Solicitor Celia Perry explains Land Registry’s role in property ownership.
Changes to selling a home: National Trading Standards updates its material information requirements
Martin Whitehorn recognised as a Legal Hero of 2023 by the Law Society
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.
Living Wage - Julie West Solicitors is accredited under the Living Wage Employer scheme
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.
Multigenerational living and declarations of trust
Martin Whitehorn shortlisted as a Legal Hero
Is now a good time to buy a home?
Key points to consider for overseas buyers
Disposing of or Acquiring Tenanted Property
Auction purchases: potential pitfalls including restrictions against Airbnbs
Buying or selling a high-rise flat: new leaseholder certificates required
Digitisation of probate process 2023 update: Probate Registry doubles the time it takes to deal with applications
Specialist private client solicitor Emma Westsmith warns of another delay in the probate process. The Probate Registry has increased their aimed-for period to deal with probate applications to 16 weeks.
How you can protect your property from fraudsters
New Year’s resolutions for homeowners
Thinking about remortgaging, transferring a property to joint names, moving home, extending your lease, taking up right to buy and right to acquire, staircasing or equity release next year? Solicitor Martin Whitehorn highlights a few key considerations for 7 of the New Year’s resolutions that homeowners may be making for 2023.
Susan Grant, private client solicitor, has retired after helping her clients for over 40 years
Congratulations to private client solicitor Emma Westsmith who joins Julie West as a director of Julie West Solicitors Ltd
Private client solicitor Emma Westsmith joins her mother, property solicitor Julie West, as a director of Julie West Solicitors Ltd (trading as Julie West Solicitors). Julie West Solicitors is a family-run Surrey law firm specializing in all aspects of residential and commercial property, wills, trusts, probate and lasting powers of attorney.
Setting the standard: new rules on marketing property
From the end of May 2022 estate agents and other property businesses must include length of lease, amount of service charge and ground rent and whether the property is in a shared ownership scheme. This information is absolutely essential to buyers finding out from the start whether a property is worth pursuing or not (e.g. is the lease so short they won’t be able to get a mortgage). Property solicitor Martin Whitehorn explains the new rules…
How to prevent your house being stolen from you by fraudsters
Martin Whitehorn wins Rising Star of the Year at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards
We are extremely proud that our very own Martin Whitehorn won the award for “Rising Star of the Year” at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards at the Mandolay Hotel, Guildford!
Martin was particularly recognised for his efforts on behalf of Surrey Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) in addition to his endeavours as a property solicitor during the stamp duty land tax holiday, working with Surrey Law Society, the University of Surrey Law School and Guildford’s University of Law to support isolated junior and aspiring lawyers in and around Surrey, organise careers events, consult with and challenge the Solicitors Regulation Authority on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and more.
Julie West Solicitors’ star is rising at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards
Julie West Solicitors’ Martin Whitehorn has today been shortlisted by Surrey Law Society for “Rising Star of the Year” at this year’s Surrey Law Society Legal Awards. We are delighted for Martin to be recognised and look forward to the Awards evening on 16th September.
In addition to his work as a property solicitor, Martin has spent almost two years going above and beyond for Surrey Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), being tireless in providing junior and aspiring lawyers in and around Surrey with a support network, working with Surrey Law Society and Guildford’s University of Law to deliver useful careers content, and sharing best practice with local JLD groups across England and Wales to overcome the isolation and disruption imposed the Covid-19 pandemic.
As an autistic junior lawyer Martin has keenly engaged with issues affecting those like him in the legal profession, including contributing to The Law Society’s “Easy wins and action points for disability inclusion in smaller organisations” document, having the draft amended to focus more on disability leave. He also organised a stakeholder conference on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in Surrey, where he gathered Surrey JLD, Surrey Law Society, the University of Surrey Law School and Guildford’s University of Law to consult with and challenge the Solicitors Regulation Authority on the SQE.
Learn more about the Awards and book your ticket via the Surrey Law Society Legal Awards website.
