Expert Comments

Opinion

contentious-probate
dispute-resolution

Changes under the Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 2025

The Non-Contentious Probate (Amendment) Rules 2025 introduce important updates for both non-contentious and contentious probate practitioners. Coming into force on 3 November 2025, the amendments impact the process for entering...

November 28, 2025

Chun Wong

Opinion

Wills
wills-and-probate

Protecting Our Pets: Why Wills Matter for the Animals We Love

Our pets are part of the family, and many clients worry about what will happen to them after they die. From leaving pets as specific gifts, to setting up trusts...

November 28, 2025

Sarah Conner

Opinion

dispute-resolution

The Civil Ramifications of Drink Driving – Even Without a Criminal Conviction

Most people associate drink driving with criminal penalties, but even if a prosecution fails or charges are dropped, drivers can still face significant civil consequences. From insurers refusing payouts to...

November 10, 2025

Declan Storrar

Blog

crime
criminal-defence

Deepfakes or Deception. The Law on AI Generated Images

AI-generated images and deepfakes have become powerful tools for deception, fraud, and harm. Recent changes to UK legislation mean that creating or sharing such content can now amount to a...

November 10, 2025

Tosin Akinboboye

Blog

property-disputes

Gas Safety Certificates and Section 21 Notices: Important New Update for Landlords

Following on from my previous blog on the importance of Gas Safety Certificate compliance when serving a Section 21 notice, this update looks at a new case that may change…

November 6, 2025

Caitlyn Griffiths

Blog

Top 12 fireworks safety tips to prevent personal injury

As Bonfire Night is fast approaching, there will undoubtedly be thousands of people enjoying some firework fun. However, no matter how pretty and thrilling these fireworks can be, there is...

November 4, 2025

Denise Doherty

Opinion

no-win-no-fee
personal-injury

Celebrating National Pro Bono Week 2025

Pro Bono work is legal advice or representation provided free of charge by legal professionals in the public interest. The combination of legal aid cuts made by the government and…

November 3, 2025

Daniel Denton

Opinion

property-disputes
residential-property-disputes

Navigating Awaab’s Law: What Private Landlords Need to Know and Do

Awaab’s Law introduces strict timeframes for addressing damp and mould in social housing. Private landlords should act now to review processes, inspections, and tenant communications to prepare for similar future...

October 29, 2025

Bahareh Amani

Opinion

Standing Firm in Power and Pride: The Legacy of Dame Jocelyn Barrow and Justice Henderson Downer

A reflection on Dame Jocelyn Barrow and Justice Henderson Downer, whose Caribbean heritage shaped their remarkable careers in law, education and public service.

October 29, 2025

Vanessa Friend

Opinion

contentious-probate
dispute-resolution

Funeral Arrangements – Judicial Guidance in Patel V Patel (2025)

Patel v Patel (2025) provides judicial guidance on disputes over funeral arrangements, highlighting the legal rights of personal representatives and factors courts consider.

October 21, 2025

Chun Wong

Opinion

asbestos
asbestos-related-disease

How You Could Have Been Exposed To Asbestos Dust

Many clients who come to us for legal advice and help with accessing DWP benefits following a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease were exposed to asbestos dust at work. However,…

October 20, 2025

Lorna Webster

Opinion

boundary-disputes
property-disputes

Boundary Agreement And Its Legal Effect

Disputes between neighbouring landowners relating to an unclear boundary can escalate, often leading to costly litigation. One way to resolve the uncertainty is to have a boundary agreement in place.…

October 20, 2025

Ruhul Ameen

Opinion

Black History Month 2025

Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride

I must admit, in my view, my journey to becoming a solicitor was in many ways ordinary. I grew up in a council estate in a suburb in North London,…

October 16, 2025

Christina Ashibogu

Opinion

asbestos
mesothelioma

Asbestos Claims Specialist Solicitors Welcome Increase to Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme Awards

At Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, our specialist asbestos claims lawyers have, over decades, successfully pursued civil claims for malignant mesothelioma sufferers, who have been exposed to asbestos dust, both…

October 15, 2025

Isobel Lovett

Opinion

Black History Month 2025
Diversity
Equity and Inclusion

Black History Month 2025: Raise the Percentage

‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. That is the theme that has been prescribed to Black History Month for 2025. ‘Power’ and ‘pride’ are two words I would assign to…

October 7, 2025

Dorian Williams

Opinion

Being Black And Working In The Criminal Justice System

When I began my career in criminal law as a paralegal I did not often see other black professionals. It was rare to see another black legal representative at the…

October 7, 2025

Michael Ackah

Opinion

Celebrating And Remembering Black Lawyers in The UK

HJA’s Criminal Law team marks Black History Month by honouring Courtenay Griffiths KC and other trailblazing black lawyers who shaped UK legal history.

October 2, 2025

Darrell Ennis-Gayle

Blog

criminal-defence
driving-offences

Understanding Penalty Points and Driving Offences

If you are convicted of a driving offence at court, penalty points are added to your driving licence. This is ancillary (as well as) a fine or other punishment. Each…

September 30, 2025

Sean Caulfield

Opinion

criminal-defence
extradition

Extradition Proceedings and the Role of Article 8 Rights

Article 8 is often in the news in the context of immigration law and there have recently been calls from politicians and others to limit its use. It is sometimes…

September 24, 2025

Katy O’Mara

Opinion

personal-injury
rehabilitation

Claiming Care And Assistance After An Accident: What You Need To Know

When you’ve been injured in an accident, the impact often goes beyond medical treatment and lost earnings. Many people also need help with day-to-day activities – whether that’s washing, cooking,…

September 24, 2025

Asli Polat