An increase to the capital gains inclusion rate applies to capital gains and losses from June 25, 2024. For corporations and trusts, the rate is increased from one-half to two-thirds. For individuals, the inclusion rate is one-half of the first $250,000 and two-thirds of the remaining capital gain or loss. The By Lawyers publications have been updated to reflect these changes.

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has become law. Lauded as one of the most significant reforms to the leasehold system for a generation, the Act will increase the rights of approximately 5 million leaseholders in England and Wales. Read more...

A new guide to Electronic Signing and Witnessing has been added to the Reference Materials folder on all By Lawyers matter plans.

Article by Russell Cocks, Solicitor. As of 1 January 2024, practitioners need to ensure that the form of contract that they are using ...

The commentary and precedents have been updated surrounding client details, verification of identity and source of funds to take into account the new Law Society requirements for authentication of client identity documents and monitoring of source of fund information.

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

Electronic conveyancing transactions require the practitioner to take reasonable steps to identify their clients.

For centuries, a litigant's recurring nightmare of their costs bill can be found in a murky corner of every firm. Here, mischievous goblins weigh files, triple the weight, and calculate a figure by multiplying it with an arbitrary hourly rate determined by the senior partner’s mood of the day. The only perceived certainty is, that pound for pound, they will be paying a pound for every word in their legal documents. Therefore, the final bill is anyone’s guess. Read more...

A new article has been published discussing the rise of Artificial Intelligence and asking if it could be useful, or likely to ruin the legal profession. We have one view; the Law Society has another. Only time will tell who is closer to the truth. Read more...

As alternative dispute resolution processes creep towards becoming mandatory, we have published an article which can be used for in-house learning and development, or for clients to read and gain an understanding of the terminology and requirement to take part. Read more...

The Law Society has taken an uncharacteristically proactive step by issuing guidance to its members on advising their clients on the risks of climate change. Read more...

A new Looking to the Future commentary has been included in several relevant matter plans. In the ever-changing landscape of the legal industry, staying up to date with regulatory and legislative changes is crucial. These changes can greatly impact practice, and failing to keep up with them can put clients and firms at risk. By Lawyers already promises to be current, and now we are going further with this new commentary that anticipates what is to come. Read more...

Divorce law changed on 1 April 2022; these are the main changes. Read more...

A new article about avoiding disputes after the death of a loved one has been published. Read more...

A new article about cohabitees rights sets out the problems and solutions that currently exist. Read more...