A recent case in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (“SDT”) has highlighted the difficulties that in-house solicitors face when considering their self-reporting obligations, and whether they are being adequately supported by their employers when having to make self-reporting decisions. In this news alert, Partner Andrew Pavlovic looks at the rules relating to self-reporting and sets out how in-house […]
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In this article, Partner Merrill April, with assistance from Senior Associate Yulia Fedorenko, considers the legal rights and options available to senior executives when facing burnout. Burnout is a common occurrence among senior leaders and managers and is a complex problem because those suffering from it are often also those responsible for tackling it amongst their direct reports, […]
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Burnout in the Workplace: Risks and Remedies for Employers to Consider in 2025
April 30th, 2025 by Stuart Smith
In this article, Partner Merrill April and Senior Associate Yulia Fedorenko consider the risks associated with burnout for employers, the legal framework in the UK and potential solutions and strategies that employers can consider adopting. Burnout is a very serious experience with devastating consequences for both employers and employees. It is recognised as such […]
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Five for ’25 – significant regulatory changes for solicitors and other lawyers
December 19th, 2024 by Stuart Smith
Ahead of the festive shut down, we consider what’s on the horizon for 2025. As this is a detailed article, a mince pie is a recommended reading companion. 1. Axiom Ince – the LSB enforcement action against the SRA On 29 October 2024 the LSB announced it was commencing enforcement action against the SRA, over i) […]
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When can a business prevent its former employees from approaching or dealing with its clients, and how far can an individual go before their actions amount to a breach of their obligations? In the second part of our new series on restrictive covenants and other forms of business protection, Partner David Fisher looks at the enforceability […]
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The aim of an independent investigation is to establish findings of fact. This often arises following allegations of serious misconduct, financial mismanagement, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, and regulatory breaches, but can also be initiated by an employer of its own volition where matters may give rise to serious concern. In our experience, having acted as investigators, […]
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Is It Too Soon For Executives (and Partners) to be Celebrating Their Release from US Non-Competition Restrictions?
May 1st, 2024 by Stuart Smith
On 23 April 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its final rule banning non-compete clauses across the United States of America (Final Rule). In a 3-2 decision, the FTC determined that non-compete clauses are an unfair method of competition and so violate s 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act). This is […]
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Eradicating Age Discrimination in Professional Services Partnerships
February 28th, 2024 by Stuart Smith
In this article, first published by Accountancy Daily, Managing Partner Clare Murray and Trainee Solicitor Rachael Parker discuss the challenges of unlawful age discrimination, retirement and succession planning faced by professional services firms. The issue of succession planning and the risk of unlawful age discrimination remains a persistent challenge in professional services, including accountancy and law firms. […]
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5 Key Issues to Consider When Terminating Overseas Executive Agreements
July 31st, 2023 by Stuart Smith
Despite Brexit and the rising cost of living in the UK, the number of non-UK nationals working in the UK has increased in 2023 and according to Labour Force Survey statistics published in May 2023, the total may be as many as 4.26 million. The number of work visas and skilled worker visas have both […]
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The Role of Ethics in Client Acceptance – When Can and Should Firms Refuse Client Work?
April 17th, 2023 by Stuart Smith
In this article, first published by The Law Society Gazette, Partners Corinne Staves and Andrew Pavlovic set out what law firms need to think about before rejecting clients on ethical grounds. Recently we have seen some members of the bar pledge that they will not act against peaceful climate activists or for new fossil fuel projects. They argue the climate […]
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