Adams Harrison CQS Accreditation July 22 to July 23

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We are delighted to announce that we have been reaccredited from July 2022 – July 2023 by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), which is a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. We have proudly held the CQS accreditation since 2011, an accreditation currently held by less than 15% of Law Firms in the England and Wales..

This shows our clients and other third parties that we have the expertise to deliver nationally recognised quality residential conveyancing advice; use standardised processes to recognise and reduce risks and that we inform clients about what to expect when using our conveyancing services.

The accreditation also gives greater access to lenders, and demonstrates that we can provide residential conveyancing advice of the level expected by clients, lenders and the wider residential conveyancing community.

Please contact us to discuss your residential conveyancing needs.

Adams Harrison CQS Certificate July 22 to July 23

Long Covid May Amount To A “Disability”

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There are certain conditions that automatically qualify as a disability as set out in the Equality Act 2010.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has stated that Long Covid should not be a condition that automatically constitutes a disability.

However, if a person’s symptoms have a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities it might amount to a disability. This is the same statutory test for any condition/illness.

It is estimated that 1.8 million people in the UK are experiencing Long Covid symptoms. It is classified as Long Covid if Covid-19 symptoms last for more than four weeks.

If you suffer with a condition that amounts to a “disability” then you are afforded the full protection from disability discrimination.

For advice and representation on your right not be discriminated against in the work place contact Jennifer Carpenter, our specialist employment law solicitor.
[email protected]

Christine Gee Celebrates 25 Years

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Christine Gee of Adams Harisson 25 Years Bouquet

Congratulations to Christine Gee who celebrated 25 years working with Adams Harrison and before that Webb & Partners (who Adams Harrison took over in 2008).
Christine has a Specialist Paralegal Diploma in Wills & Probate and works in our Sawston office.

Sarah Murrell Celebrates 15 years

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Sarah Murrell, our Saffron Walden receptionist celebrates 15 years

Sarah Murell Adams Harrison

Actually, Sarah joined the firm in 1998 which makes it 24 years but she did have a brief sojourn and then rejoined the firm 15 years ago.

Congratulations Sarah and we hope you will stay for another 15 years or more!

23 Years Of Legal Excellence For Adams Harrison

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Lexcel Logo We are pleased to announce that following an annual audit last week Adams Harrison solicitors has been re-accredited with Lexcel.

What is Lexcel?

Lexcel is a Law Society legal practice quality mark for client care, compliance and practice management. The assessment process is independent and objective. It means Legal Excellence.

Who has Lexcel?

Lexcel is not obligatory. It was introduced in 1998 by the Law Society and this firm was one of the first to achieve the accreditation. In 2021 approximately 13% of all law firms had achieved Lexcel.

What happens during the annual re-assessment?

The auditor interviews staff and partners selected by him. He audits both open and closed files randomly selected by him. He reviews the firm’s practices and procedures, including policies and office manual.

Auditor’s comments

“The Firm continues to be extremely well run and extremely well managed” “The Practice had proactively addressed the need to become, and remain, compliant with the requirements of the Codes of Conduct introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in November 2019” “The Practice should be highly commended for:- • “the maintenance and continued development of a very robust and effective Business Continuity Plan”. • “maintaining its community and social responsibility policy … the Practice has a long and established track record of community involvement”. • “work being done to safeguard the mental health of staff during the pandemic”. • “Highly effective systems, well managed and well implemented”. • “very clear policies and procedures to manage personal data … with a rolling programme of staff communication and training”. • “develop, implement and communicate a set of core values”. • “high standards in terms of training and developing its people and the ongoing coaching, mentoring and support offered to them”. • “the overall quality of its standard client care and terms of business documents. They are detailed and comprehensive, yet well written”. • “for regular reviews of client satisfaction data”.

This excellent report is as a result of all our staff working terrifically well as an effective and efficient team, putting the needs of our clients at the forefront of everything we do.

Haverhill Rotary Club Young Citizens Awards Dinner

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Adams Harrison were delighted to sponsor the Haverhill Rotary Club Young Citizens Awards Dinner at Haverhill Golf Club on 21st March.

Jennifer Carpenter, Managing Partner, attended the prize giving. The awards were made by the District Governor, Ian Elliot of the District Rotary Club to four local students chosen by their head teachers. 2 students from Samuel Ward Academy School were chosen by Mr Andy Hunter; and 2 students from Castle Manor Academy School were chosen by Mrs Vanessa Whitcombe.

Jennifer said

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a fantastic award to support. The students were all very well deserving in receiving the award for their outstanding contribution to school and community life and for being great young role models to their peers.

The Rotary Club stated that it was an apt award for them to present as the Rotary moto is “Service above Self”.

Haverhill Rotary Club Young Citizens Awards Dinner 02

Haverhill Rotary Club Young Citizens Awards Dinner 01

Huge payment of compensation ordered in case brought against a London bank

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A huge payment of compensation ordered in sex discrimination, equal pay and victimisation case brought by Ms Macken against a London bank, BNP Paribas.

An Employment Tribunal previously concluded that the bank has spitefully and vindictively discriminated against Ms Macken and caused her psychiatric harm. The bank has been ordered to pay £2,081,449.70 in compensation.

The case is interesting because in addition to the compensation figures being high it is believed to be one of the first cases where a Tribunal has ordered an employer to undertake an audit within the provisions of the Equal Pay Audit Regulations 2014. The bank tried to argue that an audit was not necessary but the Tribunal have ordered that it was and must be thorough and completed by June 2022.

For advice as an employee or employer on discrimination claims please contact Jennifer Carpenter, specialist employment law solicitor and partner at Adams Harrison.
[email protected]

An Increase In The Value Of A Gift In A Will Did Not Make The Will Invalid

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The case of Skillett v Skillett in the High Court this year has held that a change in the value of a gift in a Will did not mean the person making the will had lacked the necessary capacity to understand nor approve of the Will.

The Will left everything to Mr Skillett senior’s wife but if she pre-deceased him it left a plot of land to one son and cash gifts of £50,000 to the deceased’s three other adult children. The Will was made in 2011 and at the time the plot of land was worth about £50,000. However, by the time the deceased died it was worth £110,000. Therefore, one of the sons brought a claim arguing that his father lacked testamentary capacity and/or did not know and approve the contents of his Will.

The Judge said in the case that just because there was an inequality with value of the gifts at the time of death did not make the terms of the will irrational, nor invalidate it. There was evidence that Mr Skillett senior knew and understood the terms of his will and approved it.

If you instruct us to prepare your Will we will ensure we consider fully with you any risks associated with the fluctuation in value of testamentary gifts.

If you have not been provided for in a Will, or inadequate financial provision has been made for you, then Jennifer Carpenter as solicitor and partner in our Dispute Resolution department can advise you whether you have a claim.

All enquiries to [email protected].

Financial Affairs Legal Power Of Attorney

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We recently received this lovely testimonial for our Partner Melanie Pratlett;

I have been very satisfied with the care and attention that you and your team have given to this task, particularly in the circumstances caused by COVID.
Should I need further assistance in the future I would have no hesitation in placing  further instructions. 

Mr G Saffron Walden

There are a number of reasons why you might need someone to make decisions for you or act on your behalf:

  *   This could just be a temporary situation: for example, if you’re in hospital and need help with everyday tasks such as paying bills.
  *   You may need to make longer-term plans if, for example, you have been diagnosed with dementia and you may lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions in the future.

If you would like to know more about the different types of Power of Attorney which are available and how we can help you please contact Melanie Pratlett.

Mock Interview Day, Castle Manor Academy Haverhill

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Castle Manor Academy Haverhill Logo

We were delighted to be invited to be involved in supporting Castle Manor Academy’s “Mock Interview Day” with year 11 pupils on Thursday 27th January 2022.

Jennifer Carpenter, Managing Partner had the task of evaluating CVs and personal statements, then interviewing four students. A feedback session was then given to the student and then a short written report on how they had performed.

“I was extremely impressed with the professionalism of the students involved. The CVs I saw were set out extremely well. The students were confident and engaging, despite how daunting it would have been to have met with a complete stranger via Teams” said Jennifer.

Daniel Course, Pathways Manager at Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill stated:

“Our student, tutor and supporting staff feedback has been fantastic and it was an event our students really enjoyed and would recommend for future years – although they did say it was challenging. Our students have particularly enjoyed receiving your feedback and have already been discussing what they would do differently if they were given the chance.”