Jamie Leaphard
As Head of IT at Debenhams Ottaway, I lead the development and execution of the firm’s IT strategy. I’m responsible for managing our technology infrastructure and continuously evolving our systems to...
Susan Glenholme named Vice President of St Albans District Chamber of Commerce
Some exciting news from the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce – Susan Glenholme, managing partner at Debenhams Ottaway, has just been appointed its Vice President following the Chamber’s AGM...
Don’t go breaking my art…a step closer to clarity on AI and copyright laws for creative businesses?
Elton John recently accusing the government of “committing theft” highlights issues over how artificial intelligence (AI) is using copyrighted content. He is one of many well-known artists demanding more transparency...
Surrogacy law reform shelved – a disappointing setback for modern families
As a family law and divorce lawyer specialising in surrogacy, I had hoped that 2025 would be the year we finally saw meaningful reform to the UK’s outdated surrogacy laws....
Asertis Ltd & Anor v Melhuish & Ors: A precedent for use of confidential documents obtained by a liquidator under the Insolvency Act
Imagine uncovering hidden financial misconduct, only to face legal hurdles in using the evidence. This was the crux of the landmark case Asertis Ltd & Anor v Melhuish & Ors...
Debenhams Ottaway’s Employment Law Round Up May 2025
Click the links below to read more about the changes in employment law for May 2025: Acas survey on AI in the workplace Court of Appeal decision on discrimination and...
Employment Law Round-Up, April 2025
Click the links below to read more about the changes in employment law for April 2025: EHRC issues interim update on single-sex spaces after recent Supreme Court ruling EAT rules...
Employment law round-up – March 2025
Click the links below to read more about the changes in employment law from March 2025: Court of Appeal held that incident of touching a pupil didn’t warrant dismissal of...
Directors beware: Supreme Court judgment on section 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 captures companies
This article originally featured in the Corporate Rescue and Insolvency journal published by LexisNexis. Can a director defeat their creditors by using a company they control to transfer company assets...
Michelle La Sala
I am a legal assistant in the Wills, trusts and probate team. My expertise includes the day-to-day administration of estates, the drafting of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and...
Professional vs lay deputy: What’s the difference and what should you consider?
When a loved one loses mental capacity and hasn’t set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), someone needs to step in to make important life decisions for them. That’s...
Debenhams Ottaway raises over £9,000 for local charity Small Acts of Kindness
Debenhams Ottaway celebrates the end of its partnership with Small Acts of Kindness by raising over £9,000 for the local charity dedicated to ensuring every older person feels warm at...
Debenhams Ottaway hosts Employment Lawyers Association training day
On Friday 28 March 2025, Debenhams Ottaway opened its doors to employment lawyers across the Upper South East when it hosted an Employment Lawyers Association regional training day. The...
Midlife Matters: Employment lawyer Michael Kerrigan champions menopause in the workplace
Michael Kerrigan, employment law partner at Debenhams Ottaway, continues to provide a refreshing change as a male championing menopause in the workplace. His advice is now in print as one...
Debenhams Ottaway is pleased to welcome two new trainees
Debenhams Ottaway is pleased to welcome two new trainees, continuing with our focus of developing the next generation of lawyers. Nadine Darwish and Anisah Choudhry join our successful training programme...
Nadine Darwish
I am a trainee solicitor currently in the litigation and dispute resolution team. With over three years of experience within the legal sector, I take a personalised approach to my...
When is a winding up petition validly presented?
The Court of Appeal held in Re A Company (CR-2024-BHM-000012) [2024] EWCA Civ 1436 that a winding up petition is not validly presented until the deposit for the Official Receiver’s...
Debenhams Ottaway celebrates three trainees qualifying to solicitors
Debenhams Ottaway is pleased to announce that three of our trainee solicitors have qualified this month, with all of them choosing to continue their career with us. We are...
Employment Law Round Up – February 2025
Click the links below to read more about some upcoming changes in employment law, as well as our special feature on managing risks associated with using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in...
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 at Debenhams Ottaway
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day to recognise the achievements of all women across all social, economic, cultural, and political aspects. This year’s theme of #AccelerateAction focuses on...