News
Private client solicitor Emma Westsmith joins her mother, property solicitor Julie West, as a director of Julie West Solicitors Ltd (trading as Julie West Solicitors). Julie West Solicitors is a family-run Surrey law firm specializing in all aspects of residential and commercial property, wills, trusts, probate and lasting powers of attorney.
From the end of May 2022 estate agents and other property businesses must include length of lease, amount of service charge and ground rent and whether the property is in a shared ownership scheme. This information is absolutely essential to buyers finding out from the start whether a property is worth pursuing or not (e.g. is the lease so short they won’t be able to get a mortgage). Property solicitor Martin Whitehorn explains the new rules…
We are extremely proud that our very own Martin Whitehorn won the award for “Rising Star of the Year” at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards at the Mandolay Hotel, Guildford!
Martin was particularly recognised for his efforts on behalf of Surrey Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) in addition to his endeavours as a property solicitor during the stamp duty land tax holiday, working with Surrey Law Society, the University of Surrey Law School and Guildford’s University of Law to support isolated junior and aspiring lawyers in and around Surrey, organise careers events, consult with and challenge the Solicitors Regulation Authority on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and more.
Julie West Solicitors’ Martin Whitehorn has today been shortlisted by Surrey Law Society for “Rising Star of the Year” at this year’s Surrey Law Society Legal Awards. We are delighted for Martin to be recognised and look forward to the Awards evening on 16th September.
In addition to his work as a property solicitor, Martin has spent almost two years going above and beyond for Surrey Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), being tireless in providing junior and aspiring lawyers in and around Surrey with a support network, working with Surrey Law Society and Guildford’s University of Law to deliver useful careers content, and sharing best practice with local JLD groups across England and Wales to overcome the isolation and disruption imposed the Covid-19 pandemic.
As an autistic junior lawyer Martin has keenly engaged with issues affecting those like him in the legal profession, including contributing to The Law Society’s “Easy wins and action points for disability inclusion in smaller organisations” document, having the draft amended to focus more on disability leave. He also organised a stakeholder conference on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in Surrey, where he gathered Surrey JLD, Surrey Law Society, the University of Surrey Law School and Guildford’s University of Law to consult with and challenge the Solicitors Regulation Authority on the SQE.
Learn more about the Awards and book your ticket via the Surrey Law Society Legal Awards website.
Our wonderful office manager Carolyn Boulding has moved on after 7 years at Julie West Solicitors.
Carolyn
Carolyn studied Music at Durham University (2:1) then went to work as a studio manager and regional operations manager (Asia-Pacific) for the BBC World Service.
Taking a break to bring up her two sons, Carolyn later retrained as a primary school teacher and worked at The Dawnay School for 10 years.
Carolyn's connection with Julie West Solicitors began when Julie did the conveyancing work for Carolyn's house purchase. Years later, when Carolyn was looking for a change of career, she joined as our office manager. Carolyn looked after our accounts, HR, events, professional indemnity insurance, accreditations, lender panel membership, library, monitored client satisfaction and generally kept the office running smoothly.
Carolyn plans to tutor children who have lost out on learning during the COVID-19 crisis, finish the complete redecoration of her house and renovation of her garden and also, of course, continue singing with her local choirs.
Carolyn has done a sterling job training up her protégé Lyn Robinson so we are in safe hands for the future. Thank you for everything Carolyn. We wish you the very best of luck with your future endeavours!
“Thank you very much for your efforts [Carolyn and Lyn], it was a pleasure working with you”
“Thank you so much [Carolyn] for your assistance and wonderful service. What an asset you are to Julie West! Honestly, you have been a star!”
Lyn and Carolyn
Julie West Solicitors are able to assist with all aspects of residential and commercial property, wills, trusts, probate and lasting powers of attorney:
To start a conversation with your solicitor phone us on 01372 383273 or complete our online enquiry form.
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The property industry has come together working as the Home Buying and Selling Group (made up of property lawyers, solicitors, removals, surveyors and estate agents) to publish The Home Buying and Selling Pledge. This sets out ways the industry can work with buyers and sellers to ensure that moves progress as quickly and smoothly as possible in challenging times.
Julie West Solicitors is a member of ALEP (Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners) and has the expertise to assist with leasehold work.
Formed in 2007 and now with 249+ member organisations, ALEP is a not-for-profit association that brings together barristers, managing agents, project managers, solicitors and surveyors working in the residential leasehold sector.
ALEP promotes best practice by vetting organisations and individual practitioners to ensure they have significant expertise in leasehold enfranchisement.
Membership of ALEP acts as a badge of assurance so that flat owners and freeholders can be confident that they are employing professionals with the right level of experience in handling potentially complex transactions.
Extending the term and/or reducing or removing ground rent paid for your leasehold property will increase value and saleability. There are two routes to lease extension - statutory or voluntary - but which one is better? We’re expert solicitors and we can help you with your lease extension, even during lockdown!
Homebuyers everywhere will be bitterly disappointed to learn the government is advising people to delay moving to a new house where possible during the stay-at-home period. Specialist property solicitor Julie West explains which transactions may go ahead during the COVID-19 crisis as well as what can be done to progress matters in the meantime.
The proposed probate fee increase has been withdrawn to the relief of many.
The Law Society has vowed to campaign against future increases it considers disproportionate. Watch this space.
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