Tag: Thorntons

Thorntons’ charity wills campaign raises £43,500 for vulnerable families across Edinburgh and Forth areas

Children and families across Edinburgh and the wider Forth region are benefiting from Thorntons’ latest charity wills campaign, which raised £43,500 for Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids.

Every September Thorntons’ offices in Edinburgh, Bonnyrigg, Fife, Dundee, Perth and Angus waive their fees for those making wills, asking them to instead donate an equivalent sum to the charity.

The campaign has raised over £600,000 for Cash for Kids since it was established more than 27 years ago. 

The firm’s latest fundraising drive helped a diverse range of groups and individuals. Among the recipients was Capital Theatres which received funding to offer

relaxed pantomime performances suitable for those with autism spectrum disorder, sensory and communication disorders or a learning disability.

Up to 900 youngsters from 12 special education schools were able to attend the special pantomime sessions which featured an adapted production and auditorium conditions, allowing children and carers to feel relaxed and free to make noise. The funding also enabled the groups to benefit from free transport and snacks for the children. 

Emma Kemp, Regional Charity Manager at Cash for Kids, said: “I can’t begin to thank Thorntons, their employees and clients enough for their ongoing support to our charity.

“Every year this incredible donation makes a huge difference to Cash for Kids, supporting us to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in our local communities. This donation will enable us to continue supporting children and young people who are suffering from life limiting illness, poverty, neglect, and those who require additional support to reach their individual potential.  

“The kindness and generosity Thorntons have given to us over the years has reached the lives of so many deserving children and on behalf of them all I want to say thank you.”

Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons, said: “Contributing to the communities where we live and work is very important to everyone at Thorntons.

“Cash for Kids provides a helping hand to those who need it most and it’s an honour to support its very important work.”

For more information on Thorntons’ Charity Wills campaign visit:

 https://www.thorntons-law.co.uk/charitywills.  

Thorntons welcomes its largest ever intake of trainee solicitors

As a result of continued business growth, leading full-service Scottish law firm Thorntons has welcomed its single largest intake of trainees, as 17 graduates start with the firm this month.

This year’s trainees are based across Thorntons’ Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, St Andrews, Perth and Angus offices.

They are; Beth Simpson, Donald Thomson, Frankie Cusack, Gary McPhail, Georgia McNaughton, Ian Sargison, Jennifer Harris, Kirsty Barron, Lauren Pirouet, Lauren White, Lucy Hennessy, Maria Akunna, Megan Watt, Naomi Henderson, Paige McGee, Ross Faulds and Wiktoria Wisniewska.

Their first of four rotations in the two-year traineeship started on Monday with all graduates provided with first class training and mentoring support from day one.

As a full-service firm, all trainees are offered a genuinely diverse experience at Thorntons covering everything from employment, corporate, family and intellectual property law to immigration, personal injury, private client and civil and commercial litigation.

In addition to legal expertise, trainee solicitors will also build upon their general business, commercial and client care skills throughout the two-year traineeship.

Colin Graham, Chair at Thorntons, said: “We continually strive for strategic growth at Thorntons for our people, our clients and the firm as a whole. It’s been a particularly exciting period as we’ve announced two new offices this year alone; our new Glasgow premises and most recently, we revealed plans for Inverness.

“Our investment in our people and our pipeline supports our aspirations and continued success, so it is encouraging to welcome our largest intake of trainees as 17 individuals continue their legal career with us.”

New trainee Wiktoria Wisniewska originally joined the firm in the document management services team in December 2019, before transferring to Thorntons’ property team as a Conveyancing Paralegal two years later. This week marks the next step in her legal career as she begins her traineeship.

She said: “I’ve had the privilege of experiencing various roles at Thorntons and I’m excited to learn more from my colleagues as a trainee. It’s such a diverse and inspiring firm, and a traineeship is a brilliant way to work with different departments and better understand your desired specialism.”

Headquartered in Dundee, the firm has 71 partners and employs more than 550 people across 14 Scottish offices including its Glasgow and Edinburgh locations.

Thorntons launches Cash for Kids charity wills campaign to support vulnerable children and families

Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has launched its latest charity wills fundraising drive in support of Cash for Kids, with the aim of making a difference to young lives and supporting families who often have nowhere else to go.

Taking place across its offices in Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Perth and, Angus, Thorntons waives its usual fee for creating wills throughout the month of September, asking clients to instead make an equivalent donation to the charity.

Thorntons has raised more than £600,000 for Cash for Kids since it launched the initiative 27 years ago, with its 2022 campaign delivering £37,500 for local groups and individuals.

Two young boys were among the recipients with one nine-year-old being gifted a Trekinetic GTE powered wheelchair offering independence and a new quality of life as it allows him to take his dog to the beach while another young boy with Neurofibromatosis type 1 and autism is now the proud owner of a mega sonic bed for safe sleeping.

Emma Kemp, Regional Charity Manager at Cash for Kids said: “We can’t begin to thank everyone at Thorntons and their clients enough for their continued support. Their charity wills campaign is a huge fundraising initiative for us at Cash for Kids and without it we would not be able to help as many local children in need of our support as we do. 

“Having a will in place is so very important, so if you need to make a will, have it updated or make changes now is the time to do it. Make your will this September with Thorntons and help your local children at the same time.”

Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons said: “As the cost of living crisis continues, the work that Cash for Kids does to provide families with basic essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing, has never been more important and we’re proud to support this fantastic charity once again this year.

“By making a will with us in September, you’ll not only be looking after the future of your family but also helping to support some of the most vulnerable families and children in your local area.

“Some people fail to make a will because they think they don’t need one. Others put off the process because they associate it with end-of-life, but if you have savings, property or a business, making a will is key to ensuring your dependents and family are protected in the future.

“All appointments are being held virtually so you can make your will from the comfort of your own home. With a set number of appointments available during September, we advise you to book early to ensure you don’t miss out.”

Anyone wishing to make a new will or update an existing will during Thorntons’ charity wills month this September, can find out more online at: 

https://www.thorntons-law.co.uk/charitywills

Local charities awarded share of £37,500 fundraising sum 

Leading Scottish law firm, Thorntons’ annual charity wills campaign has raised £37,500 for Cash for Kids, helping to support vulnerable families and children across Falkirk, Edinburgh and the Lothians.  

Every year Thorntons’ offices in Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Perth and Angus, don’t charge a fee for Wills written throughout the month of September. Instead, the firm asks clients to make an equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.

The fundraising campaign has raised more than £600,000 for Cash for Kinds since it was established more than 26 years ago.

Among the beneficiaries of the most recent fundraising drive is a local project run by Sight Scotland, which is one of Scotland’s oldest charities. The funding enabled the purchase of a mobile Soundbeam for the Lothian region. A Soundbeam produces noise through movement meaning children with profound physical or learning disabilities can communicate and be expressive with sound and music.

Falkirk-based group, Supporting Young Parents also received funding. The project aims to identify the needs of young parents, help build confidence and improve their overall health and wellbeing while offering development and socialising opportunities for babies and toddlers. This latest funding has been used for catering and sensory learning activities. 

Murray Etherington, Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession planning at Thorntons, said: “We are truly humbled by the work Cash for Kids carries out in helping countless organisations within our local communities.

“It’s a privilege to once again support its achievements through our charity wills campaign and we’d like to thank all of our clients who kindly contributed this year.”

Emma Kemp, Cash for Kids Regional Charity Manager, said: “We are delighted to yet again have partnered with Thorntons on their Charity Wills Month in 2022. To say this campaign has been a success over the years would be an understatement.

“Through Thorntons’ commitment and hard work this campaign continues to support local children in need. We really are so thankful for this wonderful campaign, and we cannot thank Thorntons staff and their clients enough for getting behind it.”

Headquartered in Dundee, the firm now has 13 offices ranging from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Montrose to St Andrews, Arbroath and Perth. 

For more information on Thorntons’ Charity Wills campaign visit https://www.thorntons-law.co.uk/charitywills.

Law firm raises more than £2,000 for St Columba’s Hospice Care

Six businesses lined the banks of the River Forth to compete in the annual Dragon Boat Race in aid of St Columba’s Hospice Care. Among those was full-service law firm Thorntons, who entered a team from its Edinburgh office at Citypoint, raising £2,100 for the charity.

St Columba’s Hospice Care, which has a state-of-the-art hospice facility in the capital, provides care through dedicated support in people’s homes and local communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians, as well as working with partners on education and further research.

The Dragon Boat Race is one of the highlights of the fundraising calendar which supports the organisation’s efforts to provide palliative and end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Thorntons Senior Solicitor and Dragon Boat Race competitor Hannah Dossett, said: “This was a new experience for our team with lots of nervous energy but also laughter as we stepped into the boat.

“We soon got into a rhythm and had a great time. It was the first event since the pandemic where we could do something as a team and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

“We didn’t win fastest or best dressed but our ‘Thorny Dragons’ team name did win us a prize. We are really proud of our efforts as a team, and the great sum raised – we’re already talking about taking part again next year.”

Amanda Southey, Corporate Development Manager at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said; “It was great to see all the teams, as well as members of the public, pull together to raise money and support the Hospice in such a unique way.

“I’m also excited that several of the competitors enjoyed it so much they have signed up for next year, which is already set to be bigger and better than ever! I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who helped or took part in what was a really fun event.

“We are very grateful for the donation from Thorntons, as £1,000 alone could fund a Hospice at Home service for a day, enabling the team to provide home visits to patients in the community.”

Headquartered in Dundee, Thorntons now has 13 offices ranging from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Montrose to St Andrews, Arbroath and Perth.

Thorntons charity wills raise £46,000 for Cash for Kids

Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons has raised £46,000 for Cash for Kids thanks to its Charity Wills Campaign.

Taking place across its offices in Edinburgh, Fife, Dundee, Perth, Angus, and Glasgow, Thorntons’ Charity Wills Month supports local people and organisations within the communities in which it operates.

During the month-long campaign, the firm didn’t charge a fee for any Wills written, and instead asked clients to make an equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.

Morna Coutts – Wills, Trusts and Succession Planning Partner at Thorntons – said: “Our Charity Wills Campaign is now in its 25th year and it is great to see it continue to get support from the public as time goes on. It is fantastic to see the generosity of our clients. We are grateful to everyone who has supported this campaign.”

Donations from the Charity Wills Campaign all go to Cash for Kids in the Tay, Forth or Clyde area, whichever is closest to where the client lives, which means that children in their local area will benefit directly from the funding.

Richmond’s Hope, based in Niddrie, is a great local charity which has received help thanks to the funding from Cash for Kids. Here, they support kids aged between four and eight who have suffered bereavement and are struggling with this loss.

Thanks to Cash for Kids continued support, Richmond’s Hope are able to now fund memory boxes for children. This allows them to express their emotions in a creative way by decorating their boxes and putting items in them that will remind them of the loved ones they have lost.

Victoria Hendry, Radio Forth Cash for Kids Charity Manager said: “Yet again, we are blown away by the generosity of Thorntons and their clients. Each year their Wills Months campaign continues to support thousands of local children across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife.

“2021 was a particularly difficult year for a lot of families, whether they were disadvantaged through poverty because of the pandemic, or children were facing barriers because of additional support needs.

“The funds raised from Thorntons’ Charity Wills Campaign has supported these families in more ways than you can ever imagine and for that I can’t say thank you enough.

“The ongoing support from Thorntons is so important to us here at Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids and we always look forward to working with the team. Here is to 2022 and having a further positive impact in our local community.”

Thorntons Solicitors launch charity will campaign this month

Cash for Kids is expected to receive a five figure sum again this year from Thorntons Solicitors as the beneficiary of the firm’s Charity Wills Campaign.

Taking place across its offices in Fife, Dundee, Perth, Angus, Edinburgh and (for the first time in the campaign’s history) Glasgow, Thorntons won’t charge a fee for Wills written throughout September. Instead, the firm asks clients to make a fee equivalent donation to Cash for Kids.

Murray Etherington, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Succession at Thorntons, said: “If you take part in our Charity Wills Campaign this September, you’ll not only be looking after your own future, but helping the most disadvantaged children in your area receive access to essential and life-changing funds.

“People may assume that they don’t need a Will. But if you own property, have savings, are responsible for children or other dependents, then you should put one in place. It’s also important keep any existing Wills up to date, and we have created an easy, eight step guide to lead customers throughout the process. During the campaign clients can make their Will from the comfort and safety of their homes with consultations taking place virtually.”

Now in its 25th year, Thorntons’ Charity Wills Month has raised more than half a million pounds for Cash for Kids since it launched, supporting local children and organisations within the communities Thorntons operates. In 2020, Thorntons’ first virtual campaign raised £60,000 for the charity.

The suggested donation is £200 for a single Will and £250 for a couple making Wills together. Donations will go to the Cash for Kids fund closest to where the client lives, meaning children in their local area will directly benefit from any money raised.

Victoria Hendry, Cash For Kids Radio Forth Charity Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Thorntons again on their Charity Wills initiative. To say this campaign has been a success over the years would be an understatement.

“Through Thorntons’ innovation, commitment and hard work – along with the generosity of their clients-  this campaign goes from strength to strength and supports more local children every year.

“When the pandemic hit, we wondered if Thorntons would be able to run this campaign. However, moving Charity Wills to virtual appointments worked brilliantly and we are so glad to be involved in this way again in 2021. We really are so delighted to be the beneficiary of this wonderful campaign and we cannot thank the team at Thorntons and their clients enough for their support.

“We have managed to help thousands of local children live a happier and fuller life thanks to Charity Wills month. We can’t wait to see it grow even more this year.”

Free Online Event: Ever changing laws for Landlords

Free impartial advice for private landlords at legal webinar

In Scotland the temporary ban on evictions, other than anti-social behaviour cases, is still ongoing, in addition to  changes in Capital Gains Tax thresholds, reporting rules and increasing property values: all matters which private landlords and letting agents should be aware of, or they may face expensive fees.

Thorntons’ Dispute Resolution specialists Gillian Buchanan and Kirsty Waughman, alongside Property Partner Andrew Kirkhope, are hosting a free webinar from 9.30am on Wednesday 5 May 2021 to update private landlords and letting agents on current issues.

The one hour event, which includes an online Q&A session, will cover the emergency measures currently affecting the private rental sector, Capital Gains Tax overview and the increase in property values, as well as a cautionary tale about wrongful termination which demonstrates the costs associated with evicting a tenant under false pretences.

Gillian Buchanan, Dispute Resolution Partner at Thorntons, said: “This event will provide an opportunity to gain expert legal insight on dealing with landlord and tenant issues. We hope to arm attendees with practical advice which should help to protect their property portfolios.”

To secure a place at the event, visit www.thorntons-law.co.uk/events.

Thirteen trainees start their legal career with Thorntons from home

Full service Scottish law firm Thorntons has swelled its ranks with thirteen new trainee solicitors.

Three of the new recruits started their traineeship in September but, this month, ten others have joined them. All thirteen will undertake a two year traineeship across the firm’s network of offices and will develop their skills and knowledge working across a variety of legal disciplines. 

All trainees will adopt a blended work approach, initially based remotely at home, before moving into the Thorntons offices in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, Perth, Cupar and St Andrews once current restrictions allow.

The trainees are Maryam Abdel-Razik from Dunfermline, Emma Alderson, Rebecca Argo, Laoibhse Griffin and Eve McBride from Edinburgh, Anzal Baig, Iain Buchan, Baktosch Gillan, Rory Mellis, Sophie Kirk and Kiran Bahia from Dundee, Lucy Henderson from Perth and Matthew McAnaw from St Andrews.

Structured round four six-month department rotations, the trainees will gain hands-on experience, complete practical work and have direct client contact from early on. The group will also benefit from Thorntons’ diverse learning and development programmes, mentoring scheme and internal virtual networking opportunities which are all designed to further advance skills and knowledge.

Colin Graham, Chair of Thorntons, (above) said: “It’s fantastic to welcome a further ten trainees from our 2020 intake as we know that our trainees are the key to the future success of our business.

“Circumstances are different for our new trainees as they start from a remote working environment but we have established protocols to ensure their learning and development is not restricted. We wish our new colleagues the very best of luck with this exciting stage of their legal career.” 

New Trainee, Kiran Bahia, added: “I was a Paralegal in the firm in the personal injury team for over five years before starting my traineeship, so I already knew the firm and its culture and believed I associated with its values of doing what’s right for their colleagues, their clients and the community.

“I admire these commitments and the friendly atmosphere that you encounter when you are chatting to people in the firm. Starting as a paralegal has provided a great foundation ahead of my traineeship. I started my traineeship a little earlier, back in September, and  I am currently finishing my first seat in the Corporate team in Dundee and moving on to my second seat in Commercial Property in Edinburgh, albeit virtually for the foreseeable future.

“Being a virtual trainee can be challenging but I have embraced it and I am grateful to my colleagues for being so kind and approachable. I look forward gaining further knowledge of the firm and the journey that lies ahead.”

For more details on Thorntons traineeships visit: 

www.thorntons-law.co.uk/careers/legal-traineeships

Private parking companies and the DVLA

Why it’s YOU that’s in the wrong in the eyes of the law:  an insight from law specialists at Thorntons 

There is a common misconception that private parking companies have no legal recourse to pursue drivers for parking fines incurred while using their premises, but the truth is a little more complicated.

In the past, Scottish law has been unclear on the matter, but it is important that motorists are aware that not only is there very definite rulings in favour of the parking companies, but they also have access to DVLA records to track down infringers and begin proceedings against them.

Parking tickets

Parking tickets issued by private companies in private car parks are not fines, they are classed as Parking Charge Notices. This is different from Penalty Charge Notices which are issued by council traffic wardens and the police. Penalty Charge Notices are regulated fines, backed by legislation.

When you park in a private car park the terms and conditions of the car park must be clearly displayed along with a warning of the charge payable for failing to display a ticket/permit or overstaying. If the terms and conditions of the car park are clearly displayed and you park in that car park, you are agreeing to those terms and conditions.

You are entering into a contract with the car park operator. If you fail to adhere to the terms and conditions of the car park you may be issued with a Parking Charge Notice.

Failure to pay a Parking Charge Notice will result in the car park operator pursuing you for the sum contained in the charge notice. The car park operator will allow you an opportunity to pay and may permit you to enter into a payment arrangement. If you ignore or refuse to pay the Parking Charge Notice the landowner or car park operator can take legal action against you.

In order for the parking company to succeed at court they must establish, on the balance of probabilities, who was responsible for parking the vehicle. This differs from the approach in England where legislation exists holding the registered keeper as accountable for payment of Parking Charge Notices irrespective of whether they were the driver of the vehicle.

Failing to pay these tickets once issued can be seen in the eyes of the law as a breach of contract and the car park operators can then take the offending motorist to court to recover their losses. A recent example of this would be the Dundee woman who was ordered to pay a staggering £24,000 in fines racked up over a period of months that saw her ignore over 200 separate tickets. 

Data protection

The other issue with private parking tickets is just how they attain drivers’ information to issue the fines in the first place, but once again, the law is firmly on their side.

Far from being a breach of data protection regulation, gaining the information necessary from the DVLA is a simple process that anyone, not just the parking companies, can take advantage of for the sum of £2.50.

The DVLA will only give out this information if the requestor has reasonable causes. There are multiple examples of these listed on the DVLA website including finding out who was responsible for an accident, tracing the registered keeper of an abandoned vehicle and tracing people responsible for driving off without paying for goods and services, but crucially, giving out parking tickets is also on this list.

This means it could be difficult to bring a claim that a breach of the data protection legislation has been made when a parking company uses the DVLA to track down a motorist who they wish to issue a fine towards.

The only other condition which a private parking company needs to satisfy to get the information is that it must be a member of either the British Parking Association or the International Parking Community. These organisations are essentially not-for-profit trade bodies.

What should you do if you are issued with a Parking Charge Notice

If you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice and were the person responsible for parking the vehicle, you should pay the fine.

If you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice but you were not driving the vehicle at the time, you should explain this to the landowner or car park operator. They may ask you to prove this and state who was responsible for parking the vehicle.

If you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice and you followed the terms and conditions of the car park you should explain this to the landowner or car park operator. Mistakes can happen and if you have been issued with a Parking Charge Notice when you clearly have a ticket displayed, keep your parking ticket and send a photocopy of it to the landowner or car park operator.

If you are unsure of your options when issued with a Parking Charge Notice or court proceedings have been raised against you, seek legal advice at an early stage.