Blogs

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

Buying or selling a property is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make. The process involves many steps, legal requirements and potential risks. One of the most critical aspects of a property transaction is conveyancing, which is the legal process that ensures the ownership of a property is transferred correctly and

Selling a house in the UK involves more than just placing a “For Sale” sign in the garden. Whether you are a first-time seller, downsizing, or handling an inherited property, understanding all the required paperwork is essential. Missing or incomplete documents can delay the sale, frustrate potential buyers and even cause legal complications. From ensuring

Workplace health and safety is more than a regulatory requirement; it is a fundamental element of a productive, ethical, and sustainable business. Each year, millions of employees worldwide are affected by preventable accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses. These incidents not only compromise individual well-being but also impact organisational productivity, financial stability, and reputation. Understanding who

Becoming a solicitor in the UK is a goal many ambitious students, graduates, and even career changers aspire to. But it’s not just about obtaining a law degree; it’s a structured journey that requires planning, determination, and a clear understanding of the routes and requirements. This guide will break down the process step by step,

Buying or selling a property is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, and it involves more than just the property price itself. Among the many considerations, conveyancing is crucial to ensuring a legal, secure, and smooth transfer of ownership. While conveyancing costs are an important part of the process, understanding what influences them, how the

Buying or selling a property is exciting, but it brings a lot of pressure and potential stress. The moment an offer is made, everything starts to become serious. You start dealing with contracts, deadlines, banks, inspections, legal paperwork, lenders, and a whole lot more. There is so much to deal with, and even a small

Buying or selling a property in the United Kingdom can often feel like a long, drawn-out process of endless paperwork and complex legal jargon. Conveyancing is the process at the heart of every property transaction, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or a homeowner preparing to sell.   Conveyancing is the legal transfer of

In the legal system a solicitor is a qualified legal professional who provides advice prepares documents and represents clients in various legal matters. Unlike barristers who typically focus on courtroom advocacy solicitors usually handle the preparatory and advisory side of legal work. They are often the first point of contact for clients seeking legal help. 

Suffering an accident or injury that was not your fault can be one of the most onerous and emotionally burdensome experiences you’ll ever experience. Beyond the physical pain, there is often a long list of other challenges to deal with. You might face a loss of earnings because you are unable to work; medical bills,

Buying a house in the UK is one of the biggest financial and personal milestones you can achieve. It’s an exciting step towards stability and independence, but for many buyers, especially first-time buyers, the process can also feel confusing. There are several stages to go through, from preparing your finances and saving a deposit to

The distinction between solicitors and barristers is central to the UK legal system, influencing legal advice, representation, and case management. Solicitors provide comprehensive client support, handling legal documentation, transactional work, and advisory services, while barristers focus on specialised advocacy, courtroom representation, and expert legal opinions. The legal system in England and Wales historically separated these

What To Expect.  How To Pass.  Where It Can Take You. This article provides an in-depth look at the SQE journey, offering practical guidance on how to succeed and become a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.  What is the SQE? The Solicitors Qualifying Examination is the centralised route to qualification as a solicitor in