Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at the difference between owning a property as joint tenants or tenants in common. Read more...

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at the legal requirements for signing a will. Read more...

Part of our series of common legal questions and their answers, we look at the legal rights and obligations for personal data protection and privacy. Read more...

Will commonhold become the cool kid on the block? Read more...

The By Lawyers Criminal Offences app now includes new and updated Sentencing Guidelines for a number of motoring offences, all of which are effective from 1 July 2023. Read more...

The Purchase of land guide now includes new precedents and commentary. Read more..

At By Lawyers, we believe that matters are more than checklists and simply ticking boxes doesn’t get the job done. But there are times when an easy way to see where the file is up to, allowing others in the office to quickly pick up the threads, is essential. Our To do lists help to manage risk, guide the unfamiliar, and ensure nothing is missed. We have recently carried out a full and thorough review of the To do lists to provide consistency of language and format. This makes them easier to read, easier to complete and easier to keep updated. If you have any comments or suggestions about the changes, do please let us know.

Dismissal from work is traumatic, made even worse when the circumstances are unfair and the dismissal is the culmination of a distressing and difficult situation. Read more...

We have published a new commentary, A summary of the key obligations of the Anti-money laundering guidance for the legal sector which sets out the essential information that practitioners need to know to ensure that they comply with the requirements of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. The new commentary can be found in the Compliance requirements folder on every By Lawyers matter plan. The goal of By Lawyers is take the intimidation out of the law and ensure that our clients enjoy practice more. As a result, all By Lawyers commentaries are published with a focus on providing a sensible appreciation of law and practice in England and Wales.

We are very pleased to announce the release of two new By Lawyers publications: Employment Law – Non-Contentious; and Employment Law - Contentious. These two publications cover all aspects of practice and procedure whether acting for employees or for employers. They assist practitioners with representing clients, document drafting through to managing matters within the employment tribunals. The commentaries are practical and easy to understand and are supported by numerous helpful precedents. Key content includes: Commentary on contracts of employment, human resources, policies and procedures, transfer of undertakings, redundancy and unfair and wrongful dismissal. Commentary on conciliation, mediation and arbitration in the employee/employer relationship. Law and procedure relating to employment tribunals, including the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Comprehensive To Do Lists and Retainer Instructions ensure all necessary instructions are taken and followed. Letters to clients and third parties when establishing the employment relationship and when disputes arise. These Employment Law publications are an invaluable resource for practitioners who regularly conduct employment matters, as well as those with limited experience or those supervising junior lawyers. We invite you to explore these new guides. Comments and feedback are always welcomed.

The Criminal commentary has been enhanced with information about the new technology and case management platforms being introduced in police stations, prisons and courts. More detail has also been added around the practical aspects of hearings, including video and telephone hearings. New guidance leaflets for clients Enclosure – Checklist for client going to court, Enclosure – Information sheet – Magistrates’ Court process and Enclosure – Information sheet – Crown Court process have been added to assist practitioners in preparing their clients.

The By Lawyers Private Child Arrangements guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and practice. The extensive review took a practical approach to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help solicitors and conveyancers confidently run a private children matter. The commentary covering witnesses has been expanded. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for solicitors and practitioners.

The By Lawyers Divorce Guide has been reviewed and updated to ensure that the commentaries and precedents are in line with current law and practice. The extensive review was performed by our author Marcella King. As with all our authors, Marcella takes a practical approach, drawing on her considerable experience to cover all aspects of procedure, with a focus on practical tips that will help legal advisors confidently run a divorce matter. New precedent separation agreements for both married, civil partnered, and unmarried couples have been included. We invite you to explore this updated publication and to consider the wealth of assistance the guide offers for practitioners.

In line with advice from the Conveyancing Association, By Lawyers have amended our precedent post-completion notices to include a section relating to Land Registry certificates. These edits will allow practitioners to obtain the necessary consents more efficiently and cost-effectively. The notices can be found in the Purchase of Land Guide. In order to access the latest version of these precedents, don’t forget to click or tap update and replace the existing precedent when the document is opened.

A summary of the rules and responsibilities for client money has been included in the Practice Management guide. They are expressed as a straightforward and easily understood appreciation of the essential obligations and professional responsibility when handling client money.