Son successfully challenges his mother’s Will in claim over £700,000 estate
April 8th 2025In a case widely reported in the media in March 2025, John Baverstock pursued a claim against his sister Lisa Baverstock on the basis of video evidence produced by Lisa herself which showed Lisa placing a pen in their mother’s hand before guiding her hand to sign a Will (drafted by Lisa) with the effect that John stood to inherit nothing from their mother’s estate and Lisa to inherit the…
Directors banned for accepting orders that could not be fulfilled
March 31st 2025A husband-and-wife team have been banned from being directors after their struggling furniture company accepted orders from customers that could not be fulfilled. Carly Davies, our Debt Control Manager, reports. George and Williamina Hay were directors of DWH Trading Ltd, which sold adjustable beds and chairs, mostly to elderly and vulnerable customers. The company was struggling financially by April 2023 but continued to take orders and payments from customers in the following…
Court of appeal rules against Rolls-Royce in liability cap dispute
March 27th 2025The Court of Appeal has ruled against Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in a dispute over the interpretation of a liability cap in a software contract with German technology firm Topalsson GmbH. Rob Winder Senior Associate Chartered Legal Executive in our Dispute Resolution team provides an update. The case arose after Rolls-Royce commissioned Topalsson in October 2019 to develop digital visualisation software for its car customisation service. The contract was terminated in April 2020 following…
Richard Nelson retires after four decades serving Tyne Valley
March 25th 2025One of the Tyne Valley’s most highly regarded solicitors has retired after 42 years of service with the same firm. Richard Nelson is a well-known figure throughout the North East for his legal work since 1982, with Hexham-based solicitors Nicholson Portnell and its predecessors, as well as his voluntary work across the Tyne Valley most notably through his role at Hexham Rotary Club. Richard moved to Hexham to train with…
Supreme Court rules on debtor who dispersed assets at undervalue
March 10th 2025The Supreme Court has ruled against a debtor who dispersed his assets at an undervalue while owing millions of pounds to his bank. The case involved El-Husseiny and another v Invest Bank PSC. Mark Aspin Director and Head of Dispute Resolution reports on this recent case. The judgment confirms that section 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 applies even when assets are transferred through a company owned by the debtor, rather than directly…
5 Top Tips from our HR Manager for Law Firm Interviews
March 6th 2025On national careers week we’re sharing 5 Top Tips from our HR Manager Lindsay Berry for Law Firm Interviews Job interviews at law firms can be competitive, but with the right preparation, you can make a lasting impression. Here are five key tips from our HR manager to help you succeed: 1. Know the Firm Inside Out Research the firm’s practice areas, recent cases, and core values. Understand their culture.…
Celebrating Women in Law: Honouring Our Female Leaders on International Women’s Day
March 4th 2025At Cartmell Shepherd, we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day by recognising the outstanding achievements of our female leaders. Law has long been a male-dominated profession, but times are changing and more women than ever are entering the legal sector. However, while progress has been made, women remain underrepresented at senior levels across the profession. At our firm, we are committed to breaking down barriers and championing gender equality…
Will written on food box found valid
February 27th 2025A High Court judge has recently ruled that an unorthodox Will written on food packaging – specifically a frozen fish packet and mince pie box – valid and can be submitted for probate. Elisabeth Chattin, Paralegal working with our Wills, Probate & Inheritance team, reports on this recent case. Shortly before his death in 2021, Malcolm Chenery wrote his final wishes on the back of a Young’s frozen fish packet…
Family Court’s divorce settlement emphasises wife’s role in childcare
February 18th 2025A Family Court judge has finalised a divorce settlement that highlights the importance of the wife’s role as the primary carer for the couple’s nine-year-old twin sons. Nina Bernard, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice in our Family Law team reports on this recent case. District Judge Hatvany ruled that the 58-year-old wife would receive a larger share of the couple’s assets to meet the needs of the children who live with her.…
DPD driver awarded £20k after colleagues gossiped about him
February 12th 2025A DPD driver has been awarded £20,000 compensation after his employer breached his confidentiality, leading to colleagues gossiping about his flexible working arrangements. Joanne Stronach Director and Head of Employment reports on this recent case. Mr Courtney Rawlins, who worked as a delivery driver, won his claim for harassment related to sex after the Employment Tribunal ruled that DPD Group UK Limited had violated his dignity and created a hostile environment.…
