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Are you struggling to think of what gifts to buy your family this Christmas?

Commercial law firm hlw has appointed Chris McAvoy (25) to its Employment Team. Chris studied for an LLB (Hons) Degree in Law at the University of Durham and graduated in July 2005.

Emilda Eaton, our Private Client Partner, discusses a recent case.

A recent high profile case involving the actress Taryn Dielle (she was in ‘Allo ‘Allo apparently…) and her millionaire husband highlights the importance of having a Will.

The Credit Crunch continues to grip the economy with more and more business sectors becoming concerned about their future prospects.

With the recession beginning to bite, many occupiers of rented property are looking to move to less expensive premises or reduce the space they currently occupy.

In the current economic climate many landlords of business premises are encountering problems in obtaining payment of rent from tenants.

The Law Society Gazette has reported that the number of intellectual property protections suits launched in the Chancery Division jumped 83% last year.

From 1 October, a private company can reduce its issued share capital by a new solvency statement procedure which should be a quicker and cheaper alternative to the existing procedure which requires an application to the Court.

Employers are reminded that from 1 October 2008 the adult National Minimum Wage (NMW) applicable for those aged 22+ rose from £5.52 to £5.73 an hour. The minimum rate for 18- to 21-year-olds increased from £4.60 to £4.77 an hour and for 16- to 17-year-olds the rate is now £3.53 an hour instead of £3.40.

With the economy in the doldrums, commercial landlords can reasonably expect to face an increasing problem with rent arrears and breaches of lease terms by tenants. In such cases, a landlord has rights which can be enforced without a court order but, as in all such matters, it is important to take professional advice before you act.