On 12th September 2024, Richard Farnhill, sitting as a deputy judge of the Chancery Division, handed down a pivotal decision in the High Court case Fabrizio d’Aloia v Persons Unknown. For the first time in English law, a contested hearing confirmed that the crypto token Tether (USDT) could attract property rights. This landmark ruling has

The Autumn Budget in October 2024 brought updates to the minimum wage rates, prompting businesses across the UK to assess their payroll strategies. While a wage increase supports workers and boosts morale, it also presents challenges for employers—particularly smaller organisations managing tight budgets. Beyond the financial implications, minimum wage changes can trigger complex legal and

Fraud is a word no business wants to hear, yet it’s an ever-present risk in today’s corporate landscape. While directors may not be directly involved in fraudulent activity, they can still face serious consequences if they fail to demonstrate proper oversight or preventative measures. Regulatory authorities are increasingly holding company leaders accountable for actions (or

Family disputes over wills and inheritances are on the rise. As reported in The Telegraph, over 10,000 wills were contested in 2023, marking a decade high. Several factors are contributing to this increase: soaring property prices, complex family dynamics, and higher rates of dementia. According to Michael Henry of Nockolds Solicitors, people are increasingly dependent

Guest blog by Alison Howey LLB [Hons] Barrister at Law, PGHEP, Fellow of the HEA At a time when everyone is shocked at the disclosure of video footage showing GB’s equine sweetheart Charlotte Dujardin whipping a horse repeatedly, we all need to take stock and consider very seriously animal welfare and in particular equine welfare.

Guest article by Alison Howey Barrister at Law, Quartz Barristers Chambers, Nottingham This article relates to a recent appeal case before the Crown Court where the Magistrates’ Court had made what they termed ‘Orders’ against the relevant dogs. The persons involved have sought anonymity for obvious reasons. The Background The appeal was that a dog

In the intricate landscape of commercial law, disputes are almost inevitable. From contract breaches to intellectual property infringement, businesses frequently find themselves embroiled in legal conflicts that threaten their operations, finances, and reputation. In such turbulent waters, a powerful legal tool emerges as a beacon of hope: the court injunction. A court injunction is a

Intellectual property (IP) is a cornerstone of innovation and competitive advantage. From cutting-edge technology and distinctive brands to creative works and proprietary designs, IP surrounds the unique creations that set a business apart. Protecting these assets is hugely important, and navigating the complexities of intellectual property law often requires expert legal guidance. Here, we explore

Facing the prospect of removal from the UK can be a daunting and distressing experience for individuals and families caught up in immigration proceedings. In such urgent situations, seeking emergency injunctive relief through High Court applications can be a vital lifeline. At Quartz Barristers, we understand the complexities and urgency of immigration cases, and we

Suffering a personal injury can be a traumatic experience, often accompanied by physical, emotional, and financial burdens. In such challenging times, seeking legal guidance is crucial to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. This is where the expertise of a barrister specialising in personal injury claims can provide invaluable support. How Can a

Company Directors are experts (but not in everything)… In the ever-evolving landscape of business, company directors shoulder immense responsibility. Ensuring that their organisations adhere to stringent policies and procedures in accordance with the law is not just a matter of good practice—it’s essential for the longevity and success of the company. However, with legal frameworks

You’ll need a premises licence if you want to sell alcohol or offer entertainment from a particular venue. A barrister can be a valuable asset when making an application for a license for your business. Here are some of the ways a barrister can assist you in this process: Legal Expertise: Barristers specialise in legal

If you need to legally challenge a planning decision or construction project, going head-to-head with authorities is a daunting task. A barrister can provide valuable assistance with property and planning issues, including matters related to restrictive covenants, highways, and village greens. Here’s how a barrister can help in each of these areas: Planning Issues: Appeals:

What is probate, and why might you need a probate barrister? Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their will or, if there is no will, according to the applicable laws of intestacy. A barrister can play a crucial role in

Striking decision given by the Court of Appeal over the parental rights of same-sex civil partners The Court of Appeal handed down the landmark judgment in Re S (Children: Parentage and Jurisdiction) on 27 July 2023. As stated by Byron James, partner at Expatriate Law Limited and instructing solicitors for the successful Appellant: “With this

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has recently stated that mediation will become compulsory for small claims cases,i.e., claims that do not exceed £10,000. Here, we will have a quick look at what exactly a mediation procedure entails, if it can provide any benefits to parties in a civil case, and the reasons why the MOJ

There is no debate about whether technology has played a crucial role in helping us cope with the harrowing effects of the pandemic. A prominent impact was witnessed within the legal industry where courts and professionals had to rely on technology for completing their work commitments, a practice which became very popular for its ability

Recent, high-profile, complaints brought against organisations and their approaches to handling employee misdemeanours have highlighted the use of barristers to support HR teams. This could be done by reviewing policies and processes, to looking at individual cases and taking a proactive approach before any legal claim is made. Here, we take a look at the

When family issues need legal support it can make an emotionally challenging time even more difficult. Here we’ll take a look into the kind of matters that might need legal support, and important things to consider when you’re looking for a barrister to help. What kind of cases would be considered family law? Family law

Intellectual property refers to the legal rights that protect creations of the human mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It includes various forms of intangible property such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Here we’ll take a look at why intellectual property is important, and

Created by the founder of Quartz Barristers, a pioneering digital-first, agile barristers chambers, Barrister Link will work alongside businesses, law firms, professional intermediaries, and clerks to make access to barristers as simple as possible. Using tech as a tool to aid smarter working practices, Barrister Link brings together experienced specialist barristers, individuals, and businesses directly

How can a barrister support a personal injury claim? As a legal professional, a barrister can support a personal injury claim in a number of ways. Here are a few examples: Provide legal advice: A barrister can provide legal advice on the strengths and weaknesses of the claim, as well as the legal options available

Here are some ways in which a barrister could help during a divorce A barrister can assist with divorce proceedings by providing legal advice and representation to one or both parties involved in the divorce. Legal advice: A barrister can provide expert legal advice on the divorce process, including the grounds for divorce, the procedures

From acquisitions to audits, intellectual property, and beyond, a barrister can support a board of directors in a number of ways. Here we share the ways a barrister can support business, the processes they can facilitate, and how you can find the best barrister to support your organisation. How can a barrister support a board

Support with challenging a motoring offence – how can a barrister help contest a driving ban? Here we will share our guidance on how you can work with a barrister to contest a motoring offence or subsequent punishments that may come about if you are charged with offences such as speeding. A barrister can help

Help to understand how much a barrister might charge for representing your case. If you need support in the courts from a barrister you may wonder what sort of charges you will need to pay. In this guide, we explore how much a barrister may charge you and how much time they may need prepare

What are child custody proceedings? If you need help with child custody proceedings, first you need to understand what is involved. Child custody proceedings are dealt with in family court when a divorcing couple seek a judge’s ruling to decide on the living arrangements of their child or children. In this blog Quartz Barristers share

How does a high profile court case work? A high profile court case, that features well known people or brands, tends to grip public attention. Offering a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous that’s far removed from a polished public persona. The latest fixture in newsfeeds is the ongoing trial of Ryan

Hana Ahmed and Imran Shafiq QC have successfully secured an acquittal for their client on two counts of Section 18 and one count of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.      The shooting took place around 2.30 pm on Friday, November 15, 2019. CCTV footage from The Godfather café on Copthall Lane

Up and comers Quartz Barristers seek to lead the way for chambers.     Quartz Barristers are determined to establish cutting edge practices that are solely focused on sustainability. Our mission is to empower people to resolve legal disputes more easily by using a barrister and our vision is to create an accessible network of legal professionals

  08 April 2022 Reports in 2020 estimated that SMEs in the UK lost £40 billion that arose from legal issues. However, businesses can avoid this by being proactive and taking action. Business owners can potentially save thousands with a regulatory audit.   Company directors need to be aware of their responsibility to ensure their organisations

A new mother has been awarded £185,000 after her boss refused to let her leave early to pick her daughter up from nursery.     Estate agent Alice Thompson went on parental leave in 2018 and when she returned in 2019, Ms Thompson requested that she work four days a week and that she finishes at 4pm in order to pick up her daughter from nursery.   But instead, she ended up resigning.    

Well done Jakub for coming first in this year’s University of Nottingham’s Mooting competition, along with our runners up Jenna and Velma.    This year Quartz Barristers are working with the University of Nottingham’s Mooting Society, where we’re collaborating with young people through supporting them as they develop their advocacy skills, public speaking and legal research.  This summer, our winner Jakub will have the opportunity shadow one of our family barristers for a day. We hope that experience gives you

Martin joined Quartz in 2021 after he completed his MSc in Marketing at the University of Nottingham. From a young age he has shown his entrepreneurial flair by developing his own clothing brand, and community podcast before graduating.   At Quartz, we love to develop teams and work with young talented people who are passionate, enthusiastic, and willing to learn. Martin’s addition means that we can continue to grow, along with strengthening our core values of integrity, open mindedness and innovation.   Martin, it is

Quartz Barristers has moved to the Dryden Enterprise Centre – Dryden St, Nottingham   Based in the Nottingham City Centre, we are now at the heart of the business communities in the UK. Our new 9m state-of-the-art office facilities offer collaboration and connectivity with other businesses who continue to innovate within their industry. With cutting edge research courtesy of the Nottingham Trent University, we are always looking to find new ways to push boundaries.   As we continue to grow, we feel that

  (Nottingham, 27 April 2021) Quartz Barristers – the national barristers chambers based in Nottingham – announces today the results of its 2021 feedback programme. Headline results Out of ten, we rated: 7.1 for value for money 7.6 for ‘Would you recommend Quartz to a friend?’; and 9.0 for communication on fees Paul Wright, CEO of

Quartz Barristers – the nationwide barristers set headquartered in Nottingham – announces today that it has launched its 2021 feedback programme.   Paul Wright, CEO of Quartz, explains: “We’ve been in the fortunate position to have grown quickly over recent years. Clients are attracted by the direct access model and law firms appreciate the decentralised

When I was asked to write an article for the Barrister Magazine back at the beginning of March about new ideas or innovation in my capacity of CEO of Quartz Barristers, the world was a very different place. A distant ‘normal’ and somewhere I do not think we will ever return, and perhaps in some

It appears, that despite all the advice urging motorists to limit their driving and to obey the rules of the road, some drivers continue to flout the speed limits during lockdown. So, what happens to those caught speeding during the lockdown? Well the simple answer is, the same penalties apply, whether you’re caught speeding before

Lockdown restrictions were recently extended by the UK Government until 7 May, but the advice remains the same, keep your social distancing, stay local and do not travel unnecessarily. The Coronavirus Act 2020 effectively seeks to limit people’s behaviour, permitting them to go out for essential journeys only and with a ‘reasonable excuse’. There is

Over the past few days I  have been inundated by enquiries in respect of whether or not the current pandemic and its impact on valuations may be a reason to revisit an agreed order entered into before the lockdown. Clearly the value of many businesses and assets will have been negatively impacted by the pandemic

Everyone knows we are in unique situation restrictions that have been in put place today to stop the spread of Covid-19 that are the most onerous restrictions in recent times. Many people seem confused about what they can and cannot do especially where exercise or dog walking is concerned. This is an attempt to bring

In our recent blog ‘Who’s On Your Speed Dial When You Need a Barrister?!’ we talked about how Quartz makes the search for a barrister quick, easy and stress-free by offering solicitors a local point of contact, but access to barristers nationwide.  To illustrate this point further, we’ve put together this infographic to show exactly

Who’s On Your Speed Dial When You Need a Barrister?!   The story of stressful last-minute searches for barristers is not a new one. All solicitors will have experienced it at one point or another. Sometimes the urgency is inevitable, or sometimes you get let down by the barrister you’ve booked. Or maybe you simply

The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane has issued new guidance in the forms of Orders in Children Cases for Judicial and practitioners information. The present regime has been governed by Practice Direction PD12B paragraph 14.13 which was issued on 6th June 2018. This Practice Direction said that all orders should should record

New pricing rules will mean it pays to ‘shop around’ for legal services  Paul Wright, CEO, Quartz Barrister urges SME’s and individuals to ‘shop around’ for legal services or risk paying over the odds, thanks to new price transparency rules being introduced this month #Barrister #LegalServices #QuartzBarristers #Business #Legal

Catch our CEO Paul Wright chatting to Notts TV regarding the route of direct access instruction to an expert barrister for legal advice and providing a cost effective route for legal disputes for those in business. Ey Up Notts #Barrister #Legalservices #Quartzbarristers #NottsTV#Lawyersinbusiness

‘Shop around’ or risk paying over the odds for legal services … shared by @LoveBusinessBuz New price transparency rules to be introduced this month will mean that there has never been a better time for small businesses to shop around for legal services – or they may risk paying over the odds warns Nottingham based direct

The ever changing legal landscape and environment holds no certainty for those providing legal services and in the digital age many believe that Google can provide all their answers of course, but in this digital environment the opportunities for barristers to play an active and innovative role has never been greater. In many circumstances understanding

The former Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced that UK citizenship fees and language tests will be waived for the Windrush generation and their families. Who are the Windrush generation? Following the end of the Second World War, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland encouraged people from across the Colonies to travel to

It’s a sad day for the construction industry when a company such as Carillion goes into liquidation. However, this does not happen overnight and while the fallout from the insolvency will be on a mammoth scale affecting both jobs (43,000) in the sector together with ongoing or unfinished projects, this has come as no surprise.

In this article, Barrister Alison Howey discusses the role of legislation in governing dogs and their owner’s responsibility to society.

Richard recently represented a client charged with drink driving at the first hearing and then the trial.  Although the client pleaded guilty, Richard was able to mitigate on her behalf and obtain the minimum length of ban, the minimum fine and the minimum amount of costs. First Hearing representation including preparation – £300 (Not VAT

Claimant resigned from his employment having been previously promised a bonus of £5,000.  Following his resignation, the company refused to pay his bonus. After a brief telephone consultation between Richard and Claimant, Richard drafted two letters for the Claimant to send to the company, the company paid the full amount of £5,000 to the Claimant.

Richard successfully represented a Company faced with a race discrimination case. Richard advised the client in a face to face conference at the company premises and was able to negotiate a settlement substantially lower than that which may have been awarded by an Employment Tribunal. Conference £450 (Not VAT Registered) Negotiation settlement £250 (Not VAT

Represented a father who is desperate to have contact with his children.  He has the added difficulties of not being an English speaker, having had to leave the family home (with nowhere to go) and his immigration status is “precarious”.  This is the first application he is submitting to the court for a child arrangements

An impecunious client with a multi-million pound claim against a former business partner found himself in a difficult position. In order to pursue his main claim, he had first to deal with his previous commercial solicitors who had relieved them of all his spare funds and had sued him for more and also a freezing

The case involved allegations of substantial property and business assets both in the U.K. and held abroad by the otherside who maintained that they had very little in the way of assets and in the course of the proceedings even went as far as to claim bankruptcy. The client had tried her best as a

The client’s only significant asset was a business which employed over 20 people. The business was struggling but notwithstanding the reality of the situation the otherside believed that the business was far more successful than it appeared from the accounts. The otherside had subjected the client to numerous requests for information relating to the business

The client had lost confidence in his solicitor who had represented him at an FDA and FDR. The matter had been listed for trial and the client required direct access Counsel to represent him at trial. The matter was successfully compromised on the day of the final hearing. The work involved representing the client at

The magnetic features of the case was the length of the marriage and the needs of the client and the parties children. The case was complicated over issues concerning the value of the former family home which had suffered from subsidence. The client sought the lion’s share of the matrimonial assets in order to meet

The significant asset in the case was substantial pension assets. The parties had been married a long time and the client sought equality of pension income upon retirement. An actuary was required to carry out certain calculations. The client achieved her desired result at an FDR. The work involved consisted of representing the client at

This case involved over 2 million pounds of assets however it was not complicated. The assets consisted of the former matrimonial home and several investment properties. Notwithstanding the lack of complication the parties had each spent the best part of £100,000 in legal costs prior to the issue of proceedings. The client had lost confidence

For your reference we have compiled a helpful list of all non-criminal UK courts.

Loss of driving licence is, for many of us, nothing short of a catastrophe