Optimal’s view: legal insights, team updates & more

Welcome to the first edition of Optimal Insights, where we’ll share legal insights with our take on topical issues, plus an update on what’s happening at Optimal Solicitors.

This month, we’ve marked Mental Health Awareness Week and Brain Injury Awareness Week. So, join us as we take a look at legal changes that could impact your day-to-day life.

Legal insights

Updates to family legal aid

The scope of family law is changing to include individuals with parental responsibilities and prospective guardians. Aligning the financial eligibility criteria for legal aid with those already covered in public family law cases, these changes apply to two specific scenarios:

• Prospective guardians seeking Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) in private family law cases
• Individuals with parental responsibilities responding to SGO applications

Fines for motorists who disregard new laws

A number of new driving laws are set to come into effect this month, which will see 12 councils granted powers to hand out fines.

The Highway Code will also be updated, as drivers face a penalty increase of a ￡200 fine and 6 points on their license if caught using their phones.?

Plus, drivers who run out of fuel, or whose electric car battery dies resulting in blocked traffic, could also face fines and points on their license.

Kind words from a client

Our client was involved in a low-speed road traffic accident in 2018. After four years, he finally received his settlement – but it wasn’t an easy journey to get there. Thankfully, he had Usha, a Multi Track Solicitor, and Paralegal Natalia, to support him along the way…

“I sincerely believe that if I’d gone to another law office, my mental condition and the final conclusion of the case would only have negative consequences. I can’t find words that would express my gratitude to Ms Usha Nayee and Ms Natalia Witkowska, who, thanks to their hard work, commitment, experience and professional legal knowledge, made justice win. They enabled me to receive funds for treatment, so I could return to normal life before the accident.” – Peter

What’s going on at Optimal?

Our team attended a leadership summit

Ricky and Wojciech headed to the VISIONS CIO + CISO Leadership Summit, where they researched new platforms and solutions to help us enhance our customer experience.?

They also gained insights on how to provide a seamless journey for our clients – from the initial enquiry to a successful case outcome.?

We reached 1,000 reviews on TrustPilot

This month we achieved the impressive milestone of 1,000 TrustPilot reviews, alongside our fantastic overall score of 4.6! This is all down to the support of our clients, and our dedicated team working behind the scenes.

A huge thank you to everyone who left us a review!

We donated to charity

To further our fundraising efforts, we’ve donated ￡582.03 to the charity Sands, who aims to save babies lives and works closely with bereaved families after the loss of a baby.

Our new website went live

We’re excited to announce the launch of the brand-new Optimal Solicitors website, which went live last month.

The new website has a fresh look with an enhanced user journey, making it much easier for you to read about our services and get in touch with our team.

We’re hosting a webinar

Recently, we reached out to our clients to see which topic they’d like us to discuss at next month’s webinar. The results are in, and the theme of the webinar will be cost-saving measures for business owners.

On 15th June, our experienced employment solicitors, Matthew Moss and Naomi Wood, will walk you through key topics and answer any questions.

Reserve your place now

Words from the Optimal team ?

Why getting employment contracts right is so important

Legally binding contracts are tricky to dispute, so getting them right is crucial to avoid stress further down the line. The right contract ensures employees and employers know and understand their obligations – and if there’s a breach of contract, the necessary action can be taken.?

Employment contracts can be difficult to change too, with some employers opting for the fire and rehire method just so terms can be amended – another example of why getting them right first time really matters.?

Reach out to Optimal

Whether you need support with employment law or any of the topics mentioned in this newsletter, Optimal is here to help. Our team will listen to your case and work hard to reach the best possible outcome.

Call the team now on 0161 250 7771 or get in touch online.?