This is an archive of the previous articles and news releases of developments on the legal front.
The articles in this news archive are available to our clients, the media and other visitors to the site who have an interest in local or legal matters.

Small businesses advised to get clever over IP - June 2005
With a number of high profile cases hitting the headlines over recent months, intellectual property has become a pertinent topic and as Darlington based legal firm Close Thornton Solictors advises, one which can affect everyone.

Get up to date with maternal matters - May 2005
Darlington based law firm Close Thornton Solicitors is advising that small businesses across the region get fully up to date with current laws regarding maternity leave in preparation for forthcoming changes.

Are you prepared for the new licensing laws? - January 2005
Last year Parliament passed the Licensing Act 2003 that will sweep away the old licensing system and introduce a completely new system which is due to come in force on the 5th February 2005 with a transitional period until November 2005.

Mobile phones and driving at work
With intended changes to the law in the use of hand-held mobile phones whilst driving, employers would be well advised to review their current situation for their employees on the road.

The First in Legal Excellence
Close Thornton Solicitors are proud to have been awarded Lexcel, the Law Society's prestigious quality mark for legal excellence, and are celebrating at being the first law firm in Darlington to be presented with this prestigious award.

How enduring is an Enduring Power of Attorney?
Just as important as making a Will to sort our your affairs when you die, is to make sure your affairs are looked after during your lifetime if you are incapable of doing it yourself.

Dress codes at work
Recent tribunal cases have highlighted the risks associated with enforcing.

Buying property for student children to live in
Buying a flat or house for a son or daughter to live in while studying at college or university is seen by many parents as a sound investment and that at least they will have an acceptable standard of accommodation.

Employment contracts
Why it is best to have it in writing.

National minimum wage increase
The Government announced that in October this year the national minimum wage will rise.

What you need to know from the Employment Act 2002
A number of changes will be introduced in April from the Employment Act 2002. For employers, the legislation could have an important impact on their business.

House price boom could fuel a tax timebomb
As house prices continue to rise, more home-owners could be served with a large bill for inheritance tax (IHT).

Annual increase in Statutory Employment Tribunal Compensation Limits
February saw the annual increase in compensation limits for unfair dismissal and redundancy payments.

Call-up of a Reservist in the workforce
With the threat of war, the Government has enabled the armed forces to call-up Reservists for service. How will this effect their employment?

The Fixed-term Employees Regulations 2002
A guide for employers outlining steps they should take in the light of these new Regulations.

Good news for fixed term workers
1st October 2002 will see two sets of regulations implementing the EC Fixed-Term Work Directive come into force.

Directors' responsibilities
Directors beware - The plague of personal liability is spreading.

E-conveyancing
Lengthy Delays and Complicated Chains could soon be a Thing of the Past.

Czech Relations
Czech law student gets to grips with the English Legal System.

Employment Tribunals
Changes to procedures and costs of Employment Tribunals.

Unfair dismissal
Know your rights on unfair dismissal for employees and employers.

Budget for limited companies
The 2002 Budget may provide entrepreneurs with an opportunity to save money.

Health and Safety
A quick overview of current Health and Safety requirements.

Maternity leave
Latest details of maternity and paternal leave entitlements.

Rugby Sponsorship
Close Thornton Solicitors have sponsored local youth rugby trophies.

Win with the World Cup
Discounted conveyancing fees during the World Cup Tournament.

New Partner Appointed
Close Thornton Solicitors has recently appointed David Hogg as a Partner.

Maternity Law
Maternity Regulations have for some time caused confusion and with the introduction of the Working Time Regulations, entitlements are further complicated. Are you aware of your rights?

Exam Success for Trainee Legal Executive
Trainee Legal Executive Kelly Henderson recently celebrated success in her final exams qualifying as a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Legal Ladies put best foot forward for office hero!
The Close Thornton Ladies’ team came first in their category in the Darlington Run on August 12th and raised £150 for the Staithes RNLI station.

Small business advice
Increasing legal regulations are proving a headache for small businesses. A team of solicitors specialising in Commercial Law at Close Thornton offer some help.

Protection from violence - your legal rights
Are you afraid of your partner or boyfriend? Have you ever been hurt or harmed by someone you live with or used to live with? Have your children ever been hurt or threatened by your partner? Find out more about the subject and help available.

Close Thornton Solicitors help launch UK 200 Lawyers Group
Chris Wiper, senior partner at Close Thornton Solicitors, met with Jim Collett, Chief Executive of the UK 200 Lawyers Group, to discuss how the UK 200 Lawyers Groups will help Close Thornton to offer its commercial clients an equivalent service to large city based practices.

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