May 2010, 15th
The firm have expanded and acquired the firm of Michael Fisher Solicitors taking over the existing client base and staff.
Formal Naval Commander Michael has retired after 15 years in the profession and his Partner Valerie Chitty a specialist in property and probate work has become a partner in the firm. In addition Liz Calderhead has bolstered the property department having left Withy King’s Complete- a specialist conveyancing team.
It is exciting times at the firm and in the property market says Senior Partner Francis George Solicitor-Advocate, a warm welcome is extended to all of Mike’s former clients and he will be missed in the profession.
Finally David Gould, Barrister has joined to strengthen the litigation team.
October 2009, 5th
Council sued over axed Bob Marley concert.
A CONCERT promoter is suing the council after it cancelled a Bob Marley tribute festival. Music firm Gold National Events is claiming it lost £155,000 after Manchester council pulled the plug on the festival just two days after signing the deal.
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Emily Hartland has joined the firm working in the holidays whilst studying Law at Reading University. Asif Robbani is in the process of completing his training contract.
The firm continue to deal with high profile actions. In particular they are swiftly bringing to a conclusion a fully contested High Court action for breach of contract. More news on this in early December.
The firm celebrates it’s second birthday in conjunction with the end of season awards ceremony at Swindon St. George Rugby League Club.
Many thanks to all at the Bell Hotel and various other establishments for a good night.
January 2009, 22nd
Penalties For Parents Breaching Orders
New powers to stop warring parents using contact with their children as a weapon have taken effect from 8 December 2008. In accordance with the powers contained in the Children and Adoption Act 2006 Judges can Order parents who breach contact Orders to pay a fine, compensation, attend parenting classes, they can also be ordered to carry out up to 100 hours of unpaid community work.
The change has been made in a response to fathers criticisms that mothers regularly breach contact orders and Courts do little to enforce them because imprisonment harms the children.
Judges will be required to add a warning notice to any contact Order so that if the Order were breached penalties would be incurred immediately with no discretion.
The firm have already implemented the new orders and are discussing the consequences of breach with the local judiciary.
While some have welcomed the change, others question whether it will actually change the way parents behave.
October 2008, 22nd
The firm send warning shot using new legislation
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibits businesses from advertising in a manner which may cause the public to be confused with the services provided by their business and those of another.
This was shown in a recent case conducted by francis george, solicitor-advocate. Here a local business attached an advertisement on their shop front. The advertisement gave the impression that they were carrying out a service in conjunction with another business that provided ostensibly identical goods. This was discovered by the client of Francis George, solicitor advocate.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibits this amongst other activities which are regarded as being misleading actions.
On the basis of this the false advertising the client suffered from was immediately removed.
