Category Archives: Administrative

Shoosmiths launches new Bereaved Service

Access Legal, the private client arm of top national law firm Shoosmiths LLP, has launched a new service for those recently bereaved that aims to provide a thoroughly professional, seamless, integrated and empathetic approach to the legal issues associated with a death.

Commenting on the new Bereaved Service launch, David Palmer, practice group head of Access Legal Private Client said: “Aligning our proposition to satisfy our clients’ need is key to how we differentiate ourselves. While other law firms simply list their products and services under categories and headings convenient for them, this new, integrated service addresses the complex and interconnected issues people have to face after a bereavement in a way they will appreciate and relate to.”

Presenting legal services in terms that are both understandable and accessible is nothing new for Access Legal. However, the new Bereaved Service is intended to grow into a comprehensive one-stop resource providing not just technical legal advice, but all the information, support and practical guidance needed in the aftermath of bereavement with absolutely no obligation to purchase or commission any of the services on offer.

National head of clinical negligence, Richard Follis, added: “The Bereaved Service does incorporate all the discrete areas of legal expertise that many other solicitors would offer, but what is new is the approach in providing those legal services together with other advice about benefits, official responsibilities and coping with the emotional impact of bereavement. To my knowledge, no other law firm has such a holistic, integrated proposition based on the needs of the bereaved rather than the convenience of lawyers.”

Follis maintains that the service has been shaped by the fact that bereavement is not a discrete or episodic experience. A death generates many onerous official tasks and obligations for surviving family and friends at what is an emotionally difficult time so the service aims to minimise the personal stress the recently bereaved must endure.

Practicalities may dictate legal expertise that could range from power of attorney prior to a death through to representation at an inquest, challenging a will, sorting out probate issues or seeking financial compensation immediately afterwards. However, Shoosmiths has also invested heavily in training the staff who will man a dedicated bereavement helpline to provide not just advice and assistance about legal issues, but also to understand the caller’s situation and give advice and guidance about the many issues that confront any recently bereaved person.

The helpline on 03700 864 570 is available seven days a week and lines are open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

Via EPR Network
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Family Solicitors Gregory Abrams Davidson Offer Advice on Divorce Proceedings

When a relationship breaks down, particularly a marriage, it can be a distressing time for everyone involved, from the two parties who are separating to their children and other family members. If you are considering filing for divorce, it can be difficult to know where to start.

If the decision to separate is an amicable one that has been taken and accepted by both parties, then the can usually be resolved fairly quickly, or a trained mediator can be brought in to help iron out minor problems for some families. However, in most divorce cases, it is necessary to take the matter to court.

The law can provide a framework for couples to resolve their differences, and help them to make important decisions such as the custody of any children involved, financial affairs, and how to distribute shared assets between the two parties.

The future security of you and your family are of the utmost importance, and every effort should be made by the court and your team of solicitors to ensure that your needs and views are taken into account throughout the proceedings.

Of course, divorce is not the only legal matter that can affect your family. Other cases relating to couples and family relationships include cohabitation disputes, pre-nuptial agreements and family business disputes. All of these family law cases can be handled by the family law solicitors at Gregory Abrams Davidson.

With offices in London and Liverpool, Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP is a national firm of solicitors with over two decades’ experience of dealing with divorce proceedings and other family disputes. Their team of family law solicitors will handle your case in a sympathetic yet positive manner, ensuring that your case runs as smoothly as possible, with minimum distress and disruption to the lives of you and your family.

Find out more information about Gregory Abrams Davidson, and how to get in touch, by visiting the GAD website at http://www.gadllp.co.uk/, and one of their specialist family law solicitors will be able to advise you on how to proceed with your case.

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Jury Finds that Escort, Inc. and Beltronics USA, Inc. Infringe Two GPS Radar Detector Patents

On July 3, 2012, a jury found that Escort, Inc. (www.escortradar.com) and Beltronics USA, Inc. (www.beltronics.com) infringed numerous claims in U.S. Patent Nos. RE39,038 and RE40,653. In particular, the jury held that Escort’s Passport 9500i, Passport 9500ix, and Passport iQ radar detectors, together with Beltronics USA’s GX65 radar detectors, directly infringe claims 3, 5, 6, 7, 25, 26, 27, and 28 of U.S. Patent No. RE39,038 (“the ‘038 patent”) and claims 22, 31, 32, 33, 38, and 41 of U.S. Patent No. RE40,653 (“the ‘653 patent”). The jury also found that Escort and Beltronics contributed to the infringement of claims 3, 5, 6, 7, 25, and 28 in the ‘038 patent and claims 22, 24, 31, 32, and 33 in the ‘653 patent. The jury further found that Escort’s Passport 9500ix and Passport iQ radar detectors, together with Beltronics USA’s GX65 radar detectors, infringe claim 24 of the ‘653 patent.

The ‘038 and the ‘653 patents are owned by Hoyt Fleming, an Idaho inventor of 37 U.S. Patents. On March 10, 2009, Mr. Fleming filed a complaint (Case Number 1:09-cv-00105-BLW, United States District Court District of Idaho) alleging that Escort and Beltronics USA infringed the ‘038 and the ‘653 patents. Escort alleged that certain claims of the Fleming patents were invalid because Steven Orr, while working for Cincinnati Microwave, Inc. in 1996, made Fleming’s invention earlier in time than Fleming. On July 3, 2012, after a trial spanning more than two-weeks that included live testimony from Steven Orr, John Kuhn (Escort’s Vice President of Engineering), and John Larson (Escort’s President), the jury refused to invalidate the above claims of the Fleming patents based upon Steven Orr’s alleged prior work.

“I am very happy with the jury’s verdict because the jury held that Escort and Beltronics are infringing two of my patents. I am looking forward to a future trial in which another jury will also find that Escort and Beltronics and many of their retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon.com, are willfully infringing a third of my radar detector patents, U.S. Patent No. RE41,905,” said Mr. Fleming. Mr. Fleming is represented by Mr. Michael S. Dowler ofPark, Vaughan, Fleming, and Dowler LLP in Houston, Texas. Escort and Beltronics USA are represented by Gregory F. Ahrens and Brett A. Schatz and of Wood Herron & Evans in Cincinnati, OH together with Steven B. Andersen of Holland and Hart in Boise, ID.

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Access Legal From Shoosmiths Announces Uplift On All Compensation Awards Next Year

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced that a decision handed down at the Court of Appeal recently means that people awarded damages in court for all personal injury claims will get 10% more compensation from next year.

A case handled by Shoosmiths’ private client arm Access Legal (Simmons vs Castle) was successfully taken to the Court of Appeal in February of this year and has been used by the Court of Appeal judges to set guidelines on the level of general damages at 10% higher than at the present time.

Access Legal’s client, Christopher Simmons, was riding his motorbike when the defendant carried out a U turn immediately in front of him, causing Mr Simmons to collide with the vehicle. He was knocked off his bike and thrown across the bonnet, suffering a traumatic rupture of the spleen and soft tissue injury to his knee. The personal injury solicitorssuccessfully won compensation amounting to more than £24,000.00 and if Mr Simmons should develop a long term disabling illness related to his injuries which causes significant ongoing loss of earnings, he can go back to the court for further compensation.

The proposed increase in damages is intended to ensure the reforms set out in the Legal Aid, Sentencing, and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 is a package to compensate for the loss of conditional fee agreements and after the event insurance when the rules come into force in April 2013. These new rules are based on the recommendations of a 2009 report produced by Sir Rupert Jackson (who sits in the Court of Appeal as Lord Justice Jackson) which proposed abolishing the no-win-no-fee Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) system where the claimant’s lawyers recover a ‘success fee’ to compensate for those cases that are not successful and where they cannot recover their costs.

Instead, from next year, the Act means that it’s the winning claimants who will have to pay the success fee (capped at 25%of the damages they are awarded). They will also no longer be able to recover premiums paid for After the Event insurance (taken out to cover having to pay the other side’s costs in the event they lose) from the defendant. This can be seen as a positive step against the background of the new rules which penalise deserving and genuine claimants on costs. At least the 10% uplift partially ameliorates the significant negative impact of the abolition of the claimant’s right to justice; however, claimants will still lose out.

Access Legal partner Rose Donoghue commented: “Although the 10% uplift on personal injury claims is a step in the right direction, we must not lose sight that the new rules may, because of the financial risks, deter those the individuals who have suffered serious injuries, from pursuing genuine claims.”

The package of measures introduced by the government to reform civil litigation costs emphasises why it’s now even more crucial that any solicitors appointed to represent a client in any personal injury claim is experienced, qualified and professional. No matter how credible and convincing the case may be, those involved are now exposed to a greater element of financial risk, so a solicitor who can give an accurate and realistic assessment of the chance of success based entirely on the merits of the case to ensure that any the damages due are retained is more important than ever.

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Jury Finds that Escort, Inc. and Beltronics USA, Inc. Infringe Two GPS Radar Detector Patents

On July 3, 2012, a jury found that Escort, Inc. (www.escortradar.com) and Beltronics USA, Inc. (www.beltronics.com) infringed numerous claims in U.S. Patent Nos. RE39,038 and RE40,653. In particular, the jury held that Escort’s Passport 9500i, Passport 9500ix, and Passport iQ radar detectors, together with Beltronics USA’s GX65 radar detectors, directly infringe claims 3, 5, 6, 7, 25, 26, 27, and 28 of U.S. Patent No. RE39,038 (“the ‘038 patent”) and claims 22, 31, 32, 33, 38, and 41 of U.S. Patent No. RE40,653 (“the ‘653 patent”). The jury also found that Escort and Beltronics contributed to the infringement of claims 3, 5, 6, 7, 25, and 28 in the ‘038 patent and claims 22, 24, 31, 32, and 33 in the ‘653 patent. The jury further found that Escort’s Passport 9500ix and Passport iQ radar detectors, together with Beltronics USA’s GX65 radar detectors, infringe claim 24 of the ‘653 patent.

The ‘038 and the ‘653 patents are owned by Hoyt Fleming, an Idaho inventor of 37 U.S. Patents. On March 10, 2009, Mr. Fleming filed a complaint (Case Number 1:09-cv-00105-BLW, United States District Court District of Idaho) alleging that Escort and Beltronics USA infringed the ‘038 and the ‘653 patents. Escort alleged that certain claims of the Fleming patents were invalid because Steven Orr, while working for Cincinnati Microwave, Inc. in 1996, made Fleming’s invention earlier in time than Fleming. On July 3, 2012, after a trial spanning more than two-weeks that included live testimony from Steven Orr, John Kuhn (Escort’s Vice President of Engineering), and John Larson (Escort’s President), the jury refused to invalidate the above claims of the Fleming patents based upon Steven Orr’s alleged prior work.

“I am very happy with the jury’s verdict because the jury held that Escort and Beltronics are infringing two of my patents. I am looking forward to a future trial in which another jury will also find that Escort and Beltronics and many of their retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon.com, are willfully infringing a third of my radar detector patents, U.S. Patent No. RE41,905,” said Mr. Fleming. Mr. Fleming is represented by Mr. Michael S. Dowler ofPark, Vaughan, Fleming, and Dowler LLP in Houston, Texas. Escort and Beltronics USA are represented by Gregory F. Ahrens and Brett A. Schatz and of Wood Herron & Evans in Cincinnati, OH together with Steven B. Andersen of Holland and Hart in Boise, ID.

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Access Legal From Shoosmiths Wins Compensation For Former Prison Officer

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has reported a significant compensation win for a former prison officer diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The 63 year old, who was diagnosed with the fatal illness in June 2011, sought advice from Access Legal from Shoosmiths, concerned to ensure his wife would be adequately provided for in the event of his inevitable death. The Yorkshire man had worked for the prison service in the 1990’s up until the early 2000’s. It was during this period that he was exposed to asbestos when he was required to inspect the prison boiler houses, roofs and cellars which contained asbestos and were in a poor state of repair.

The prison authorities also arranged for asbestos removal in parts of the prison and, while the contractors actually carrying out the work took precautions, his employers did not make provision to ensure he was adequately protected during the times when he came into contact with the asbestos. Nor did they give him any training on the dangers of asbestos in the course of carrying out his normal duties to ensure the security of the prison, which inevitably required him to enter areas where removal work was being carried out. It was therefore while conducting his normal and expected work as a prison officer that he was exposed to the hazardous dust.

After receiving instructions from the client, Sara Hunt, Access Legal partner and asbestos specialist, began to assemble all the medical evidence required for the case. Mesothelioma is a malignant and sadly incurable illness. Once contracted, all medical intervention can hope to achieve is to relieve the symptoms and pain and marginally increase life expectancy. Mesothelioma can be caused by one single asbestos fibre and can take as long as 40-60 years before someone exposed to asbestos will develop the illness. Despite his pessimistic prognosis, the former prison officer insisted that Access Legal pursue the mesothelioma claim so that his wife would be adequately provided for.

Sara Hunt, partner and asbestos specialist commented: “Compensation can never replace someone’s good health but in this case we could at least ensure that his wife would be financially secure for the future which was our client’s main objective.”

On settlement Access Legal’s client said: “A heartfelt thanks from my wife and me for your attentiveness and professionalism. Thank you to you, your staff and colleagues in pursuit of my claim.”

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Time Is Running Out to Use The Lifetime Gifting Rules That Can Really Help Family Businesses

The president signed a new tax law back in December of 2010 giving the owners of family businesses probably the biggest tax break to come in several years.

However, that tax break, the lifetime gift exemption, $5 Million ($10 Million for a married couple), is in effect for only two years (2011 & 2012).

While the estate tax exemption amount had been increasing year to year, the lifetime gift exemption had stayed at $1 Million over the past 10 years.

But, the current law “sunsets” on December 31, 2012, and on January 1, 2013, the lifetime gift exclusion amount and the estate tax exemption will both decrease to $1 Million.

Even if you had previously used up your $1 Million lifetime gift tax exemption in prior years, you still have time to shift an additional $4 Million out of your estate to your family.

This two year window allows the owners of family businesses to transfer the stock of their closely held companies to the children or other family members and reduce the size of their estates, all tax free up to the exemption amount.

This strategy raises difficult questions for those now in charge as to how to maintain control and/or stream of income from the company they currently work in and manage. How do they protect their interests and maintain their retirement while passing wealth down to the family?

Experienced estate planning lawyers can develop “salary continuation plans”, “consulting agreements”, and other legal mechanisms to protect the owner’s financial stake in the family company.

Other difficult questions include how to treat other beneficiaries fairly when only one of the beneficiaries is going to eventually lead the business.

This may mean an amendment to the estate plan. The timing, nature and size of the gifts have to be considered in the context of the overall estate plan.

Time is of the essence in view of the fact that the $5 Million lifetime gift exclusion will disappear at the end of 2012, and go back to $1 Million.

“It is wise to consult with your estate planning attorney before making any kind of gift transfer” said Orange County Estate Planning Attorney Dwight E. Tompkins.

For additional information on the latest estate planning law contact Attorney Dwight E. Tompkins or visit www.Tompkins-law.com.

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Access Legal From Shoosmiths Announces £10.8m Payout For 11-Year-Old Left Disabled From Birth

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced that Milly Evans, an 11-year-old-girl left severely disabled from birth, was awarded £10.8 million compensation.

The national law firm Access Legal and its team of medical negligence solicitors helped secure the amount – believed to be one of the largest ever in the UK – at a High Court hearing.

The injury to Milly happened during her birth at Lincoln County Hospital. Milly’s mother, Kate Evans, was already in established labour when she was admitted to hospital at 7pm on 1 March 2001. Her baby’s heart was initially monitored, but later heart rate monitoring was totally inadequate. By 10pm it was discovered that the baby had an abnormal heart rate and was suffering fetal distress.

Milly was born at 10.20pm and transferred to the neo-natal unit, where she underwent resuscitation and suffered a seizure. Mrs Evans said that if the baby’s heart had been properly monitored, the midwife would have spotted the fetal distress sooner and Milly would have been delivered earlier and not suffered catastrophic injury.

After many years, United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust, which runs Lincoln County Hospital, eventually admitted liability for its mistakes, but national law firm Access Legal from Shoosmiths had to fight to secure adequate compensation for Milly.

Milly suffers from cerebral palsy and requires 24-hour care. In addition to being confined to a wheelchair, she is unable to speak and is dependent on others for all daily activities. Milly’s intellect has remained fairly well intact, and she communicates through an eye-gaze system.

Milly’s parents will use the money to pay for past and future full-time carers, plus ongoing treatment, education, special equipment, transport, and loss of future earnings. Additionally, the compensation amount takes into account general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Mr and Mrs Evans have had to make many sacrifices for their daughter over the last 11years. Milly’s father, Andy, was an RAF Squadron Leader and a former member of the famous Red Arrows display team. He was not able to continue with his career as a consequence of Milly’s disabilities.

Milly will now be able to have a specially-adapted home featuring hoists and a hydrotherapy pool, and it will be big enough for Milly to access all rooms in her wheelchair.

Mrs Evans said: “We’ve all been through a very difficult time. The money will never make up for the mistake that condemned Milly to a lifetime of dependency on others. However, it will ensure that Milly is provided with full-time care and equipment throughout her life. We now want to build a loving and secure life for Milly in a new adapted home.”

Access Legal partner and medical negligence specialist Denise Stephens said: “Milly is an amazing girl, with a beautiful smile and a sense of humour. She requires round-the-clock care and attention, and will do so for the rest of her life. It was crucial, therefore, that we were able to secure a compensation award of this size to provide for Milly’s needs.”

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Access Legal from Shoosmiths announces that it will provide free wills for Marie Cure Cancer Care charity

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced that it will become the national free wills provider for end of life care charity Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Access Legal will support Marie Curie’s Free Wills Scheme by writing wills for anyone over the age of 55. The service will be provided with the hope that some people will include a gift in their wills to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity; however, there is no obligation to do so.

In addition to Access Legal from Shoosmiths, other law firms and will-writing providers will continue to work for the charity as well.

Tevor George, Partner and Head of Access Legal’s Wills, Family and Wealth Team said: “We feel privileged and very proud to be associated with such a highly respected UK charity in this way.

“We’ll work closely with Marie Curie Cancer Care to ensure that both the charity and its supporters benefit from the free Will writing service our knowledgeable legal advisers are able to provide.

“This is a new and exciting relationship, and one we hope will last for many years to come.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care is dedicated to providing quality end of life care to patients and their family members. In addition to its home nursing service and nine hospices, it also supports terminally ill patients with more logistical advance care planning- often with the help of its partners. Advance care planning may include making advanced funeral arrangements, setting up an advance directive and writing a living will.

Access Legal is highly qualified to take on this charitable endeavour, as it devotes a large portion of its consumer services to wills, family and wealth. It offers legal advice on probate, making a will, contesting a will, inheritance tax and estate administration. The Access Legal website features will-related case studies, useful legal guides and an extensive FAQ section on wills and family law.

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PLS Secures Law Society Quality Mark

Cheshire-based law firm PLS Solicitors has been granted membership to the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), having been adjudged to have met a number of standards as laid out by the Society.

The CQS was established to provide consumers with a guide of quality for residential home-buying practices, thereby reducing fraud and driving up standards by enabling consumers to make more informed decisions when entering into the conveyance process. Law Society president John Wotton explained that with so many solicitors offering conveyancing services, it can sometimes be difficult for consumers to find a suitable firm.

“CQS improves efficiency with common, consistent standards and service levels and enables consumers to recognise practices that provide a quality residential conveyancing service,” he said. “Buying a home is one of the largest purchases anyone will make in their lifetime, so it is essential that it is done to the highest standard by a solicitor.”

Aashim Dhand, Managing Partner of PLS Solicitors welcomed the development, citing it as evidence to his company’s commitment to providing would-be homebuyers with a consistently high standard of service and helping to ensure that property transactions pass through as smoothly as possible. He also noted the difference quality conveyancing can make to alleviate much of the stress that so often goes with buying property.

Solicitors have to undergo a strict assessment in order to earn CQS accreditation – which is only open to members of the Law Society – and the initiative is backed by bodies including the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the Association of British Insurers, the Legal Ombudsman and the Building Societies Association. Compulsory training, random audits and self-assessments are all essential elements of securing CQS status, and must also undergo annual reviews in order to maintain it.

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Cheshire Solicitors Proud To Be Awarded Conveyancing Mark Of Quality

Hale, Cheshire-based solicitors’ practice PLS Solicitors is proud to announce that it has been granted membership of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS).

The scheme is an initiative overseen by The Law Society, the main regulatory body which oversees and enforces standards of practice in all aspects of the legal profession. It is designed to help anyone selling a house to find a conveyancing solicitor who knows their area and whose work they can trust.

The Law Society itself says that the CQS is intended to “create a trusted community which year on year will drive up standards.”

Aashim Dhand, Managing Partner of PLS Solicitors, says his company’s admission to the CQS is an endorsement of the high standards which he and his colleagues in the company’s residential conveyancing department always aim to meet.

“A conveyancing solicitor plays a small, but absolutely vital, part in ensuring that any property transaction is conducted according to prescribed rules,” he said.

“But more importantly, the quality of their work and processes can make a big difference to how smoothly such transactions run.

“While buying property is still considered one of the most stressful things people do in their lives, sympathetic and thorough conveyancing solicitors can do a great deal to guide people through the maze of options associated with any property transaction, including equity release and lease options for purchases of properties with this type of tenure,” Mr Dhand added.

As a company proud of its standing as part of a select network of Manchester solicitors whose services are endorsed by the Law Society, PLS Solicitors is hoping that this approval will be seen as a sign of the trust they can have in getting the best possible service, no matter what the nature of their customers’ property law needs.

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PLS Solicitors begins work with Twenty Ten equity fund

Well-known law firm PLS Solicitors has announced plans to become a preferred supplier for the private equity fund Twenty Ten Capital LLP. PLS Solicitors provides many legal services, including residential conveyancing, compromise agreements and employment law advice.

Twenty Ten works with up-and-coming businesses and helps them to create value, as well as providing support for companies that are facing stressful situations and challenging environments. The company invests in all manner of sectors and has a number of high-profile portfolio companies.

As a supplier for Twenty Ten, PLS Solicitors will work alongside its portfolio companies and will help in providing advice and support in the area of employment law. The solicitors in Manchester will provide guidance with employment handbooks, service contracts and all other employment related issues for Twenty Ten’s businesses.

PLS Solicitors has already started working with one of Twenty Ten’s biggest clients, the Metropolis Group, to great effect.

“We have been impressed with the attitude shown by PLS Solicitors to date,” said Parminder Basran, Managing Partner of Twenty Ten Capital LLP “Our businesses have received good commercial advice on areas of concern so far and we see PLS Solicitors as an integral operational partner for our business going forward.

“Twenty Ten, like PLS Solicitors, are a driven and highly commercial organisation and we are pleased to surround ourselves with likeminded partners.”

Meanwhile, Adam Pavey, Partner at PLS Solicitors, has said: “We are really excited about the prospect of working with Twenty Ten Capital and their businesses. We have found them an extremely savvy and commercially aware fund – they are really going places and we hope as one of their preferred suppliers we can grow with them.

“To be working with high profile companies such as the Metropolis Group really excites us – especially as the companies are based in London and, as you are aware, we are seeking to move into this market next year by opening our first office there.”

To find out more about PLS Solicitors visit www.proplegal.co.uk now. For more information on Twenty Ten Capital visit www.twentytencapital.eu.

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Property Legal aids in Manchester Law Society twinning

Property Legal partner Adam Pavey has aided in the twinning of the Manchester Law Society and the Italian Padua Law Society, with hopes that the two societies will be able to encourage international links.

Manchester and Padua have many similarities, with both cities being cultural and economic centres, and the new twinning agreement has been designed to help young lawyers to train in Manchester and Padua. The agreement will also highlight the many solicitors in Manchester and will allow it to gain more attention.

Adam Pavey, who orchestrated the agreement, said: “We want to create links with business and give Manchester a higher profile in Europe, rather than London taking all the limelight.”

Mr Pavey, an international officer for the Manchester Law Society, explained that though the two cities have very different legal systems, there are high hopes for the agreement.

It is to include an exchange programme between Manchester University and Padua University to help law students and recently qualified lawyers to gain valuable experience. According to the Manchester Law Society, many Italian lawyers have already said they hope to begin work at Manchester firms, with a focus being put on corporate lawyers hoping to deal with international issues.

John Dunn, president of the Manchester Law Society, said: “In these difficult economic times it is all the more important to build ties between countries. We need a strong Europe to help the economic framework that allows people to live in peace and prosper.

The president of the Padua Law Society, Lorenzo Locatelli, said: “I am sure that our work and cooperation can be successful, especially for young lawyers. My hope is that young Italian and English lawyers in our beautiful profession can work together.”

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Federal Judge Rules that Escort, Inc. and Beltronics USA, Inc. Infringe GPS Radar Detector Patent

On December 14, 2011, the Chief U.S. District Judge, District of Idaho, ruled that Escort, Inc. (www.escortradar.com) infringed U.S. Patent No. RE39,038. Specifically, the Court ruled that Escort’s Passport 9500i, Passport 9500ix, and Passport iQ radar detectors, together with Beltronics USA’s (www.beltronics.com) GX65 radar detectors, infringe claims 18, 45, 47, and 48 of U.S. Patent No. RE39,038 (“the ‘038 patent”). The Court also granted partial summary judgment of infringement with respect to each of those products regarding ‘038 patent claims 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 25, 26, 27, and 28, and U.S. Patent No. RE40,653 (“the ‘653 patent”) claims 22 and 26. A redacted version of the Court’s 58 page order was unsealed earlier today. A copy of the 58 page order can be obtained at: https://www.yousendit.com/download/T2...

The ‘038 and the ‘653 patents are owned by Hoyt Fleming, an Idaho inventor of 36 U.S. patents. In early 2008, Escort declined to purchase the ‘038 patent. Approximately one year later, on March 10, 2009, Mr. Fleming filed a complaint (Case Number 1:09-cv-00105-BLW, United States District Court District of Idaho) alleging that Escort and Beltronics USA infringed the ‘038 and the ‘653 patents.

Escort alleged that certain claims of the patents were invalid because Steven Orr, working for Escort, invented the same device earlier in time than Fleming. However, on December 14, 2011, the Court denied Escort’s motion to invalidate claims of the Fleming patents based upon Steven Orr’s alleged work for Escort. The Court also denied Escort’s motions to strike Fleming’s expert reports and strike Fleming’s contention that Escort willfully infringes Fleming’s patents.

In contrast to denying Escort’s motions, the Court granted the overwhelming majority of Mr. Fleming’s motions for judgment on Escort’s defenses, including: (1) laches; (2) equitable estoppel; (3) prosecution history estoppel for certain claims; (4) ownership of Mr. Fleming’s patents; (5) inequitable conduct; (6) intervening rights on certain claims; and (7) anticipation of claim 1 in view of a Japanese patent.

In the order the Court stated that Escort’s interpretation of the Court’s rules was“absurd”, that Escort’s arguments were “in fact contrary to law”, and many of Escort’s expert “opinions are irrelevant”.

“I am very happy with the order. The Court ruled that Escort is infringing one of my patents. I am looking forward to a short trial in June so that I can prove that Escort’s infringement is willful and obtain an injunction to stop Escort’s infringement,” said Mr. Fleming.

Mr. Fleming is represented by Mr. Michael S. Dowler of Park, Vaughan, Fleming, and Dowler LLP in Houston, Texas. Escort and Beltronics USA are represented by Brett A. Schatz and Gregory F. Ahrens of Wood Herron & Evans in Cincinnati, OH. The Court has set trial for June 18, 2012 in Boise, ID.

Escort is a portfolio company of Falconhead Capital LLC (http://falconheadcapital.com), an investment firm in New York, New York. David Morros, the Founder and CEO of Falconhead, Zuher Ladak, a partner of Falconhead, and David Yarnell, an Operating Partner of Falconhead, sit on the board of Escort.

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Property Legal Solicitors gears up for rebrand

Commercial and residential property specialist Property Legal Solicitors is to re-brand to PLS Solicitors, following impressive expansion in the years since the firm was first set up in October 2008.

Originally established by Aashim Dhand and Robert Thomas, PLS Solicitors is based in Hale, Greater Manchester, and is well-known for providing clients with a trustworthy and focused service that yields successful results. The upcoming rebrand, which is set for February 2012, will see the solicitors moving towards being known as a full service law firm.

Currently, PLS Solicitors practices property law and is able to lend its services to all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, including equity release, remortgaging, property lease options and bridging loans. In July 2011 Adam Pavey joined as the firm’s litigation and employment partner. Aside from rebranding, PLS Solicitors will now being practicing dispute and employment law, with its new services helping clients to claim compensation with regards to redundancy, unfair dismissal and harassment at work.

PLS Solicitors will also offer services for litigation, debt recovery, intellectual property protection, compromise agreements, personal injury claims and work accident compensation, as well as many others. The firm is also happy to provide prospective clients with employment law advice and works throughout the Greater Manchester area.

Aashim Dhand, Managing Partner of PLS Solicitors, said: “Our rebrand will take PLS Solicitors in a new direction and will help us to attract more corporate clients to our ever-growing client book. We also have plans to establish a second office in London by 2013, which we are very confident about.

“We have big plans for PLS Solicitors and are already one of the foremost solicitors in Manchester, but the decision to rebrand will take us much further. At PLS Solicitors we always put the client first and work with them to get the best result, and we know that it is this that will carry us forward in the future.”

To find out more about PLS Solicitors, visit www.proplegal.co.uk now.

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Finding A Good Divorce Attorney In Alpharetta

The process of divorce can be stressful to both parties especially when there’s the fight for child custody. Apart from that, it’s the children who are greatly affected in this situation. Seeing their parents separate, leaving them with a broken family can be detrimental to a child’s emotional growth. However, one can make the process of separation less traumatic by hiring the services of a professional divorce lawyer.

In finding the best divorce attorney in Alpharetta, you must know the qualities to look for. Remember, your lawyer will help you in getting the settlement you want so might as well choose a divorce attorney that can put you one step ahead of the case.

Don’t let a poor choice of divorce lawyer ruin your life. Avoid trusting advertisements and personal recommendations even from trusted friends. Keep in mind that each divorce case is unique; your friend may have succeeded his/her legal separation but it’s not a sure-fire win on your case.

Take note of the following standards when looking for a professional divorce attorney in Alpharetta.

The divorce lawyer should have a specialization in this field. The ideal lawyer should know the family law and divorce very well and has apt experiences in handling several related cases. Knowing which one is a divorce specialist can be tricky. Many lawyers claim that they know the field very well when in fact, it’s a part of an attorney’s general practice. When you can’t ask every lawyer to prove their field of discipline, you can narrow down your search by checking out law firms specializing in family law and divorce.

The divorce lawyer should have extensive experience both in courtroom trial and out-of-court settlement. Not all lawyers have actual experience in the court. The courtroom proceeding is complex and can be very expensive. To increase your chances of winning the case, a good lawyer should know how to present your grounds before the judge.

However, your attorney should be also flexible. If he sees greater chances of getting a good settlement out of the court, suggesting an alternative can help. With this, he must know how to mediate the settlement between parties.

When finding a divorce attorney in Alpharetta, you should hire the one who has expertise in your type of case. If you have children, getting a family attorney with child custody experience is the best option. Meanwhile, those with conjugal investments and sizeable retirement funds should look for a lawyer with excellent financial expertise.

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Getting the Best Lawyer For Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreement is a complex legal matter that covers up a multitude of concerns. It can cover spousal rights in divorce or death, state and federal taxes, corporate planning, residences, and in many cases child rearing. Finding the right prenuptial agreements lawyer in Atlanta, therefore, is crucial if you want everything set straight and in place.

Here are some tips that you can use in finding the right lawyer for your prenup attorney to suit your specific marital circumstances.

Choose a Licensed Prenuptial Agreements Lawyer

Since your prenup agreement will be enforced in Atlanta , choose a prenup attorney that is licensed to practice his profession in Georgia . This is important because a prenuptial agreement specifies the state where the prenuptial agreement will take effect. Each state has its own provisions when it comes to implementing and enforcing prenups.

Choose a Lawyer With Experience In Negotiating And Drafting Prenups

The Uniform Marital Agreement Act is a complex law which will overwhelm an inexperience prenuptial agreements lawyer in Atlanta . He might draft provisions in your prenup that will render the agreement invalid in the future. If the lawyer is new, be sure that the law firm he is working for provides the assistance of an experienced lawyer.

Choose a Lawyer That Will Offer An Upfront Price Quote

Before they go out looking for a prenup attoryney, a couple must first decide how much they are willing to spend for a prenup agreement. Legal fees can be quite expensive. A couple must set a budget and stick to it. You must discuss fees and other costs with the lawyer before deciding to hire his services, or you might find yourself backing out in the middle of the procedure. You can always negotiate with the lawyer, especially if he is into private practice. But always remember that experienced lawyer are always more expensive than newbies.

Choose a Lawyer Who Doesn’t Promise the Impossible

Don’t believe it when a prenuptial lawyer tells you with certainty that your prenup deal will get enforced by the court. The courts will evaluate prenups according to their fairness and reasonableness. These are things that a practical prenuptial lawyer cannot promise a one hundred percent certainty. All things said, an experienced prenuptial agreements lawyer in Atlanta knows the factors that a court considers in the evaluation of a prenup agreement and will give you a fair assessment of its chances of getting the court’s approval.

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How a Divorce Lawyer In Atlanta Can Help In Getting Child Custody

The family is the smallest unit of society. It is where love, education and values are flourished. That’s why divorce is the last thing that every family wants to experience. But if there’s irreconcilable difference or violence occurring between the couple, then it is the best option to ensure the welfare of each member, especially the children.

More often than not, divorce is a traumatizing experience for the couple and their children. Aside from the legal process of separation, there’s the battle for child custody. To have an advantage over the case, one must find a professional divorce lawyer in Altanta. Although it doesn’t give a 100% guarantee of winning custody, having an attorney with experience will puts you one step ahead in the case.

Two Areas Of Child Custody

Physical Custody. This area of custody refers to where the child lives. Physical custody can be granted to both parents where they can agree on the schedule to have equal sharing of time. Meanwhile, a sole physical custody can be granted to one parent where the other parent is granted with visitation rights.

Legal Custody. This area of custody can be granted jointly to both parents or to one parent only. Here, the legal custodian/s can make educational, medical, and religious decisions concerning about the child’s welfare.

By assisting you in making stable grounds for the case, the divorce lawyer in Atlantacan increase your chances in getting the best agreement doable for both parties.

Types Of Child Custody

The battle of child custody can land either on the following circumstances: (1) Sole Custody where only one person is granted for the child custody. (2) Joint Custody where both parents share the custody of the child even when they are already separated. They also have equal rights and responsibilities for their child. (3) Split Custody where each parent have custody for the respective children like the mother having custody of her son living with her and the father having custody of his daughter living with him. (4) Shared Custody where there’s an equal agreement for both parties to spend time with the child. A divorce lawyer in Atlanta explains each type of custody so his/her client knows what to expect when the judge’s verdict is released.

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Property Legal Helps Ensure Record Entries For Manchester Legal Awards 2012

Hale-based commercial and residential property law specialist Property Legal has helped to ensure a record number of entries for this year’s Manchester Legal Awards.

It is the first time that Property Legal has submitted an entry and there are strong hopes that the company will be selected to go through to the second round of the competition later this month. From its beginnings trading from the back office of an estate agency, the business has grown into an established and respected law firm with 18 members of staff in just over three years.

Managing partner Aashim Dhand said the speed with which the business has grown has been astonishing and that concentrating on a niche sector and providing a trusted and reliable service to clients has paid dividends.

He said: “We’re thrilled to have entered this year’s competition and everyone at Property Legal is crossing their fingers in the hope that we can progress in the Small Law Firm of the Year category. We have taken a keen interest in the Manchester Legal Awards over the past two years and are very excited to be taking part.

“The competition will no doubt be extremely strong once again from solicitors in Manchester, but hopefully the judges will be impressed by the growth Property Legal has enjoyed since being established just over three years ago. Setting up at the end of 2008 when the global recession really began to kick in was extremely tough, but hard work has seen the business prosper.”

Nominations for the awards have now closed and the competition judges are busy deciding which entries will make it through to the final shortlist. The companies that have been selected to proceed to the second round will be announced on December 22. Shortlisted firms will be interviewed in late January, ahead of the awards ceremony which is due to be held at Manchester’s Midland Hotel on March 1.

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Have A Safe & Healthy Workplace Over Christmas – What Employers Can Do Over The Festive Season

Although this is a traditional time of year for enjoyment and celebration, employers need to take extra care in dealing with hazards created by workplace related festivities.

Hazards that may arise include: –
+ fire caused by poor quality electrical items, e.g. festive lights on Christmas trees
+ falls from chairs or tables when decorating offices and trees
+ alcohol related incidents, e.g. violence, vehicle accidents.

By implementing some simple procedures, risk of harm or damage can be minimised, for example:
+ for work related parties, ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to control alcohol consumption and that employees have arranged safe means of transport for after the event
+ ensure that all portable electrical items brought onto the premises are inspected and tested, where relevant
+ turn electrical items off when not in use
+ follow manufacturer’s guidance for using electrical items
+ keep decorations away from hot surfaces e.g. light bulbs, heaters
+ use good working at height practices and suitable access equipment when putting up decorations, lights, etc.
+ ensure that celebrations do not affect the safety performance of employees undertaking their work activities.

Citation has found a common concern for employers at this time of year is around the company Christmas party. Many businesses organise a company Christmas party, however some employers are concerned about a small minority of employees who may behave inappropriately at such social events.

Lindsay Hill, Chief Executive of Citation plc says:
“In general, employees attending employer-organised Christmas parties are doing so ‘in the course of their employment’, so employers have some liability for their employees’ actions and welfare when they are attending these functions.

“Putting aside the obvious health & safety issues, the more boisterous the party, the more likely it is that things could go wrong; and the more you’ve done to help make it boisterous – a free bar, themed it ‘devils and tarts’, etc. – the more responsible you’re likely to be if it does go wrong.

“My number one advice is don’t have a free bar. Either mingle and try to buy each of your employees a drink, or arrange to have bar tickets – one ticket, one drink – and issue each employee with a couple of tickets. If you must theme the evening, don’t make the theme provocative – stick to ‘back to the 70s’, or ‘country and western’, etc. Think about designating some senior members of staff to be ‘alcohol free’, so that they can deal sensibly with any unacceptable behaviour.

“Employers also need to think about the steps they can take to help employees to get home safely, such as organising a coach or mini-bus, making sure that no-one will be walking home alone, or having a phone list of local taxis available.

“Finally, because employees are attending ‘in the course of their employment’, the employment laws concerning discrimination and harassment still apply, so there’s no harm in gently reminding employees that they too have responsibilities and that they are expected to comply with the company’s discrimination and harassment policies and to behave in an acceptable manner.”

Operating throughout the UK since 1995, Citation provides professional advice and compliance packages to business clients, mainly SMEs with between six and 200 employees.

Independently endorsed at the highest level, its market leading services provide guaranteed protection in the high risk areas of employment law and health and safety regulations.

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