For most people, their homes are their single biggest asset and that is one reason why it is always wise to have an independent solicitor present to witness signatures on property transactions. In one case in which that did not happen, a middle aged man’s
Enterprises built on oral contracts are built on sand and frequently give rise to bitter regret after the event that agreements were not put into writing by a lawyer. That was certainly so in one case concerning the ownership of a thriving computer equipment company
Statistics do not have the best reputation – often being equated with ‘damned lies’ – but they can be of critical relevance to employment proceedings. That was certainly so in one case concerning a part-time airline purser who was alleged to have been less favourably
The distinction between an ‘annex’ and an ‘extension’ to a building may appear only slight. However, in a case of interest to charities and tax professionals it proved decisive to the tax treatment of an addition made to a village community hall. The hall had
Entrepreneurs intent on raising money with a view to commercial exploitation of their ideas inevitably have to disclose detailed business plans to those they hope will provide finance. Such disclosures are not without risk but one High Court case illustrated how the law of confidentiality
Promises made and assurances given to employees can have contractual force, so it is vital not to make such commitments without taking legal advice. That point was made by one case in which a council went back on an assurance that a group of workers
Many amateur historians enjoy pawing over old title deeds but, when it comes to discerning rights in respect of land, there is no replacement for professional advice. In one case, a homeowner carried out extensive research but was barking up the wrong tree when he
Buying a houseboat can be just as tricky as purchasing a house and, in both cases, legal advice is absolutely essential so that you can be sure you get what you pay for. In one case exactly on point, two couples paid almost £2 million
Those engaged in international trade obviously have to confront language barriers and, as one High Court case showed, it is no good sitting on your hands if you receive documents in a language that you do not understand. A UK company had contracted with a
When making planning decisions, local councillors are entitled to use common sense and local knowledge and it is not for judges to take a legalistic approach and second guess their conclusions. The Court of Appeal made that point in opening the way for conversion of
