Lily Beel Qualifies into the Residential Property Team
Congratulations from everyone here at Leathes Prior
Leathes Prior is delighted to announce that Lily Beel has qualified as a Solicitor.
Shortly after graduating from Leeds University in 2015 with a law degree, Lily joined Leathes Prior as a Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution Team. Studying alongside that work for the firm, Lily finished her Legal Practise Course in June 2017 before commencing a training contract with the firm in September 2017.
During her period as a trainee solicitor Lily experienced seats in Residential Property, Employment and Commercial Property and she notably won the People’s Choice award at the highly acclaimed Sync the City event with her Seren concept. With the assistance of her team mates they have made that idea into a reality.
As she is admitted to the roll of Solicitors, Lily now joins our Residential Property Team on a permanent basis and will bring her work ethic and dedication to client service to a Team which offers our clients specialist advice and assistance over a wide range of property matters including conveyancing, deed of easements, leasehold extensions, transfer of equity, remortgage and bridging finance matters.
Leathes Prior’s Training Principal, Dan Chapman, said; “We are very pleased to once again retain one of our trainee solicitors upon qualification. That Lily was able to qualify as a Solicitor 18 months in to her training contract is a testament to her hard work, proven ability and focus. It is particularly rewarding to demonstrate that the firm is able to offer flexible routes to qualification, an important factor as we continue to strive to identify and train the best legal talent.”
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The use of AI Large Language Models in litigation continues to generate headlines (and consternation from the judiciary). In 2025, it seemed that rarely a month went by without a new case on fake AI-generated case law. December was no exception, and the High Court has now issued a further warning regarding the use of AI by litigants.
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It was announced in the 2025 Budget that from 6 April 2026, changes will be made to agricultural property relief and business property relief. These changes bring APR and BPR in line with the nil-rate band rules, meaning unused allowances can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner. This is a significant step towards making estate planning easier for families who own farms or businesses.
The case of the fake cases: another judgment on AI-hallucinations in litigation
The use of AI Large Language Models in litigation continues to generate headlines (and consternation from the judiciary). In 2025, it seemed that rarely a month went by without a new case on fake AI-generated case law. December was no exception, and the High Court has now issued a further warning regarding the use of AI by litigants.
Autumn Budget 2025: Agricultural Property Relief & Business Property Relief Changes
It was announced in the 2025 Budget that from 6 April 2026, changes will be made to agricultural property relief and business property relief. These changes bring APR and BPR in line with the nil-rate band rules, meaning unused allowances can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner. This is a significant step towards making estate planning easier for families who own farms or businesses.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 is expected to come into force tomorrow (18 December 2025)
After an extended period of back-and-forth amendments between Parliament and the House of Lords, on 16 December 2025, the ERB finally received approval from the House of Lords, with the formality of Royal Assent due to take place tomorrow (18 December 2025). Head of LP Employment, Dan Chapman, explains...
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Our Guidance, Your Legacy: What is a Will, and why should I make one?
Not only is a Will one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected, but it also limits the likelihood of a claim/dispute following your death. To ensure your loved ones and the causes you care about benefit from your estate, a Will is essential to ensuring this happens. Find out more in this article.
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Leathes Prior winners in nine categories in the prestigious Legal 500 Future Laywer Survey
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Jess’s Rule – New Guidelines for GPs
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Leathes Prior are excited to announce that four Trainee Solicitors qualify at the firm
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