A Training Firm
Not only is James and George Collie one of the oldest legal practices in Aberdeen we are also proud to have close links with Aberdeen University. The University is the second oldest university in Scotland, having been established in 1495. St Andrews is the oldest having been established in 1413. At James and George Collie […]
Pandora’s Pension Box is Opened
By Scott Middleton, Consultant James & George Collie Financial Management Limited When George Osborne stood at the Dispatch Box in the House of Commons to deliver his 2014 Budget speech there were very few people expecting him to announce anything of any real importance. However, by the time he was finished, he had ensured that […]
A Traineeship at James & George Collie LLP
First year trainee, Sarah McAllan, reflects on her legal traineeship so far…….. I started my legal career at James & George Collie in 2011 working as a legal secretary for the commercial department, after having graduated with an LLB. This allowed me to get my foot in the door at a law firm and begin […]
Vulnerable Clients
To some it may appear that if we are dealing with work for, for example, your parents or an aunt or uncle, it can seem that things cannot be started off quite as smoothly and easily as wished. However, we are constrained by guidance issued by the Law Society of Scotland in such cases. […]
Are you still investing like it’s 1999?
You may be aware that Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are to be replaced on 1st July 2014 by “New ISAs” (NISAs). This is the biggest change to tax free savings since April 1999 when ISAs were launched. Back then and until now, there was a clear distinction made between tax free savings accounts (cash ISAs) […]
Need separation be contentious?
Very often, the first matters which are raised on being consulted regarding a separation is how long the process will take and what the cost is likely to be. This is very difficult, if not impossible, to indicate at the outset, as couples who separate have a number of alternative methods of resolving their disputes, […]
Is it (economically) safe to come out yet?
2014 has been a difficult time to be an investor, with no clear trends emerging to help guide them. Unfortunately Quarter two of 2014 has been one of mixed messages, with similar levels of modest growth from both the equity and fixed interest markets. The positive returns from both markets have led to significant debate […]
Conclusion of Missives in Residential Property Transactions
Until the banking crisis of 2008, the Scottish system for concluding missives, ie putting in place a binding contract between a willing purchaser and a willing seller, was perceived to have one major advantage over the corresponding English system. That advantage was certainty. The certainty that within a short period of time of agreeing a […]
Stamping out Stamp Duty
Over two years prior to the historic independence referendum in September 2014, the Scottish Parliament had been given significant additional powers under the Scotland Act 2012. These powers included the ability to lower or raise income tax rates by up to 10 pence in the pound as well as control over stamp duty. Since 2003, […]
Is your will out of date?
Wills can be made 20, 30, 40 or even more years ahead of when they are to come into effect, they have no expiry date and remain valid until they are revoked or replaced. Have any of the following life changing events happened to you: (a) Moving home? (b) Emigrating […]