Solid and Clear Advice for Life and Business

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Steeles Law is a modern, vibrant company providing legal services with its roots set firmly in East Anglia.

At Steeles Law we passionately believe that buying a new home, especially for the first time, should be exciting and as free as possible from any stress or worry.

Conveyancing

It’s an exciting time. You’re buying a new home and as one of the single largest investments you’ll make in your life you want every step on the journey to be as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Conveyancing

Buying your home

All land and property ownership in England and Wales is subject to a system of registration. However, 20% of all land remains unregistered.

Conveyancing

First Registration

Ownership of a property with a long residential lease is a valuable asset. However its value decreases with each passing year and leases of less than 80 years are harder, if not impossible to sell.

Conveyancing

Lease extensions

Before beginning the process of letting your property, be prepared. Many see letting a house or a flat as a means of generating income and growing your capital, but without the right legal advice it can still be a complicated business.

Conveyancing

Letting your property

A point in our favour if you’re considering remortgaging, equity release, or a transfer of equity is the fact that we’re on the panel for the majority of high street lenders. When the consent of your lender is required, this is a key advantage.

Conveyancing

Ownership of your property

Selling a home or buying a home, they’re two sides of the same coin and whichever path you’re taking, we’re happy to provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Conveyancing

Selling your home

Work is a fundamental part of your life and problems can leave you feeling upset, confused and insecure.

Employment

At Steeles Law, our family team prides itself on a down-to-earth, sensitive approach to family law matters.

Family

When there are children involved, separation can become even more painful. Which parent should they live with, who will support them financially, and how much contact is each parent to be allowed?

Family

Children matters

Ending a marriage, civil partnership or long term relationship is always a big step, and never an easy decision. Although it may be for the best, this is still one of the most emotional, unsettling moments in your life and the right support is essential.

Family

Divorce, civil partnerships and separation

The long held myth is that if you live with your partner for a certain length of time, you become their ‘common law’ husband or wife.

Family

Living together

In matters of the heart, it can pay to use your head and it’s not just celebrities, reality stars or Hollywood names who can benefit from a pre-nuptial agreement.

Family

Nuptial agreements

If you’re an individual or business involved in an international transaction, the authorities in that country may well ask you to sign certain documents in front of a Notary Public.

Notarial services

Planning for the later years of your life can be an uncomfortable topic for some but at Steeles Law we encourage clients of all ages to think about the future and consider making arrangements for yourself and your family.

Wills, probate and tax

Frequently referred to as a Living Will, an Advance Decision is a written statement indicating that in the event of a terminal illness, mental incapacity or permanent unconsciousness, you do not wish to be kept alive by artificial means or have your life prolonged by certain medical treatment.

Wills, probate and tax

Advance Decisions

Whatever the size of the estate, there is always the possibility of complex, emotional and drawn out disputes regarding Wills. Equally, where a Will hasn’t been made, the laws of intestacy may fail to protect the family of the deceased. Whatever your situation, we’re here for you.

Wills, probate and tax

Contentious probate

In an ideal world, when someone you care for becomes incapable of managing their own affairs they will have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place. If they don’t, an application needs to be made to the Court of Protection to appoint a Deputy to handle that individual’s property and financial concerns.

Wills, probate and tax

Court of Protection

When you pass away, you want to leave your loved ones as much of your wealth as possible. However, with Inheritance Tax (IHT) charged at 40% on estates worth more than £325,000, IHT can take a significant slice out of anything you wish to bequeath family and friends.

Wills, probate and tax

Inheritance tax and succession planning

Have you considered what might happen if accident, illness or old age left you incapable of making decisions, and you didn’t have Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place? The answer is that someone would have to apply to the Court of Protection to be allowed to mange your assets on your behalf.

Wills, probate and tax

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

The good news is that most of us are living longer. The less welcome news is that these extra years can cost us more in terms of paying for care, potentially leaving our children with little or no inheritance. Even when leaving an inheritance isn’t the number one priority, protecting your independence, dignity and self-respect is surely high on the agenda.

Wills, probate and tax

Paying for care

When someone close to you dies, we can help. Whether or not a Will has been left, we can simplify complex legal matters and provide real support at one of life’s more testing times.

Wills, probate and tax

Probate

A legal arrangement where one or more persons, called trustees, look after assets for the benefit of others, called beneficiaries, a trust is a valuable, tax efficient means of managing your family’s future financial security.

Wills, probate and tax

Trusts

Making a Will is something many of us put off, continually pushing it to the back of our minds because we’d rather not think about what’s going to happen when we die. Which is understandable. However a Will is the single most important legacy you can leave your loved ones.

Wills, probate and tax

Wills

After people, property is the next major expense for many businesses and if not approached professionally can present a significant risk. With increasingly labyrinthine commercial property transactions, there is a growing need for legal specialists with the experience, foresight, and pragmatism to deliver working solutions in an ever-changing environment.

Commercial property

At Steeles Law we have a large and experienced team of commercial lawyers who can advise on all aspects of running your business – from start-up, employing staff and purchasing your business premises, through to expansion, resolving disputes or selling your business.

Corporate and commercial

Buying or selling a business is always a tough decision. It also has the potential to be a complicated one, with multiple legal issues to be considered before a successful transaction can be completed. Which is why you need a comprehensive plan of action from the word go.

Corporate and commercial

Buying and selling a business

Whether you’re a start up ready for a more formal structure, or an established company that needs to restructure, we can provide experienced, expert advice tailored to your business type; advice that best protects your interests, assets, and personal liabilities.

Corporate and commercial

Company formation and restructuring

The fact of the matter is, all companies require contracts. Whether complex agreements for specific circumstances, or basic terms and conditions for daily use, we have the experience and expertise to provide easily understood advice at every stage of the contract formation process. Clarifying the risks involved in any relationship, and guaranteeing you guard against them.

Corporate and commercial

Contracts

Corporate finance is the lifeblood of any business. Helping you mitigate risk and maximise profit, we can provide quick, clear, comprehensive advice on how best to proceed through a range of complex deals, ensuring you make the right business decisions.

Corporate and commercial

Corporate finance

As one of your single most valuable assets, your intellectual property rights need to be carefully guarded. Whether it’s help with brand or copyright, trademarks or design, our highly experienced team can identify where there is an automatic intellectual property (IP) right, when one needs to be registered, and how to best protect and exploit your IP.

Corporate and commercial

Intellectual property (IP)

Our dispute resolution team will advise you on how to manage, resolve and mitigate the impact of almost any commercial dispute.

Dispute resolution

"I don’t want to end up in court." No, we don’t want you to either. Fortunately, there are now many different means of resolving business disputes without resorting to litigation.

Dispute resolution

Commercial litigation

Protecting your cash flow is vital if you want to keep your business afloat. To avoid debtor issues, our highly experienced team can help you establish an efficient means of payment collection in-house. If you already face issues, we can provide a tailored debt recovery service on a fixed fee, or percentage of recovery basis. Why, we can even help you recover non-UK debts.

Dispute resolution

Debt recovery

Property disputes are rarely black and white. Whether the dispute is between landlord and tenant, seller and buyer, a dispute over trespassers and boundaries, lease-end dilapidations or business rates, you can trust our expert team of property litigation lawyers to resolve the disagreement with professionalism, sensitivity and care, no matter how complex.

Dispute resolution

Property disputes

You could be a Head of HR dealing with a collective consultation for potential redundancies or TUPE, or you could be facing a tribunal claim from an employee. Maybe you’re the owner of a SME with an employee issue you’re unsure how to approach.

Employment

If you’re an individual or business involved in an international transaction, the authorities in that country may well ask you to sign certain documents in front of a Notary Public.

Notarial services

Alongside our core services for all businesses, Steeles Law offers niche expertise in certain sectors.

Our specialist areas

With our roots in South Norfolk’s Waveney Valley, it’s little wonder that agriculture is close to our hearts. Experts in our field, we regularly handle sales, purchases, easements, farm business tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies for a solid client base in East Anglia.

Our specialist areas

Agriculture

Recently asked to contribute to the Government’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA), our reputation for excellence, and trust, in this highly specialist area continues to grow.

Our specialist areas

Allegations of historic abuse

If you’re based in the UK, sell goods and have a self-employed sales force, you’re probably already aware that commercial agents are particularly well protected under the Commercial Agents Regulations 1993. Which makes parting company with them a potentially expensive business for you, the principal.

Our specialist areas

Commercial agents

A high performing player in the East Anglia education sector, we handle the legal aspects of converting schools to academies, while advising existing academies on how to become multi-academy trusts.

Our specialist areas

Education

We have a track record of success in the highly competitive arena of motorsport. Attracting a world-class portfolio of global names, we’ve put together a top team of specialist lawyers perfectly equipped to meet the ever-changing needs of motorsport, and related high tech engineering industries.

Our specialist areas

Motorsport

Alan Skeates

Accountant

Alison Beales

Paralegal - Conveyancing

Katherine Bearman

Paralegal - Wills, Probate & Tax

Alex Curnow

Solicitor - Employment

Amanda Owens

Associate - Family

James Conley

Paralegal - Employment

Amy Taylor

Associate - Wills, Probate & Tax

Lisha Gorsia

Solicitor - Commercial Property

James Hopgood

Solicitor - Company Commercial

Michael Fahy

Director - Commercial Property

Beth Watson

Solicitor - Conveyancing

Lorraine Olpin

Solicitor - Conveyancing

Nigel Lubbock

Director and Notary Public - Company Commercial

Denise Traube

Chartered Legal Executive - Dispute Resolution

Oliver Brabbins

Director - Employment

Michelle Trenerry

Director - ICT

Richard Bailey

Director - Company Commercial

Emma Alfieri

Associate - Family

Robert Hickford

Associate - Employment

Gemma Hoskins

Associate - Marketing

Stephen Drake

Managing Director

Karen Bacon

Associate - Wills, Probate & Tax

Tom Bailey

Director - Dispute Resolution

"I have a very positive impression of the firm - they are professional, and give robust yet pragmatic advice. I completely trust the advice they give."

Chambers and Partners 2017

"I have a really excellent impression of Steeles Law Solicitors. They are very good at explaining the risks and the implications of their recommended actions."

Chambers and Partners 2017

"The excellent practice at Steeles Law always provides prompt and efficient service."

The Legal 500 2016

"Steeles Law’s team is very knowledgeable, reasonably priced and well versed."

The Legal 500 2016

News, Events and Essential Guides

News

12 October 2017

The liability of a freehold owner where a visitor suffers fatal injuries

In the recent case of Dodd v Raebarn Estates Ltd and others (2017), the Court of Appeal considered whether a freeholder, who was the landlord of a headlease, could be held liable under the Defective Premises Act 1972 (“the DPA”) when a visitor fell down the stairs and suffered fatal head injuries.

23 August 2017

The importance of carrying out a title investigation before entering into a deed of surrender

The recent case of The Co-operative Bank plc v Hayes Freehold Limited and Others (2017) raised an interesting issue concerning the effect of a purported surrender of two leases. The landlord had failed to obtain the consent of a bank, which had a charge over the property, before effecting the disposition of the leases.

22 August 2017

Lasting Powers of Attorney: A response to Judge Denzil Lush

Former Court of Protection judge Denzil Lush has vowed that he would never sign a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) himself due to the “devastating effect” it can have on families, which is in clear conflict to the advice given by Steeles Law and others in the legal profession.

21 August 2017

Removal and reimbursement of employment tribunal fees

On 26 July 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that employment tribunal fees were unlawful and had acted as a barrier to access to justice.

21 August 2017

New legislation to ban card payment surcharges

On 13 January 2018, new European legislation will take effect in the UK, with important consequences for consumers and businesses.

4 October 2017

Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace Masterclass – Wednesday 15 November 2017

Seven years on from the Equality Act 2010, our specialist employment law team present a look at how the law has developed in this area, providing practical tips for ensuring equality and diversity in the workplace and avoiding costly claims in this sensitive area of HR management.

29 September 2017

Jesse’s Anchor Launch – 10 November 2017

Steeles Law is proud to support the launch of Jesse's Anchor, a local charity set up in memory of 1 year old Jesse Langford-Daley, who lost his battle with brain cancer in June 2017. Jesse's Anchor exists to support the families of those who find themselves in similarly tragic circumstances.

11 September 2017

Inheritance tax – a voluntary tax? – Tuesday 10 October 2017

Inheritance tax (IHT) and planning for later life are important considerations when making financial decisions for you and the people you care about. Early planning now can help you reduce inheritance tax liabilities in the future.

4 September 2017

Breakfast seminars for accountants 2017/18

We are pleased to announce this year’s programme of complimentary breakfast seminars for accountants, to be held at Norwich Theatre Royal.

1 September 2017

Steeles Sporting Pointless – Tuesday 17 October 2017

The Steeles Law Sporting Predictions Sprint Tournament 2017 will conclude with a special sports themed edition of the popular quiz show with a Steeles twist!

GDPR for Developers Read more
Employment Law – Make it Top of Your Agenda Read more
Taxing questions – What you need to know about Inheritance Tax Read more

more essential guides

Careers at Steeles Law

Join our team

Solid and Clear Advice for Life and Business

Solid and clear advice for life and business

Solid and clear advice for life and business

Solid and clear advice for life and business

Services for you

Steeles Law is a modern, vibrant company providing legal services with its roots set firmly in East Anglia.

At Steeles Law we passionately believe that buying a new home, especially for the first time, should be exciting and as free as possible from any stress or worry.

It’s an exciting time. You’re buying a new home and as one of the single largest investments you’ll make in your life you want every step on the journey to be as smooth and stress-free as possible.

All land and property ownership in England and Wales is subject to a system of registration. However, 20% of all land remains unregistered.

Ownership of a property with a long residential lease is a valuable asset. However its value decreases with each passing year and leases of less than 80 years are harder, if not impossible to sell.

Before beginning the process of letting your property, be prepared. Many see letting a house or a flat as a means of generating income and growing your capital, but without the right legal advice it can still be a complicated business.

A point in our favour if you’re considering remortgaging, equity release, or a transfer of equity is the fact that we’re on the panel for the majority of high street lenders. When the consent of your lender is required, this is a key advantage.

Selling a home or buying a home, they’re two sides of the same coin and whichever path you’re taking, we’re happy to provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Work is a fundamental part of your life and problems can leave you feeling upset, confused and insecure.

At Steeles Law, our family team prides itself on a down-to-earth, sensitive approach to family law matters.

When there are children involved, separation can become even more painful. Which parent should they live with, who will support them financially, and how much contact is each parent to be allowed?

Ending a marriage, civil partnership or long term relationship is always a big step, and never an easy decision. Although it may be for the best, this is still one of the most emotional, unsettling moments in your life and the right support is essential.

The long held myth is that if you live with your partner for a certain length of time, you become their ‘common law’ husband or wife.

In matters of the heart, it can pay to use your head and it’s not just celebrities, reality stars or Hollywood names who can benefit from a pre-nuptial agreement.

If you’re an individual or business involved in an international transaction, the authorities in that country may well ask you to sign certain documents in front of a Notary Public.

Planning for the later years of your life can be an uncomfortable topic for some but at Steeles Law we encourage clients of all ages to think about the future and consider making arrangements for yourself and your family.

Frequently referred to as a Living Will, an Advance Decision is a written statement indicating that in the event of a terminal illness, mental incapacity or permanent unconsciousness, you do not wish to be kept alive by artificial means or have your life prolonged by certain medical treatment.

Whatever the size of the estate, there is always the possibility of complex, emotional and drawn out disputes regarding Wills. Equally, where a Will hasn’t been made, the laws of intestacy may fail to protect the family of the deceased. Whatever your situation, we’re here for you.

When you pass away, you want to leave your loved ones as much of your wealth as possible. However, with Inheritance Tax (IHT) charged at 40% on estates worth more than £325,000, IHT can take a significant slice out of anything you wish to bequeath family and friends.

When someone close to you dies, we can help. Whether or not a Will has been left, we can simplify complex legal matters and provide real support at one of life’s more testing times.

A legal arrangement where one or more persons, called trustees, look after assets for the benefit of others, called beneficiaries, a trust is a valuable, tax efficient means of managing your family’s future financial security.

Making a Will is something many of us put off, continually pushing it to the back of our minds because we’d rather not think about what’s going to happen when we die. Which is understandable. However a Will is the single most important legacy you can leave your loved ones.

At Steeles Law we have a large and experienced team of commercial lawyers who can advise on all aspects of running your business – from start-up, employing staff and purchasing your business premises, through to expansion, resolving disputes or selling your business.

Buying or selling a business is always a tough decision. It also has the potential to be a complicated one, with multiple legal issues to be considered before a successful transaction can be completed. Which is why you need a comprehensive plan of action from the word go.

Whether you’re a start up ready for a more formal structure, or an established company that needs to restructure, we can provide experienced, expert advice tailored to your business type; advice that best protects your interests, assets, and personal liabilities.

Corporate finance is the lifeblood of any business. Helping you mitigate risk and maximise profit, we can provide quick, clear, comprehensive advice on how best to proceed through a range of complex deals, ensuring you make the right business decisions.

Our dispute resolution team will advise you on how to manage, resolve and mitigate the impact of almost any commercial dispute.

"I don’t want to end up in court." No, we don’t want you to either. Fortunately, there are now many different means of resolving business disputes without resorting to litigation.

You could be a Head of HR dealing with a collective consultation for potential redundancies or TUPE, or you could be facing a tribunal claim from an employee. Maybe you’re the owner of a SME with an employee issue you’re unsure how to approach.

If you’re an individual or business involved in an international transaction, the authorities in that country may well ask you to sign certain documents in front of a Notary Public.

Alongside our core services for all businesses, Steeles Law offers niche expertise in certain sectors.

With our roots in South Norfolk’s Waveney Valley, it’s little wonder that agriculture is close to our hearts. Experts in our field, we regularly handle sales, purchases, easements, farm business tenancies and Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies for a solid client base in East Anglia.

Recently asked to contribute to the Government’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA), our reputation for excellence, and trust, in this highly specialist area continues to grow.

A high performing player in the East Anglia education sector, we handle the legal aspects of converting schools to academies, while advising existing academies on how to become multi-academy trusts.

We have a track record of success in the highly competitive arena of motorsport. Attracting a world-class portfolio of global names, we’ve put together a top team of specialist lawyers perfectly equipped to meet the ever-changing needs of motorsport, and related high tech engineering industries.

Services for your business

News, Events and Essential Guides

News

Events

Essential Guides

Solid and clear advice for
life and business

Solid and clear advice for
life and business