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Palmers celebrates another year of charitable support for local children’s charity

Palmers celebrates another year of charitable support for local children’s charity

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Palmers team delivering cheque to charity

Essex-based legal firm Palmers Solicitors has had another fantastic year supporting local charities.

This year, Palmers selected the Polly Parrot Appeal, part of Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, as its charity of the year.

The appeal is a fundraising effort that supports the children’s wards at Basildon Hospital, including the neonatal intensive care unit and the children’s oncology unit.

Since January, the Palmers team have taken part in numerous events and activities to raise money for the appeal.

In March, the firm donated more than £850 to the charity, with contributions collected through client feedback forms from each office.

In June, staff from the Rayleigh office set up a stand at the Rayleigh Trinity Fair to raise money, with activities that drew large crowds and created a wonderful atmosphere for families and local residents

Kimberley Portas-Bailey, Project Manager at Palmers, and colleagues recently visited Polly’s Pad at Basildon Hospital to present the support staff and Head of Fundraising with hampers and a £1,411 cheque.

“They were all extremely happy with the donations and asked us to pass on their thanks for this donation and for all of our support over the years,” said Kimberley.

“So, on behalf of Palmers, I want to send a massive thank you to everyone, staff, clients and members of the community, who have donated this year and taken part in our initiatives. The Polly Parrot Appeal is a wonderful cause and we couldn’t be prouder to support it.”

Palmers has supported the Polly Parrot Children’s Services since 2017, raising more than £15,000 through events such as dress-down days, abseils, carol concerts and festive light switch-ons.

Donations have helped fund sensory toys, games, calming spaces and technology like Accuvein machines, all designed to make hospital visits less stressful for children and their families.

The firm looks forward to more charitable events during the holiday season and encourages the community to join them in supporting local children’s services.

Palmers is celebrating another successful year of Legal 500 rankings

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Palmers is celebrating another successful year of Legal 500 rankings

Essex law firm Palmers Solicitors is celebrating another successful year after being recognised in seven practice areas in the latest Legal 500 rankings.

Palmers has not only maintained its strong position in key areas, but has also moved up in Family law and entered the rankings for Contentious Probate for the first time.

The independent guide, which highlights the UK’s top legal talent, has once again praised the firm’s work across a wide range of services.

The firm has been ranked in the following practice areas:

Ricky Valks, Chief Development Officer at Palmers said, “We’re thrilled with this year’s results. Moving up in Family and gaining a new ranking in Contentious Probate shows how our teams are going from strength to strength.

“What makes Legal 500 rankings so rewarding is that they are based on client and peer feedback, so it really reflects the trust people place in us.”

He added, “Palmers has been part of the Essex community for over 40 years. These rankings show that we continue to deliver the right mix of expertise and personal service that people value.

“It’s a great motivator to keep pushing ourselves and raising the bar even higher.”

Palmers has offices in Basildon, Thurrock, South Woodham Ferrers, Rayleigh and a newly opened office in Chelmsford.

To speak to one of our experts and access our award-winning services, please email enquiries@palmerslaw.co.uk.

 

Palmers Solicitors announces promotions of Kristie Willis and Jonathan Hol to Associate Solicitor

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One of Essex’s leading independent law firms, Palmers Solicitors, is celebrating the promotion of two of its lawyers, Kristie Willis and Jonathan Hol, to the role of Associate Solicitor.

Kristie, who has more than seven years’ experience in employment law, specialises in Employment Tribunal claims involving unfair dismissal and discrimination.

Since joining Palmers, she has taken a leading role in growing and promoting the firm’s employment law services, including delivering a recent webinar on the impact of AI in the workplace.

Kristie said: “I’m thrilled to be taking this next step in my career with Palmers. Employment law is a fast-changing area and I’m passionate about helping both businesses and individuals navigate the challenges ahead with confidence.

“I’m also looking forward to mentoring junior colleagues and supporting the continued growth of our new office in Chelmsford.”

Jonathan, who began his legal career in South Africa in 2008, before qualifying in the UK, brings significant expertise in company commercial matters and contracts.

He has been central to the development of Palmers’ commercial services, particularly within the company commercial department.

Jonathan commented: “It’s a real privilege to be recognised in this way. Palmers has an excellent reputation for supporting businesses across Essex and beyond.

“I’m excited to continue building on that success by helping clients achieve their goals, whilst also driving further growth in our commercial services.”

Palmers Solicitors has a long history of developing talented solicitors, associates and partners within its own team, as it looks to expand its legal services across the region.

Gina Newman, Chief Operations Officer at Palmers Solicitors, said: “These promotions reflect the exceptional contributions Kristie and Jonathan have made to Palmers and to our clients.

“Their expertise, commitment, and leadership will play a key role in the ongoing expansion of our legal services.”

To find out more about career opportunities at Palmers Solicitors, please click here.

 

Promotion at Palmers Solicitors strengthens litigation team

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Promotion at Palmers Solicitors strengthens litigation team

Essex law firm Palmers Solicitors has promoted Gareth Brazier to Senior Associate, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent from within the practice.

Gareth, who has more than 12 years’ post-qualification experience and two decades in litigation, specialises in a range of civil and commercial disputes.

Chief Operating Officer Gina Newman said, “Since joining Palmers, Gareth has quickly become an indispensable member of our team.

“In recent months, he has taken on an increasing range of responsibilities, including supporting colleagues across supervisory matters.

“His new role will see him further expand those duties, serving as a key point of contact for the team on specific case types and projects.

“This promotion is a reflection of everything Gareth has brought to the team so far, and the key role we see him playing in the department’s future.”

Gareth will continue to support complex dispute resolution work, while helping to develop internal processes and mentoring colleagues as part of the firm’s wider growth plans.

Speaking about his promotion, Gareth said, “I’m really pleased to be taking on this role. Palmers has a strong culture of supporting its people, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with the team and helping to drive the department forward.”

The promotion forms part of the firm’s strategy of investing in internal talent and leadership development as it continues to expand its service offering across Essex and the wider South East.

Probate fraud risk under the spotlight after Bona Vacantia list taken offline

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Probate fraud risk under the spotlight after Bona Vacantia list taken offline

Following a BBC investigation, the Government has temporarily removed the Bona Vacantia list of unclaimed estates from public view due to concerns over suspected fraud.

The list, which publishes details of estates passing to the Crown where no heirs have been identified, has sparked debate around how secure the UK’s probate system really is.

Erin Duffy, Head of Personal Litigation at Palmers Solicitors, shares her insight into the legal and practical implications for both practitioners and families.

“Whilst probate fraud is relatively rare, it does happen and is something that is likely to happen more given the rise we have seen in contentious probate disputes.

“In cases where someone dies with seemingly no living relatives, there’s certainly the risk that someone could try to take advantage and assert a fraudulent claim to the Deceased’s estate” says Erin.

For practitioners, a common concern arises when a Will surfaces unexpectedly, especially after the estate is believed to be intestate.

“What we do in those cases really depends on who we’re acting for. If we’re instructed by someone who disputes the validity of the Will, we would typically make enquiries of the witnesses to the Will and speak to whoever drafted the Will.”

“If there are concerns about forgery, it’s possible to instruct a handwriting expert to verify the authenticity of the signature to the Will” she explains.

Some have suggested introducing in-person ID verification or additional affidavit checks to reduce fraud risk.

While such measures could help, Erin says it could bring practical challenges.

“In an ideal world, yes, more checks would add protection. However, the reality is that the cost versus benefit of introducing those systems could be problematic.”

The removal of the Bona Vacantia list may affect certain areas of practice, but not the majority, Erin suggests.

“It will impact those who deal in heir hunting, but I don’t think taking the list offline will have a significant effect on most probate practitioners. It’s quite a niche area.”

For anyone concerned that someone’s estate may have been fraudulently claimed, Erin’s advice is simple:

“Gather as much information as you can and seek professional legal advice as early as possible.”

In addition to potential fraud, Erin highlights a broader systemic issue – the legal gap that leaves cohabiting partners without protection if their partner dies without a Will.

“I had a case where my client had lived with her partner for a long time in his home. He died without a Will, with no children, no parents, and no other living family, so his estate passed to the Crown as Bona Vacantia. As a cohabitee (not a spouse or civil partner) she would have inherited nothing from his estate and faced losing her home. Fortunately, I was able to negotiate a settlement with the Bona Vacantia Division of the Government Legal Department without needing to go to Court.”

“These are people with a legitimate expectation of inheriting from someone they were close to, but they have no automatic rights under the intestacy rules.”

“In those circumstances, it’s so important to get legal advice quickly, particularly where claims may need to be made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 where strict time limits apply.”

If you’re facing uncertainty about someone’s estate, contact Erin Duffy and the Contentious Probate Team at Palmers Solicitors for expert advice and support.

Palmers Solicitors proudly support local community at Rayleigh Trinity Fair

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Palmers event stand at Raleigh Trinity Fair

Palmers Solicitors were proud to be one of the main sponsors of this year’s Rayleigh Trinity Fair, held on 8 June, as part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community.

The event was a fantastic success, drawing large crowds and creating a wonderful atmosphere for families and local residents.

A dedicated team from Palmers were on hand throughout the day, helping to raise an impressive £213.40 for the firm’s chosen local charities, The Polly Parrot Appeal and the Rayleigh Town Museum.

In the run-up to the event, Palmers partnered with primary schools across Raleigh to run a Colouring Competition.

The three winners were selected ahead of the fair, with two of them proudly receiving their prizes on the day itself in front of a supportive crowd.

The third winner, unable to attend the event, was presented with her prize and certificate the following day at Grovewood Primary School by Palmers’ directors, Adam Davis and Erin Cronin, who made a special visit to the school to make the presentation in person.

Kimberley Portas-Bailey, Project Manager at Palmers Solicitors, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the Trinity Fair again this year and supporting such a worthy cause.

“The colouring competition brought the schools across Raleigh together, and we were genuinely impressed by the children’s creativity and enthusiasm.

“We’re proud to be part of such an engaged community and look forward to taking part in many more community initiatives in the future.”

Palmers Solicitors would like to thank all those who participated in the event and the competition, as well as the local schools and families who helped make it such a memorable occasion.

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