Blogs

Making a Will is one of the most important legal steps a person can take. It ensures that their wishes are clearly recorded and that their estate is dealt with in the way they intend. Solicitors understand that clients are often supported by family members or friends when attending appointments. While that support is important, […]

In the journey of buying or selling a property, there is one stage that stands above all others in terms of legal importance and financial commitment: the exchange of contracts. Many people ask questions like what does exchange of contracts mean, what happens at exchange of contracts and when does exchange of contracts happen, because

A certificate of title is a foundational document in property law and conveyancing that confirms ownership of a property. In real estate transactions, conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property from one person to another, and the certificate of title serves as primary evidence that a seller has legal title to the property they

When someone receives personal injury compensation, the payment is designed to support them financially after an accident or medical negligence. However, many claimants are surprised to learn that placing compensation into a Personal Injury Trust can be an important step in protecting that money. For many individuals across the UK, setting up a trust is

When someone suffers a catastrophic injury, the impact can be devastating and life-changing. Serious incidents such as road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, public liability claims and medical negligence can leave individuals facing permanent disability, extensive rehabilitation and long-term care needs. For families across the country, the early weeks following a serious accident are often filled

In a landmark decision handed down on 18 February 2026, the Supreme Court fundamentally changed how damages are calculated in catastrophic injury cases involving children with shortened life expectancy. The judgment in CCC (by her mother and litigation friend MMM) v Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [2026] UKSC 5 has ushered in a new

In January 2025, the Lord Chancellor confirmed a significant change to the personal injury landscape: the Ogden Discount Rate (also known as the Personal Injury Discount Rate or PIDR) was set at +0.5%. While that figure may appear small, its impact on catastrophic injury claims is anything but. For individuals receiving lump-sum compensation for life-altering

A wills and probate solicitor is a qualified legal professional who specializes in drafting wills, advising on succession planning, administering estates after death, and resolving disputes that arise in relation to inheritance. Their role sits at the intersection of property law, tax law, family law and dispute resolution. Estate planning is not simply about distributing

Asbestos-related disease remains one of the most significant areas of industrial injury litigation in the UK, even in 2026. Despite asbestos being banned decades ago now, conditions like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer continue to emerge long after exposure, and navigating compensation claims requires a blend of specialist legal knowledge, historical case law, and

Very few court decisions can honestly be said to have reshaped an entire area of law. Fairchild v Glenhaven Funeral Services Ltd [2002] is one of those rare cases. For victims of asbestos exposure particularly those diagnosed with mesothelioma the Fairchild judgment transformed what had once been an insurmountable legal obstacle into a realistic path

Before Montgomery, doctors in the UK largely relied on the Bolam test to defend negligence claims meaning that a clinician’s conduct in advising patients was judged against what a responsible body of medical opinion would do to determine negligence. But Montgomery changed everything: the Supreme Court made it clear that decisions about what risks to

When you’ve suffered injury because of someone else’s negligence, whether in a road traffic collision, a workplace accident, or clinical negligence, the law is clear: you are entitled to pursue reasonable steps to recover from your injuries. That often includes obtaining medical treatment and rehabilitation that helps you get better. But what happens if you

Leasehold reform has been a topic of debate in the UK for decades. In January 2026, the government finally published a Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, signalling the most significant shake-up of property tenure in England and Wales in over a generation. For conveyancers like us here at Step Legal professionals who guide clients

Paralegals play a vital role in the modern legal profession and here at Step Legal, our paralegals Agnieska, Lucy and Mackenzie certainly play critical roles in our Personal Injury, Medical Negligence and Wills & Probate departments.  While the title is increasingly familiar, many people are unsure exactly what a paralegal does, how the role differs

In personal injury and clinical negligence claims, defendants will often argue that the harm suffered was disproportionate, unexpected, or worsened by the claimant’s own vulnerabilities. English law has a clear response to that argument. Known as the thin skull rule (or eggshell skull rule), the principle requires a defendant to take the claimant as they

Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) is one of the most complex areas of private client law, not because the headline rate is difficult to understand, but because liability depends on a web of exemptions, reliefs, historic gifts and estate structure. Following a death, executors are often required to navigate this framework under significant time pressure, while dealing

In personal injury law, one of the most important questions is where responsibility lies when someone is injured in a public place. Does the occupier of land owe an absolute duty to prevent harm, or must individuals accept a degree of personal responsibility for obvious risks? The House of Lords (now the Supreme Court) addressed

The death of a loved one is always devastating, but when that death could have been prevented with proper medical care, the impact on families can be profound. Medical negligence resulting in death raises complex legal and emotional issues, and many families are uncertain whether they have the right to pursue a claim or how

Understanding the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 A common misconception in personal injury law is that a person cannot bring a claim if they were trespassing at the time of an accident. In reality, the law does allow trespassers to claim compensation in certain circumstances. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 sets out when landowners and occupiers

Many people understand that inheritance tax (IHT) may be due when someone dies, but far fewer appreciate that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) can also become relevant sometimes in surprising ways. While IHT is calculated based on the value of the estate, CGT relates to the increase in value of certain assets over time. Understanding how

How the Courts Apportion Fault and Reduce Compensation In many injury claims, liability is not always clear-cut. While a defendant may have been negligent, the injured person’s own actions can sometimes play a part in the harm suffered. English law addresses this through the principle of contributory negligence, which allows the court to reduce compensation

Dental care is something most of us take for granted. We trust our dental professionals to act with skill, care and diligence. But when treatment falls below accepted standards, and you suffer harm as a result, it can be distressing, painful and costly. In such circumstances, you may have grounds to bring a dental negligence

When buying or selling a property, one of the first matters your conveyancer will establish is whether the property is registered or unregistered at HM Land Registry. While most property in England and Wales is now registered, unregistered land still exists and can significantly affect how a transaction proceeds. Understanding the difference between registered and

When pursuing a personal injury claim, compensation is not awarded as a single, undifferentiated sum. Instead, damages are divided into two distinct legal categories: General Damages and Special Damages. Understanding the difference between the two is essential, as each serves a different purpose, is calculated differently and requires different types of evidence. As solicitors specialising

In medical negligence claims, one of the most important legal questions is whether a healthcare professional acted in accordance with an acceptable standard of care. This is something our experienced medical negligence team here at Step Legal must consider with each and every claim we take on. Fortunately, English law has developed a number of

General Practitioners (GPs) are entrusted with providing frontline medical care and are often the first healthcare professional a patient consults when symptoms arise. Patients are entitled to expect a reasonable standard of care, skill and diligence from their GP. However, while most GPs provide appropriate and competent treatment, there are circumstances in which substandard care

Buying a property at auction is a unique opportunity for those looking to find homes or investment properties outside the traditional market. While it promises potential savings and faster transactions, it is not without its risks. Unlike conventional property sales, auction purchases require careful preparation, a clear understanding of the process and decisive action on

A dog bite or attack can be a Traumatic experience. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious wounds, scarring, nerve damage and even lasting psychological trauma. For many victims, the attack can also cause a loss of confidence, fear of dogs and anxiety in everyday life. If you’ve been bitten or attacked

Qualified One Way Costs Shifting, usually shortened to QOCS, is a legal rule in England and Wales that helps protect people who bring personal injury or medical negligence claims from the risk of paying the other side’s legal costs if their case is unsuccessful. In simple terms, QOCS means that if you lose a genuine

Private healthcare is often chosen for its perceived speed, comfort and quality. However, like all medical treatment, mistakes can happen. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistake, or failure to provide proper aftercare, patients may be harmed through no fault of their own. If you’ve suffered an injury while receiving care at a private

Losing a limb is a life-changing event that affects every aspect of a person’s life physically, emotionally, socially and financially. For many, a prosthetic leg represents more than just mobility: it is a vital tool for regaining independence, confidence and the ability to live as fully as possible. In the UK, the landscape of prosthetics

The new year at Step Legal Solicitors has kicked off with a brilliant addition to our team. We are delighted to announce that Lucy Meehan has joined our thriving Private Client department as a Paralegal. This isn’t just any new starter; Lucy is our first hire of 2026, symbolising our commitment to growth and enhancing

Understanding the role of a solicitor is crucial for anyone navigating legal matters, whether for personal or professional reasons. Despite the importance of legal guidance, many people harbor misconceptions about solicitors, often influenced by media portrayals, hearsay, or outdated perceptions of the legal system. These myths can prevent individuals from seeking professional advice, resulting in

A solicitor is a legal professional who provides advice, representation, and guidance to individuals, businesses, and organisations facing legal matters. They are often the first point of contact for anyone dealing with a legal issue, offering a combination of advisory, transactional, and preparatory services. Their responsibilities extend beyond simply giving advice: solicitors manage legal processes,

Finding a good solicitor is one of the most important decisions you can make when faced with legal matters. In the UK, solicitors handle a wide range of issues, from buying or selling property to resolving family disputes, drafting wills, or defending clients in court. Choosing the wrong solicitor can lead to delays, higher costs,

In the United Kingdom, many people believe that they only need a solicitor when a legal dispute reaches the courts. In reality, legal issues often arise long before they escalate to formal proceedings, and seeking professional advice at an early stage can prevent costly mistakes, save time, reduce stress and protect your rights. Understanding when

Understanding the role of a solicitor can be both fascinating and genuinely helpful to know. Many people are curious about what solicitors actually do each day, whether they are considering a career in law, seeking legal advice, or simply trying to understand the legal profession better. A solicitor’s day is rarely predictable. It combines client

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions you can make, and making an offer is the most crucial step in the process. In the UK, the property market has unique rules, practices, and expectations that differ from other countries, so understanding how to make an offer properly can save you both

Buying a house in the UK is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. Beyond the financial commitment, the process involves numerous steps that require careful planning and understanding. One of the most common questions buyers ask is, “How long does it actually take to buy a house?” Understanding

Buying a new Build home is often the most significant financial commitment a person will make in their lifetime. In the UK, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of this process is the role of the solicitor and the fees associated with their services. Solicitors, or licensed conveyancers, are legal professionals responsible