The types of disputes we see on a day to day basis are extremely varied, but we know that every client who comes to see has the same key concerns; whether you have a case, what are the prospects of you succeeding in achieving your desired outcome and what is the most efficient and cost effective method of achieving your goals.
Our Dispute Resolution teams in Chesterfield, Sheffield and Mansfield will answer these questions and will help and guide you through each stage of your case.
In each case, we will aim to identify the most effective way to resolve your dispute at the outset. We recognise the importance of keeping disputed cases out of court wherever possible so we will look for opportunities to resolve your problems via negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
We will, however, use court proceedings where appropriate. If litigation is required we will fight fearlessly for your rights. Our highly experienced Dispute Resolution teams in Chesterfield, Mansfield and Sheffield adopt a pragmatic and commercial approach to litigation and will always aim to assist you in resolving your problem in the most cost effective and efficient way possible.
Social media and the law: 6 things you need to know
The world of social media can often seem like the wild west of the internet. Everyone has simple access to an audience and can share anything they wish. In a matter of minutes, a post can go viral, spreading a message or causing damage to a brand's reputation. While the dos and don'ts of social media are far too extensive to cover in a blog post, in this quick guide, we point you in the direction of some things you should be aware of.
Without Prejudice
Do you know what the legal phrase “without prejudice” means?, Rob Stubbs, Head of Dispute Resolution at Banner Jones said, “This is a term that is used by lawyers and is often misused by litigants when they communicate with the people with whom they are in dispute prior to involving their solicitor”.
Right to refuse a business tenancy cannot be misused
An interesting case is currently making its way through the court system and may have far reaching implications for the landlord/tenant relationship in relation to tenancy renewals; making it more difficult for a landlord to refuse the renewal of a tenancy.
Making the UK safe online!
Swifter justice for London bus and tube fare dodgers
How to avoid HMRC scam emails and phone calls
Anyone with an email address is likely to have experienced a scam or phishing communication landing in their inbox, and unfortunately this type of attack is becoming both more frequent and more sophisticated. Sending a message purporting to be from HMRC is a popular method criminals can use to attempt to get hold of personal and financial details. It’s not limited to email either, with hoax text messages, social media communications and telephone calls also being used in order to illegally extract the information needed.
New steps to combat VAT fraud by overseas online sellers
The loss of VAT from the sale of goods online continues to be a problem for HMRC, with the tax losses for 2015-16 from goods sold by overseas businesses but routinely stored and dispatched to UK consumers from within the UK, estimated to be between £1 billion and £1.5 billion. Following HMRC’s consultation, which concluded in March last year, the responses to the idea of ‘split payment’ as a way to tackle the problem show that whilst such a method would bring challenges, there is broad agreement that it is a workable solution.
Disputes Over Land: Love Thy Neighbour
Disputes over ownership of strips of land between two properties are all too common, and usually arise from a mis-drawn boundary map. However, a recent case in the Appeal Court resulted in the apparently farcical decision that two neighbours each possessed a valid registered title to the same strip of land 4 metres long by 2 metres wide. But, Rob Stubbs, Head of Dispute Resolution says “Although this sounds crazy, the decision actually enabled the position to be tidied up rather neatly.”
Who Owns Their Web Name?
You might think that you would have the right to stop your name being used in a web address without your consent. But you’d be wrong.
Ignorance as a Defence in Law
There are in fact circumstances where ignorance is a perfectly valid defence.
Pressure on litigation costs from “Proportionality”
New rules on the losing side paying the costs of the winning side in litigation can leave “winners” significantly out of pocket.
How you could end up paying HMRC’s legal costs
A recent case has brought to light a situation in which taxpayers were required to pay HMRC’s legal costs for defending the case as well as the VAT which was under dispute.
The scammers won’t go away, so be careful out there!
It’s an unfortunate truth of the computer age that, as the software developed to protect your identity and sensitive information improves, so the methods of those trying to defraud you become ever more effective.
When should a person’s dying wishes be ignored?
A disputed will has recently been sent to the Court of Appeal to determine whether an estranged daughter is entitled to money from her mother’s estate.
Online Courts Proposed
Proposals have been put forward for online paperless courts that would enable people to settle civil disputes of up to £25,000.
Changes to way in which fees can be charged in insolvency cases.
Bank Liable for damage to credit rating
Fighting Fraud
Have you received suspicious calls, texts or emails purporting to be from "your bank" or "the police" asking for personal or financial details, or for you to transfer money?