Allington Hughes News
Free Legal Advice Clinic at the Tarporley Community Centre:-
Allington Hughes offer a free legal advice clinic at the Tarporley Community Centre on the first Thursday of every month between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. The clinics will offer general legal advice on all areas of law free of charge. The next clinic will be held on Thursday 2nd February 2012 between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. For further information please contact our Chester office on 01244 312166.
January2012.
Allington Hughes Civil Litigation Department - 2012
With Christmas behind us, we enter a new year in which the financial climate promises to be challenging.
At Allington Hughes, we hope that 2012 can be a bright and prosperous year for all of our clients and friends.
If you do require assistance in pursuing a debt owed to you, if you are being pursued for a sum for which you are not liable or if you are having difficulties with making your rent or mortgage payments, our experienced Civil Litigation team are ready to offer you informed, pragmatic advice to help you to obtain the solution you require.
For full details of our Civil Litigation team and the work they do, visit www.allingtonhughes.co.uk/civil-law.php
January 2012.
Allington Hughes is now accredited under the CQS scheme:-
Allington Hughes Solicitors are pleased to announce that we have been accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), a scheme intended to recognise quality and high standards in residential conveyancing.
The accreditation means that we have been recognised by the Law Society for our commitment to providing a quality and efficient service to our clients and for our excellent management practices.
Ian Edwards, head of the Residential Conveyancing Department said “Allington Hughes prides itself on providing a quality service to its clients in all departments. The Conveyancing Quality Scheme assessment involved a detailed examination of the firm’s service record and procedures and it is extremely pleasing to receive independent confirmation that we are succeeding in providing such a quality service to our clients.”
If you would like further information in relation to the above, or would like advice from our Residential Conveyancing department generally, please contact our specialist advisers on 01978 291000 or 01244 312166.
December 2011.
Government Announces Employment Law Reforms:-
Employment law is continually changing. Next year is not going to be any different. Indeed, 2012 will see one of the biggest shake-ups in employment law for decades as the government announces its proposals in relation to resolving workplace disputes.
Some of the main proposals include:-
The unfair dismissal qualifying period increasing from one year to two years
All claims will have to be lodged with ACAS for mediation before they can be lodged in the Employment Tribunal
The introduction of Employment Tribunal fees
Introducing “protected conversation” which will allow employers to have discussions with staff about retirement or poor performance knowing that such conversations cannot be relied upon in a tribunal claim
In light of the above reforms, and other planned changes, we would advise both employees and employers to seek prompt legal advice in relation to any workplace dispute. This will ensure they are advised on how the changes in Employment Law could affect their position before taking any action.
Should you have a query on the proposed reforms and how it could affect you or require any advice in relation to your employment matter please do not hesitate to contact a specialist in our Employment Team on 01978 291000 or 01244 312166.
December 2011.
Allington Hughes Solicitors sponsor Nightingale House Hospice Christmas Concert:-
Allington Hughes Solicitors are pleased to announce that we are sponsoring the Nightingale House Hospice Christmas Concert which will take place on Saturday 10th December 2011 at St. Giles Church, Wrexham. The concert will feature the spectacular Rhos Male Voice Choir.
David Parry, Senior Partner at Allington Hughes Solicitors said “On behalf of the Partners and all our staff at Allington Hughes, I'm delighted that our firm once again has the opportunity of being associated with Nightingale House and its wonderful work, a cause so very dear to so many people in Wrexham and far beyond which touches families far and wide, especially at this time of the year. This Service is a chance for the Wrexham congregation to show its genuine and heartfelt support for Nightingale House and I know it will be a great and uplifting evening for everyone.”
If you would like to attend the concert, or would like further information about it, please click here.
December 2011.
Postponement of new Legal Aid rules:-
Allington Hughes Solicitors are pleased to announce that the Ministry of Justice has postponed the implementation of new rules governing Civil and Family Legal Aid by six months; from the originally proposed October 2012 to April 2013. This six-month delay is, according to a Ministry of Justice statement, to allow time for the Legal Services Commission to tender under the new rules, which are currently being debated in Parliament as part of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on competitive tendering for Criminal work has been delayed until Autumn 2013, with the first tender expected in 2014.
We at Allington Hughes pride ourselves on being one of the few firms in North Wales recommended by the Legal 500 who can provide access to quality Legal Services to everyone within our community. The postponement of the new rules means that we can continue to do this.
Alison Stace, the Legal Services Commission Partner at Allington Hughes says “I welcome the six-month postponement as I hope the delay will allow for more extended consideration of the impact of Mr Clarke’s proposals.”
If you would like further information on whether you are eligible for Legal Aid in relation to Family Law, Civil Litigation or Criminal Law, or would like information about our departments generally, please contact our specialist advisers on 01978 291000 (Wrexham) or 01244 312166 (Chester).
December 2011.
Be CAReful over the Christmas period:-
Christmas right through to the New Year is a time of parties and social engagements, including the infamous work Christmas party.
It’s also a time which could have serious implications for drivers, as the Police will soon be launching their annual Drink Driving campaign. This not only results in increased patrols but also includes setting up road blocks to enable Police to carry out random breath testing at the roadside.
Please read our article on Drink Driving for more information.
If you require assistance in relation to motoring offences, please contact the specialist advisers in the Criminal department. If your arrest causes you any problems with your employer or you are an employer wanting advice on a Christmas party policy for the company, please contact the experts in the Employment team.
November 2011.
Allington Hughes successful in Legal Services Family Contract Bid for both Wrexham and Chester office:
We are extremely pleased to announce that we were successful in the recent bid round for contracts to offer Legal Aid to clients in respect of all aspects of Family work.
As one of very few firms in North Wales and the North West to be recommended by the legal 500 we continue to ensure that we serve the entire community and can provide Legal Aid to those who qualify in a range of matters.
If you require specialist family advice, and would wish to be assessed for your eligibility for public funding, please contact us without delay at Wrexham 01978 291000 or Chester 01244 312166.
November 2011.
Presentation regarding Wills for NHS staff:-
Allington Hughes Solicitors are pleased to announce that on the 15th November 2011 Steve Davies, Head of Allington Hughes’ Private Client Department, and Karl Beckett, a Solicitor within Allington Hughes’ Private Client Department,delivered a successful and informative talk regarding Wills for NHS staff.
The talk covered a variety of issues, including reasons for making a Will and the various issues that can arise as part of the Will making process. The talk highlighted, amongst other things, the importance of using a Solicitor who is a full member of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), of which both Steve and Karl are members and Solicitors For the Elderly, of which Karl is a member.
If you would like further information about making a Will, or any other matter which we provide, please contact the specialist advisers in our Wills and Probate Team on 01978 291000 or 01244 312166.
November 2011.
Free of Charge Employment Advice at our twice weekly drop-in sessions:-
We offer a free employment drop-in at our Wrexham and Chester offices.
The drop-in clinics are held at our Wrexham offices every Monday between 9.30am and 12.30pm and every Tuesday at our Chester offices.
Please contact a member of our Employment department for further information on Wrexham 01978 29100 or Chester 01244 312166.
November 2011.
Spotlight North Wales, 4th November 2011:-
Allington Hughes report a successful day at the Spotlight North Wales 2011 event at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on Friday 4th November 2011. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who visited our stand and to congratulate the organisers for arranging the event. It was an excellent opportunity for various businesses and organisations in the region to come together and focus on the future of commerce in North Wales.
November 2011.
Mold Business Forum, 10th October 2011:-
Allington Hughes attended the Mold Business Forum Business to Business Showcasing Event on Monday 10th October 2011. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who visited our stand and to congratulate the organisers for arranging the event. We also congratulate the lucky winner of the champagne and chocolates in the Allington Hughes Prize Draw.
October 2011.
Allington Hughes is once again recognised by the Legal 500:-
We are delighted to announce that Allington Hughes has once again been recognised by the Legal 500, which is considered to be the most comprehensive survey of the legal profession, as one of the top providers of specialist legal advice. Allington Hughes has been described as a "key player in North Wales" and is also "active in the North West". Our Criminal, Family, Private Client and Employment departments are specifically featured.
This recognition reflects the success that we have enjoyed over the past 12 months and the varied expertise that we have to offer.
If you would like any further information in relation to the services that we provide, please click here. Alternatively, please contact our offices on 01978 291000 or 01244 312166.
October 2011.
Allington Hughes Chester are moving to new premises:-
As of 3rd October 2011, Allington Hughes Chester will be based at their new office at 2 Vicars Lane, Chester CH1 1QX. Despite the current economic climate Allington Hughes continue to expand and we have now outgrown our offices a short distance away in Newgate Walk. This is an exciting development for Allington Hughes and we hope that the modernised office and its facilities will better serve our clients. 2 Vicars Lane is an attractive period office building with a front garden, located on the Chester inner ring road system overlooking the Grosvenor Park. We will be able to offer clients car parking spaces on site. Our telephone and fax numbers will remain the same.
September 2011.
Ban on Personal Injury Claim Referral Fees:-
Have you ever been contacted by a Claims Management Company or Firm of Solicitors following an accident? Ever wondered how they managed to get your personal details when you have never heard of the company before? Well this is because for many years Personal Injury Practitioners have been buying your details from anyone who would provide your personal details to them.
On the 9th September 2010 the Ministry of Justice confirmed its intention to ban what is known as “referral fees” in personal injury claims in an attempt to curb the compensation culture. Quite often an injured party may not have made a claim but for receiving a telephone call from Claims Companies saying they will take the case on. This has resulted in thousands of minor claims being issued and a minimal amount of compensation being paid. Often the Claims Practitioner’s costs will be more than the compensation and this cost is paid by the losing party. Cases taken on under a Conditional Fee Agreement (no win no fee) carry with them what is known as a “success fee”. This success fee means that the claims practitioner will receive an uplift on his/her costs i.e. will receive in some cases double the cost of what the claim actually cost. Therefore, not only are your personal details being passed on without your consent but such referral fees and the cost of the claim itself has also led to a rise of 30% in insurance premiums just in this last year.
Claims Companies who relied on referral fees would deal with large amounts of claims which would make them a lot of money. Please be assured that here at Allington Hughes we are not involved in the practice of paying referral fees, and we are delighted that such a practice has now been recognised as unsuitable.
We would like to thank our loyal Clients and everyone who has recommended us to a relative, friend or work colleague.
For more information, please contact a member of our Personal Injury Team.
September 2011.
Housing:- Manchester City Council –v- Pinnock 2010:-
The recent case of Pinnock was limited to demotion of tenancies but one area certain to be challenged is that of starter tenancies. There are probationary tenancies similar to introductory tenancies offered by Local Authorities. The regulations requiring a review of the decision to end the tenancy in relation to probationary tenancies do not apply. The Court can now look at proportionality of making a Possession Order in the event that a Defendant raises the matter with the Court.
It is still not entirely clear how the Pinnock case will affect Housing Associations use of starter tenancies until the Appeal Courts rule on a Starter Tenancy Case. However, Pinnock will now allow Defendants to have the right to challenge the proportionality of making a Possession Order in such a case.
The Pinnock case simply reinforces the importance of article 8 of the Human Rights Act, the right to a home. The case simply means that Courts will now be able to consider and assess if a landlord’s action to evict a tenant was proportionate.
Private landlords are unaffected by this judgement subject to future change. This case relates to a Public Authority which will include Local Authority and Housing Associations.
Should you wish to seek any further information in relation to this article, please contact Alison Stace or Tracey Powell on 01978 291000.
September 2011.
Denbigh and Flint Show:-
We are very pleased to report a fantastic day at the Denbigh and Flint Show on the 18th August 2011. It was Allington Hughes' first time at the Show and we are delighted the day was such a success. The weather of course helped! We would like to thank our clients and associates for their support and for visiting our stand and we hope you enjoyed the hospitality and the show. Thanks also to our co-hosts Wright Manley.
August 2011.
Appointment of a new Family Mediator:-
Allington Hughes Solicitors are pleased to announce that Jane ApThomas has qualified as a Family Mediator, having successfully completed the Resolution Foundation Training course.
Mediation has the aim of resolving family disputes in a non-adversarial way through a series of meetings. It is a voluntary process which seeks to narrow the differences between the participants to reach agreement. The decision making rests with the parties, assisted by the Mediator who is an impartial facilitator.
Jane is a member of the experienced Family Team at Allington Hughes Solicitors which deals with all matters of Family law, including Collaborative Law, which has the similar aim of dealing with matrimonial disputes without recourse to Court.
If you would like more information regarding Mediation or any other aspect of Family law, please contact the specialist advisers in our Family law team on 01978 291000 (Wrexham) or 01244 312166 (Chester).
June 2011.
Join us on Facebook:-
Allington Hughes now have a Facebook page. Join us on Facebook by searching for "Allington Hughes Solicitors" and adding the firm as your friend.
June 2011.
Expansion of Criminal Department:-
Emma Simoes and Ian Barnes have both become Duty Solicitors having passed a thorough accreditation process. Both are Solicitors based in our Criminal Department and already offer representation at Courts and 24 hour advice and assistance at Police Stations around the area. They will now both be able to act as Duty Solicitors at the Police Station and Magistrates' Court. They are part of a vastly experienced team at Allington Hughes that has been assessed as “Category One – Excellence” in an independent Legal Services Commission review, one of only 17 law firms in the UK to have achieved this.
Melissa Griffiths, Head of the Criminal Department said “I am extremely pleased with Ian and Emma’s success and our Criminal Team’s continued expansion.”
If you require assistance at either a Police Station, Magistrates' Court or Crown Court please contact our Criminal Department on 01978 291000.
June 2011.
New Partner at Allington Hughes:-
Allington Hughes is proud to welcome a new Partner to the practice which brings the total number of Partners to eleven.
Alison Stace, a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives, has been with Allington Hughes since 2000. She is one of the first Legal Executives to become a Partner in a Solicitors' firm and this reflects the very high esteem in which she is held by the Partners, her colleagues and clients.
Alison originates from Wrexham and is based at the Wrexham office. She deals with civil litigation matters, family disputes and housing issues. Alison will also be responsible for legal aid contracts so as to ensure the firm is able to continue to offer public funding for clients in need of advice on Family, Crime, Housing, Welfare Benefits and Debt problems.
We wish Alison well in her new position.
1st May 2011
