News
The Building Safety Act 2022 (as strengthened by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024) has transformed the legal landscape for anyone owning, managing, or living in a residential block. It is complex, technical, and easy to get wrong — and mistakes can be extremely costly.
At Julie West Solicitors, we specialise in guiding both freeholders and leaseholders through this high risk legislation with clarity, precision, and confidence.
The sudden closure of Hunters LLP and its network of associated offices has sent shockwaves through the legal sector, leaving clients without representation, property chains disrupted, and important documents locked away. With nine offices affected and reports confirming the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened, many individuals have been left unsure of their next steps.
Julie West Solicitors: specialist property and private client firm in Leatherhead, Surrey. We are delighted to announce that solicitor and director Emma Westsmith has now returned from maternity leave. Welcome back, Emma!
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is shaking up the rules for renting homes in England. Starting from 1 May, 2026, the law will change how renting works, aiming to make things fairer and clearer for everyone involved - landlords, tenants, and property managers. Specialist conveyancing solicitor Talat Naveed explains what’s new.
After much speculation in the press that there would be a complete inheritance tax overhaul especially on lifetime gifts and “loopholes”, our first female chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves announced some surprising changes this afternoon. Julie West Solicitors private client solicitor Emma Westsmith explains.
When dealing with the estate of a deceased person, understanding the deadlines and penalties associated with inheritance tax returns is crucial. Specialist private client solicitor Emma Westsmith explains.
The Chair of the Justice Committee has just published a letter summarising the findings from an inquiry cut short by the announcement of the general election in July. The letter confirms that prior to digitisation and centralisation the probate service worked and now it does not. Emma Westsmith explains the probate process and issues to watch out for caused by Probate Registry delays.
We are delighted to announce that Martin Whitehorn, who started as a trainee at our firm before qualifying and becoming one of our specialist conveyancing solicitors has been named as one of the Legal Heroes of 2023 by the Law Society.
The Law Society is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. It launched Legal Heroes to recognise the solicitors who have made the biggest difference to the lives of others.
We are proud to announce that Julie West Solicitors has been accredited as a living wage employer by the Living Wage Foundation. This means that we pay all our staff, including contractors and interns, at least the real living wage, which is higher than the government’s minimum wage. The real living wage is based on the cost of living and reflects what people need to get by.
We believe that paying the living wage is not only the right thing to do, but also benefits our business and society. By paying the living wage, we can attract and retain talented and motivated staff, improve their well-being and productivity, and enhance our reputation as a responsible and ethical employer. We also contribute to reducing poverty, inequality, and social problems in our community.
