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Supporting Employees & Gender Identity

The month of June marks Pride Month, celebrating the LGBT+ community worldwide.

CJCH joined a discussion looking at how employers can support employees when it comes to expressing their gender identity and how they can make the workplace a safe and understanding environment

It must be daunting for an employee to express to an employer, or their fellow colleagues, their gender identity. Unfortunately, discrimination in the workplace around individuals expressing their gender identity still exists. The biggest barrier to inclusion is a lack of knowledge amongst employers and employees. Therefore, raising awareness of these issues is vital to promote inclusion. Our solicitor, Myles Thomas, outlines how employers can best support their employees expressing their gender identity.

What is The Equality Act 2010 and The Gender Recognition Act 2004 and how do they protect employees?

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 allows people in the United Kingdom who have gender dysphoria, (which is the condition of feeling one’s emotional & psychological identity as male or female to be opposite of one’s biological sex), to change their legal gender.

The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals in Great Britain from (either direct or indirect) discrimination, harassment and victimisation. There are nine protected characteristics, which are:

  • Age
  • Race
  • Gender Reassignment
  • Pregnancy and Maternity
  • Disability
  • Religion or Belief
  • Marriage & Civil Partnership
  • Sex
  • Sexual Orientation
When it comes to employees who are transitioning, or who are expressing their gender identity, what is classed as discrimination?

You are entitled to protection from discrimination if you identify as transgender under the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination occurs under four categories:

  • Direct: When someone treats your worse than another person in a similar situation because you are transgender
  • Indirect: Where an organisation or employer has a policy or way of working that puts transgender people at a disadvantage
  • Victimisation: When you are adversely treated because you have raised the issue of gender reassignment discrimination under the Equality Act. You may also be victimised if you are connected to someone who has complained about gender reassignment discrimination.
  • Harassment: Where someone makes you feel humiliated, offended or degraded because you are transgender.
What are the consequences of discriminating against an employee because of their expressed gender identity?

The employee who is discriminated against could make a claim in the County Court or Employment Tribunal. The result is potentially a large financial penalty. For the individual in question, this may cause emotional distress and affect job performance.

How can employers make sure they are fully equipped to support an employee expressing their gender identity or transitioning?

The effectiveness of a ‘one size fits all’ approach is unlikely. The process is an ongoing one and every person expressing their gender identity is different. However, a good start for employers is open-mindedness to the needs of their employees. Moreover, take the time to understand their concerns. Additionally, awareness of potential health issues with gender reassignment. If an employee requires time off work, then these periods of time off should be treated the same as an employee needing time off for health-related issues.

How can employers make their workplace a safe and understanding environment for employees, no matter how they identify?

It is important to have a clear diversity policy, which is properly enforced & available to employees. Above all, the policy should state that employers will not tolerate any kinds of discrimination. There should be consideration for how to raise concerns and how to best protect individuals. Finally, regular training of employees and of HR employees will help create a culture of inclusivity and acceptance.

How can we help:

Seeking specialist employment law advice is essential to achieve the best outcome to a grievance, dispute or claim against a past, prospective or current employer. We recognise the importance of resolving sensitive employment difficulties. Speak to a member of our team today.

Get in touch via:

Telephone: 0333 231 6405

Email: employment@cjch.co.uk

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Communicating with Clients and Cutting through Legal Jargon

Communicating effectively with clients is essential for a productive client-solicitor relationship. Solicitors must take care to ensure that communication with clients is clear and tailored. It is important clients get the first-rate service they paid for. Our trainee solicitor, Amy Palin, sat down to discuss how she cuts through legal jargon and tailors advice so that both client and solicitor are always on the same page.

How do you help your clients understand their case when it comes to more complicated aspects and legal jargon?

I always try to simplify everything without patronising the client. It’s easy to get into the habit of using legal jargon with colleagues in the office, but when speaking to the client take care to explain the matter in plain language. I try to find examples that are more likely to stick in their mind, so that the client feels they know how their matter is being handled. Finally, I encourage the client to ask questions and create an environment where they feel comfortable doing so.

Every client is unique, how do you approach tailoring your advice to make sure their individual needs are met?

When taking instructions, I always start with an open discussion as to how the needs of the client can be met. This broadens the scope of the discussion and might reveal other concerns they may have. Ultimately, by getting to know the client and their concerns it means we can work out what the client needs. This is the best way to deliver a satisfactory conclusion to their matter.

Do you do anything aside from the usual emails and face to face meetings to communicate with clients?

At CJCH we try to accommodate our clients as best as we can. For our clients based overseas we can arrange Skype/conference calls. Furthermore, our diverse team speaks over 22 languages, which means we can usually deal with any translations for clients in-house rather than relying on an outside interpreter for communicating.

What are the benefits of clients feeling that they can ask a solicitor questions and then actually doing so?

When a client asks questions, they will have a better understanding of their matter. Additionally, it is good for the client-solicitor relationship if the client does not feel removed from the details & complexities of the process, they will likely be more satisfied with the service. Furthermore, clients asking questions forces me to challenge the way I respond and shows me areas where I might improve to provide clients a better service in future.

What tips would you give to clients when it comes to having open communication with a solicitor?

Ask questions! Always tell your solicitor if what they are saying does not make sense. Doing this at the outset will usually make the matter proceed more smoothly and efficiently. It is also the best way for law firms and solicitors to develop and make progress as to the best ways to meet clients’ needs.

How can we help:

CJCH is committed to providing expert, clear and tailored advice on a wide range of personal and business law matters. Speak to a qualified member of our team today. Get in touch via:

Telephone: 0333 231 6405

Email: admin@cjch.co.uk

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Living with Dementia and Planning Future Care

A dementia diagnosis is undoubtedly devastating news for individuals and their families. Although it might be hard to discuss, it is important to plan for your future care and ensure your wishes are carried out.

John Moore

This week, CJCH took part in a discussion with the Law Society as part of their Dementia Action Week campaign. Our specialist solicitor, John Moore, joins the conversation, which aims to unite people through discussing living with dementia and planning for future care.

How can a solicitor help someone living with dementia plan for their future?

If a person still has mental capacity, a solicitor can put a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place to ensure that the person’s finances are managed in the future.

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney and what do they cover?

An LPA grants a trusted individual the power to make decisions on behalf of the donor, if the person is unable to make the decision themselves. There are two different types of LPA. They are for health & and welfare, and for property & financial affairs. It is possible to draw up one or both. Moreover, a different person can be appointed for each LPA, or both can be the same.

What is a deputy and how can you become one?

A deputy is someone appointed by the Court to manage someone’s affairs where they don’t have the mental capacity to make an LPA. A Court application is needed.

What is an advance statement and how can it help someone living with dementia?

An advance statement is a way to provide instructions about your wishes to assist people in making decisions about your health or social care in the future – especially if you lose the capacity to make decisions or communicate them.

What advice would you give someone living with dementia when it comes to planning for the future?

Undoubtedly a difficult topic to discuss, it is important to plan by making an LPA and clearly set out your wishes so that you are cared for properly and receive the assistance you need if your health were to deteriorate.

How can we help?

At CJCH, we use our combined expertise to help you plan for your future care. For more information, contact us via:

Telephone: 0333 231 6405

Email: privateclients@cjch.co.uk

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CJCH 2019 Diversity Results

CJCH took part in the 2019 SRA Diversity Survey. We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce not limited by age, gender, sexuality or any other background.

Embracing diversity & equality has a positive affect our employees and on the wider community that CJCH is proud to serve.

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Your Business, Your Solicitor – Adding Value to your Business with Legal Advice.

Business Law

Last week we took part in Solicitors Chat with the Law Society as part of their ‘Your Business, Your Solicitor’ campaign. Gareth Thompson, Head of Commercial at CJCH sat down to talk about the various ways a commercial lawyer can use their business law expertise to facilitate properly informed decision making for their clients.

What are the benefits of consulting a solicitor for business law advice?

Solicitors can carry out proper due diligence and risk assessment. Consulting a commercial lawyer can add value to a business by promoting legally compliant and ethical business dealings.

What issues do you advise businesses on as a solicitor?

Commercial lawyers can give advice on a wide range of business matters. Everything from commercial acquisitions, employee relations, asset securities, business structuring and raising investment capital.

How do you work with your clients to make sure their needs are met?

The most important job of a commercial lawyer is to understand the business structure, aims and objectives of your client. Communicating constructively with your client and managing their expectations correctly to meet their needs.

Ultimately, a good commercial lawyer will act like a business partner, not just a service provider. Advice should always be relevant, and outcome focused.

As a solicitor, what value do you feel you can bring to a business?

Solicitors can add value to a business by being proactive at managing risk, protecting revenue, maintaining cash flow and maximising profits. Commercial lawyers can provide tailor made solutions to businesses of all sizes – from start-ups, medium size or large organisations.

What are the key things that make a positive solicitor/client relationship?

There needs to be understanding of the client and solicitor’s roles, needs, objectives and goals. It is important to be honest about your intentions, expectations and the ability to deliver. You must be transparent about time, costs priorities and resource management. Ultimately, for a positive relationship there needs to be trust – in expertise best intentions and commitment to outcomes

How can we help?

If you have an inquiry about your business, CJCH’s commercial services span the full spectrum of corporate and commercial requirements. Talk to a qualified member of our commercial team today.

Get in touch via:

Telephone:  0333 231 6405

Email: commercial@cjch.co.uk

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The Importance of Protecting your Intellectual Property

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, one third of the value of the products we buy comes from intangibles like Intellectual Property. Intellectual Property spurs innovation and drives growth in the economy.

Our specialist Solicitor, Ana Kocmut-Saunders, is on hand to explain the importance of Intellectual Property protection for your business and your brand.

What is Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property (IP) is a category of property resulting from human creativity. It is divided into two classifications. The first is Industrial Property, which includes patents, trademarks and geographical indications. The second is Copyright, which encompasses works of literature, films, drawings etc.

Benefits of protecting IP

IP rights allow creators & owners to benefit from their own work and investment. This gives owners a legal right to stop others from using their property without their permission. Through IP rights, holders set their business apart from their competitors by being recognised as a reputable supplier of goods and services.

The main goal of any business is to make a profit and IP rights, if protected and maintained properly, provides business with a revenue stream. Therefore, the risks of not protecting your IP can result in damage to your business and your brand.

Different types of IP protection

There are different types of protection depending on what was created. Under UK Law, some types of IP protection are automatic, whilst others you must apply for. Copyright is an example of automatic IP protection after the creation of music, literature or some other artistry and lasts for 70 years after the author’s death. Whilst Trademarks must be applied for and confer protection for 10 years.

Importance of seeking legal advice

Only through seeking legal advice can you ensure your business is fully protected from unfair competition and counterfeiters. Small businesses often make the mistake of not seeking legal advice on protecting their IP to save money. However, not protecting your IP can leave your business vulnerable, which can mean significantly higher legal costs down the line.

How we can help

For more advice on protecting your Intellectual Property, contact a member of our IP, Anti-Piracy & Compliance Team for dynamic, professional advice.

Telephone: 0333 231 6405

Email: consulting@cjch.co.uk

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Five Things to Know About Being Named an Executor of a Will

Being appointed as an Executor for a loved one’s Will can be daunting. The responsibilities are time consuming and can cause stress – especially if this is your first time as an Executor.

It is important to be aware you may be liable for any mistakes made when carrying out duties as an Executor, even if those mistakes were innocently made.

Fortunately, our experienced Solicitor, Rebecca May, is here to tell you the five things you need to know about being named as an Executor of a Will.

What are the key things to think about if you have been asked to be an Executor of someone’s Will?
Firstly, are you prepared to take on the responsibility of carrying out the deceased’s wishes under their Will? You need to ensure you carry out the wishes of the deceased as they would have wanted. Be aware that issues can arise if there are family disputes between members over assets, or if they feel excluded.

What are the main responsibilities of an Executor?
You need to ensure that all the assets of the deceased are cashed, any taxes or debts paid, and distribute the assets in accordance with the Will.

Does the person making the Will need your permission to name you Executor?
There is no formal requirement for the Executor to give consent – though it is sensible to ask permission before appointing them.

Who can be an Executor and does being one mean you can’t be a beneficiary?
Anyone is able to be an Executor providing they are over 18 years old and have adequate mental capacity to do so. It is not uncommon to appoint professional executors such as solicitors or financial advisers. Furthermore, it is a common misconception that you are unable to be a beneficiary and an Executor – however this is not the case.

Can you change your mind about being an Executor?
Yes, it is possible to change your mind. If at the time the person passes away, you do not want or are unable to be the Executor then it is possible to stand down. In this instance, either the appointed replacement or another appropriate person would stand in.

For more advice about updating or creating your Will, contact our Wills & Probate Team today who will be happy to provide professional, friendly advice.

Email: privateclients@cjch.co.uk

Telephone: 0333 231 6405

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6 Things You Need to Know About Prenuptial Agreements

By Sarah Perkins

With Spring underway, the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and wedding season begins!

Changes in society continue to affect people’s attitude towards marriage and particularly around prenuptial agreements.

The average age at first marriage continues to rise into the mid 30s. With people marrying later, they bring assets they have accumulated or inherited into the marriage that they may want to protect.

Women are prioritising their careers first and starting families later, which contributes towards the trend of putting these measures in place ahead of saying ‘I do.’

Discussing finances with a loved one can be a particularly sensitive issue and nobody plans for a marriage to end, but it is important to plan for any eventuality.

To help figure out if a prenuptial agreement is for you, below are six things you need to know about prenuptial agreements.

  1. What is a prenuptial agreement and is it a legally valid document in England and Wales?
    A prenuptial agreement consists of a formal written agreement which is entered into between the partners to the relationship ahead of the marriage. It outlines what each party is entitled to should the marriage end, as well as any other related conditions.
  2. Why should couples consider getting a prenuptial agreement?
    Both parties should consider a pre-nuptial agreement for the simple reason that it provides peace of mind going into the marriage that all aspects of their finances, assets and property are protected. It isn’t a matter of trusting each other, but rather a matter of being responsible and planning for your own future, for any eventuality. It can also protect one partner against the other’s debt, protect inherited assets or children’s inheritance, and ensure control over business assets.
  3. How can a solicitor help someone make a prenuptial agreement?
    A solicitor can ensure the prenuptial agreement is drafted properly. This makes it more likely the agreement will be upheld in a divorce. The agreement should be carried out at least 28 days ahead of the wedding to ensure that all matters are resolved by the ceremony. Allow as much time as possible to ensure all matters are thoroughly considered, negotiated and signed without any unnecessary pressure.
  4. What should someone do if they’re asked to sign a prenuptial agreement?
    Before signing, you should seek advice from a qualified solicitor. This doesn’t mean that you do not trust your partner, but it is important to protect your own interests as well as your collective interests. Ensure that the agreement takes your circumstances into consideration and is much for your own good as it is for your partner’s.
  5. What should be included in a prenuptial agreement?
    It is best to assess this on a case by case basis as it is largely related to the value of the item to the individual, both from a financial and sentimental perspective. There aren’t specific rules for what should not be included, but rather just as much is discussed and agreed as possible, and nothing is left to chance.
  6. What happens during a divorce if the couple has a prenuptial agreement?
    In the event of a breakdown in the marriage, couples will divide ownership of their belongings based on the prenuptial agreement.Generally, assets are divided 50/50 among both parties in the event of a divorce that doesn’t involve a prenuptial agreement. However, that may feel unfair to you if you have inherited assets, you own a business, or if your partner has outstanding debt.

How we can help:

For more information on prenuptial agreements, get in touch with our dynamic team in family, matrimonial and childcare law directly via:

Telephone: 0333 231 6405

Email: family@cjch.co.uk

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CJCH Solicitors – Wales Legal Awards Finalist for Corporate and Social Responsibility segment

The team here at CJCH Solicitors were beaming recently when we learned of our firm being named a finalist in the Legal and Financial category of a leading local awards initiative. Our excitement has more than doubled when it was recently announced that our firm had also been listed as a finalist in the newly established Wales Legal Awards in the category of Corporate and Social Responsibility Programme of the year.

Our CSR initiative is lead by our senior partner, Jacqui Seal, together with a team of our staff. In 2018, our programme included on-going support for main charity, Y Bont school for children living with disabilities, who we partner with to support their events, conduct fundraising initiatives on their behalf and generally offer our support where we can.

Other initiatives we have taken on in 2018 have included:

  • Developing a campaign to raise £3000 to donate to Huggard centre for the homeless.
  • Exceeding our 2017 milestone by raising over £2000 on behalf of Will Aid charity when our private client solicitor team donated their time to provide Will drafting services to the public in exchange for donations to the charity.
  • Donating time and support to the Recovery Cymru initiative. 
  • We also worked with family and lifestyle blogger, Cardiff Mummy Says, to provide legal insights and awareness for various family-related matters over the last year.

We are proud to be representing this category of the awards, as the ethos of the CJCH legal practice is to always give back to the communities in which we provide services.

Announcements

Winner: Public Law Team of the Year 2022 – Wales Legal Awards

We are proud to announce that the CJCH Court of Protection team was named the Public Law Team of the Year in the 2022 Wales Legal Awards. Recognising the work they do with individuals who lack the capacity to act in their own best interests.

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Winner: Cardiff Life Awards 2019

With a dedicated focus on service excellence, and a passion for innovation the CJCH team was the proud winner of the best Legal and Financial Business of the Year in Cardiff for 2019!

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CJCH Solicitors appoints new Board member

Wales top 20 Law Firm and 2018 Financial and Professional Services Firm of the Year in the Cardiff Business Awards - CJCH Solicitors, has announced a major promotion in their leadership team welcoming Jodi Winter to their Board.

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Winner: Cardiff Business Awards 2018

CJCH Solicitors has experienced unprecedented growth and achieved important milestones over the last few years, all of which have culminated in the first half of 2018 being a prosperous year for us at the Firm and winning the Financial and Professional Services of the Year award.

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