click here to read the article on the Real Business Website.
The Bribery Act: Should you care?
Corporate Partner Chris Wilks provides sensible, practical guidance following the Bribery Act coming into force and dispels any 'end of corporate hospitality' whispers.
Click here to read the article on the Real Business website.
Paternity law changes for expectant bosses.
Senior Employment Associate Chris Cook shares his Top Tips for how employers can manage the changes to Paternity Leave Rights, which entitle qualifying Fathers to have the right to take up to 26 weeks additional paternity leave.
Click here to read the full article on the Real Business website.
Meet the Team
In part six of this regular feature we meet Partner Tracy Lacey-Smith.
Click here to read more.
Autumn Seminars
Agency Worker Regulations
'Temporary (Agency) Workers Equal Treatment'
As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting best practice, SA Law is offering free Employment Law seminars this Autumn.
Join us at one of our free interactive workshops and learn how your business can prepare for the forthcoming changes to Agency Worker Regulations.
For HR Professionals
Dates: 6th October
Time: 4.00-600pm
Where: SA Law, 60 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG
Date: 19th October
Time: 3.00-5.00pm
Where: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
For Recruitment Agencies
Dates: 12th October or 1st November
Time: 4.00-6.00pm
Where: SA Law, 60 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG
Click here for further information or to book a place to attend.
© SA Law 2011
This bulletin is a reminder of forthcoming legislation that may affect you. However, please seek specific legal advice in relation to individual matters. No responsibility can be accepted for any person or organisation that acts on the basis of information contained in this bulletin alone.