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.”
Changes to qualifying period: Time to rethink probation periods?
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period is reducing from two years to six months. But the reality is that the new law will apply to all employees who have already accumulated at least six months of continuous employment by this date. This means that now is the right time for employers to be reviewing their employment contracts and rethinking strategies on probationary periods.
Proposals for reform of cohabitation rights on the death of a cohabitating partner
Georgia Sartin, a Solicitor in our Property and Contentious Probate Team explores the government’s recent open consultation ‘a fairer end to relationships’ published on 5 June 2026, , in respect of the proposals for reform for cohabitants in the intestacy framework and 1975 Act claims.
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Changes to qualifying period: Time to rethink probation periods?
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period is reducing from two years to six months. But the reality is that the new law will apply to all employees who have already accumulated at least six months of continuous employment by this date. This means that now is the right time for employers to be reviewing their employment contracts and rethinking strategies on probationary periods.
Proposals for reform of cohabitation rights on the death of a cohabitating partner
Georgia Sartin, a Solicitor in our Property and Contentious Probate Team explores the government’s recent open consultation ‘a fairer end to relationships’ published on 5 June 2026, , in respect of the proposals for reform for cohabitants in the intestacy framework and 1975 Act claims.
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Who is accountable for maternity safety? The case for a maternity commissioner following the birth trauma inquiry.
The safety of maternity services in England has been under intense scrutiny in recent years, now, a national campaign has been launched for the appointment of a dedicated Maternity Commissioner.
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When running a business, company founders and shareholders will inevitably, at one stage or another, want to consider potential succession options, the most prominent being an exit by way of trade sale. Hugo Persad, Trainee Solicitor in our Corporate Team provides an overview of what the difference is between a share sale and an asset sale.
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Leathes Prior's Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Team Secure Settlement for Client
Kate Smith (Senior Associate) and Kimberley Nelson (Paralegal) were instructed in relation to a workplace personal injury claim, and successfully secured a five-figure settled for the client.
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New Restrictions to Charitable Giving: What You Need to Know
Changes to UK tax law regarding charitable giving took effect from 6 April 2026. Following legislative amendments in the Finance Act 2025-26, the generous tax exemptions associated with charitable gifts - specifically Inheritance Tax (IHT) exemptions - will be restricted to gifts to UK-registered charities. Ejike Ndaiji, Partner in our Wills, Trusts, & Probate and Charities Team explains...
Employment Rights Act 2026: The New Trade Union Right Of Access - Will it matter?
The Government has now published its response to the “Make Work Pay: Trade Union Right of Access” consultation which means we are now one step closer to properly understanding what these new access rights really will be.
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Spring Statement 2026 - An Overview
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Supreme Court ruling set to impact NHS - Children injured by NHS can claim damages for lifetime lost earnings
In February 2026, the Supreme Court passed a ruling which is set to significantly increase the amount of damages the NHS may have to pay for claims brought in respect of children injured at birth, as a result of medical negligence.
