Spring 2026 Immigration Rule Changes: Key Updates for Employers and Visa Applicants
On 5 March 2026 the Home Office released its Spring Immigration Rules statement, setting out a wide range of changes across work, asylum, settlement, and nationality routes. The update introduces new compliance requirements for employers, expands labour market access for asylum seekers, and tightens entry clearance rules for several nationalities. Notably, the previously signalled “earned…
Give to Gain: Celebrating the Women of Ison Harrison This International Women’s Day
This year’s International Women’s Day Campaign ‘Give To Gain’ encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. With this in mind we wanted to showcase some of our inspirational women in this context by hearing in their own words, the amazing things that they give and what they…
How Patient Voices Can Transform Mental Health Services
The forthcoming public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust has put mental health services in the spotlight and highlighted the importance of a positive patient experience as well as the clinical care they receive. The inquiry will provide patients and their families a much needed opportunity to have their voices…
A Milestone Year But The Campaign For Crossbow Law Reform Continues
For Laura Sugden, when January 12th passes each year, nothing gets any easier. That was the date in 2018 when she and her partner, Shane Gilmer, were attacked in their own home at Southburn nr Driffield, East Yorkshire, by an intruder, their next-door neighbour Anthony Lawrence. 30-year-old Shane was shot by a crossbow in the…
Families’ Voices Shape the Path Toward a Public Inquiry into Mental Health Trust Failings
Senior representatives from Ison Harrison joined families, patients and campaigners this week for a significant engagement meeting with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), focused on the set-up phase of the Statutory Public Inquiry into failings within mental health services under Tees Esk and Wear Valley (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust. News of the…
Claims Involving Contributory Negligence: What It Means and How It Affects Your Award
When you make a personal injury claim, it is usually because you were in an accident that was someone else’s fault. However, reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay, defendants often argue that the injured person was also partly responsible for causing the accident. This is known as contributory negligence, and it can…
Points of Difference: Ison Harrison to Host the Fourth Annual Employee Owned Law Conference
On 4 March 2026, Ison Harrison Solicitors will proudly host the Fourth Annual Employee Owned Law Conference, bringing together employee owned (EO) law firms from across the UK for a day dedicated to knowledge sharing, candid discussion and collective inspiration. This year’s event takes place at Aspire, Leeds, followed by an evening meal at the…
How Legal Aid Protects Parents as Well as Children in Domestic Abuse Cases
When there is domestic abuse within a family, a parent often decides to seek help out of concern for the wellbeing of their children as well as their own. Yet for many parents in Morley, the decision comes with fear and uncertainty. Worries about cost, court proceedings, or social services getting involved can cause people…
What Warranties and Indemnities Should I Include in A Share Purchase Agreement?
Warranties are contractual promises given by the Seller to the Buyer within the Share Purchase Agreement (‘SPA’), which if proven to be untrue gives the Buyer a rise to claim for damages. Within a SPA, the Buyer will want numerous warranties to be included, such as: Fundamental warranties are usually core, non-negotiable warranties which include…
Ground Rent in England & Wales Capped at £250: What Commercial Landlords and Leaseholders Need to Know
On 27 January 2026 the government published a draft Bill that confirmed a new statutory cap limiting residential ground rent to £250 per year across England and Wales. This forms part of a wider package of reforms to the leasehold system aimed at reducing overall housing costs and strengthening homeownership rights. For many commercial landlords,…
How Docusign Makes Conveyancing Faster and Easier for Clients
In an increasingly digital world, traditional paper processes are being replaced by faster, more efficient alternatives. One of the most widely adopted digital tools for signing documents electronically is Docusign and it is quickly becoming an essential part of modern conveyancing transactions. What is Docusign? Docusign is a cloud-based electronic signature (e-signature) platform that enables…
What Documents Do I Need During the Legal Due Diligence Process?
As part of the purchase of a business, the buyer will conduct a process called ‘Legal Due Diligence’. This process involves the buyer requesting various documents and information relating to the business. Once provided by the seller, the buyer will then review to ensure that they are happy to proceed with the transaction. The due…
Ison Harrison Appoints Award-Winning Inquest Specialist As TEWV Public Inquiry Is Announced
Press Release – December 2025 Leading Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has strengthened its team with the appointment of award-winning inquest specialist Alistair Smith, as the Government confirms a statutory public inquiry into Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for families across the North East and…
Apprentice Favourite Brings Boardroom Buzz to Ison Harrison’s Middlesbrough Office Opening
Press Release – December 2025 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has officially launched its new Middlesbrough office with an event hosted by solicitor and former Apprentice contestant, Sarah Magson. The celebration marked the firm’s arrival in Teesside and Sarah’s move to the business as partner and branch manager. The event attracted strong interest with more…
UK Immigration Reform 2025: Earned Settlement Model
On 20 November 2025, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled the “Earned Settlement” model, described as the most comprehensive overhaul of the UK’s legal migration system in 50 years. The headline change is stark: the standard Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) route will extend from five years to ten years, with longer timelines for those reliant…
Yorkshire Law Firm Highly Commended at UK’s Employee-Owned Business of the Year 2025
Press release – 26 November 2025 Leading Yorkshire law firm, Ison Harrison, has been recognised nationally at the UK Employee-Owned Business of the Year Awards 2025. The firm was highly commended at the UK Employee Ownership Awards, held last night at the Telford International Centre. The awards ceremony is the highlight of the Employee Ownership…
5 Minutes with Sarah Magson, Middlesbrough Branch Manager
Today we’re chatting with Sarah Magson, our Middlesbrough Branch Manager. Sarah is a Partner and specialises in personal injury and Inquest law. Hi Sarah, can you tell us when you joined Ison Harrison? I joined Ison Harrison on 4th August 2025 after spending 19 years at a firm in Middlesbrough. I was drawn to Ison…
Ison Harrison Opens 24th Yorkshire Office With New Middlesbrough Branch
Press Release – Nov 2025 A leading Yorkshire law firm has opened its newest regional office in Middlesbrough, taking its total network of offices to 24. Ison Harrison’s latest opening marks another major milestone in the firm’s continued expansion, extending its trusted legal services further north with a specialist focus on inquest, personal injury, and…
Stepping Forward for a Cause: Ison Harrison’s Charity Walk for Sarah’s Pink Events
On Saturday 27th September 2025, colleagues from across Ison Harrison Solicitors came together for a meaningful cause – supporting Sarah’s Pink Events, a Leeds-based breast cancer charity. The charity walk spanned a scenic 5-mile route from Burley in Wharfedale to Ilkley, with stunning views from Ilkley Moor and a well-earned stop at the Cow and…
5 Minutes With Ellen Morley, Paralegal at Ison Harrison
Welcome to the latest “5 minutes with” where we chat to Ellen Morley, a Paralegal working in the Family Legal Aid team from our head office in Leeds. Ellen is a long-standing member of the Ison team, so we find out more about her day-to-day role and what she loves about it. So Ellen, how…
Ison Harrison Celebrates Five Shortlistings at Yorkshire Legal Awards 2025
Press Release – August 2025 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has been shortlisted in an impressive five categories at this year’s prestigious Yorkshire Legal Awards, underlining the firm’s reputation for excellence, client care and sector-leading expertise. This builds on last year’s success, which saw the employee-owned firm shortlisted for four awards in total, winning two…
Savage Crangle Joins Forces with Ison Harrison in Major Skipton Legal Merger
Press Release – July 2025 Savage Crangle, a respected Skipton based law firm, is to become part of one of Yorkshire’s leading legal service providers, following its acquisition by Ison Harrison. The move brings Savage Crangle and Ison Harrison together under one roof. The established reputation and local knowledge of Savage Crangle, specialists in conveyancing,…
Justice for Helen Smith: The Yorkshire Nurse, a Father’s Fight, and the Solicitor Who Helped Change UK Law
On a quiet morning in May 1979, the Smith family from Yorkshire received devastating news. Helen Smith, a 23-year-old nurse working in Saudi Arabia, had been found dead alongside Dutch boat captain Johannes Otten. What unfolded next became one of Britain’s most controversial international cases—one that would expose high-level cover-ups, reshape legal rights for bereaved…
£250,000 Secured for Client Injured by Collapsing Ceiling in Essex Council Building
A former employee of Essex County Council has received £250,000 in compensation after suffering serious injuries when part of a ceiling collapsed on her during a working day at an education building. In September 2016, Susan Williams, who had worked in the education sector for many years, was seated in a chair teaching when a…
Ison Harrison Launches Dedicated Service for Military Injury Claims
Press Release – May 2025 Ison Harrison has launched a new online service designed to support current and former military personnel seeking compensation for injuries sustained during their armed forces careers. The specialist platform MilitaryInjuryClaim.co.uk delivers clear guidance, legal expertise, and tailored resources to help individuals navigate the often complex process of making a military…
Are we about to see the biggest change to wills in almost 200 years?
Earlier today (16 May 2025), the Law Commission published a draft bill which, if enacted, will mark the most significant development to will writing since the enactment of the Wills Act in 1837. It is now in the hands of the government to decide how to react to these recommendations but there is a good…
Getting Ready to Sell Your Home This Spring? Our Conveyancing Experts Share Their Legal Tips
Spring is a popular time to sell property – and with good reason. Lighter evenings, blooming gardens, and an active housing market make it an ideal season for a fresh start. But before you start booking in viewings, it’s important to make sure you’re legally ready to move. Conveyancing expert Leigh Bassinder, based at our…
Ison Harrison Opens 22nd Yorkshire Office With New Branch In Brighouse
Press Release – May 2024 A leading Yorkshire law firm has opened its newest regional office in Brighouse, taking its total network of offices to 22. Ison Harrison’s first office in the town is located next to Tescos on Clifton Road and continues the firm’s expansion as it strengthens its community-focused legal services throughout Yorkshire….
Campaigning law firm and survivor welcome crossbow law reform — but warn more must be done to prevent future tragedies
Press release – 30 April 2025 A leading Yorkshire law firm and a survivor of a fatal crossbow attack have welcomed the Government’s latest proposals to tighten controls on the sale of crossbows – but say the changes still fall short of what is needed to prevent future tragedies. Leeds-based firm Ison Harrison, which has…
Ison Harrison Expands Regional Presence With The Acquisition Of Armstrong Luty Solicitors
Press Release – April 2025 Yorkshire-based law firm Ison Harrison has announced the acquisition of Skipton-based personal injury specialists Armstrong Luty Solicitors, further strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading full-service legal practices. The deal marks another milestone in Ison Harrison’s strategic growth, expanding its reach across North Yorkshire and enhancing its personal…
Securing a UK Spouse Visa for a US Citizen: A Client Success Story
At Ison Harrison Solicitors, we pride ourselves on helping families navigate the complexities of UK immigration law. In a recent case, our experienced team successfully assisted a US citizen in securing a UK Spouse Visa to join his British husband and their two British children. The case involved addressing financial challenges and securing the children’s…
Law Firm’s Booming Property Division Ranked Number One For Transactions
Press Release – March 2025 A Yorkshire law firm’s property division has been recognised as the region’s leading property solicitors, completing more transactions than any other firm. Following a UK-wide property sector analysis, Ison Harrison is ranked number one in Yorkshire and Humberside for successful property completions, with the highest overall market share. The independent…
Leading Yorkshire Law Firm Gears Up for Continued Growth In 2025
Press Release – January 2025 One of Yorkshire’s leading law firms plans to build on the success it achieved last year by making 2025 the most successful year in its 47-year history. Leeds-headquartered Ison Harrison posted its most successful trading period ever for last year, making 2024 its most profitable year since it was founded,…
Secure Your Justice with Ison Harrison: CICA Claims Made Simple
If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime, be it a physical or sexual assault, obtaining compensation for your injuries and trauma can be a vital step toward recovery. At Ison Harrison, we specialise in helping victims navigate the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims process, ensuring you get the support and financial award…
Changes Around Employee Ownership Trusts
In the midst of the Autumn Statement, it is easy to overlook that the government was also consulting on the recommendations around Employee Ownership Trusts following recent consultations. Under the Autumn Budget 2024, the government made numerous changes to the current EOT Regime that was in response to a consultation on EOTs which ran in…
5 Minutes With…Loreena Walker, Chartered Legal Executive, Private Family Team
Introducing Loreena Walker, one of the newest members to the Ison Harrison team! Loreena is a Chartered Legal Executive in our Private Family team. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? I joined Ison Harrison in September 2024. Where did you work previously? I have previously worked for other well-known solicitors firms in West…
16 Common Neighbour Disputes (And How To Resolve Them)
Domestic bliss is one of our main goals in life, but unfortunately we can’t choose who we live next door to, and disputes with neighbours are very common, everyday occurrences. Mostly these can be settled with a cordial conversation and a mutual understanding, because it is in everyone’s best interests to settle a dispute amicably…
If You Go Down To The Woods Today You’re In For A Scary Surprise!
The sun was shining through the trees on Saturday 26th October when Katrina Stapleton and Adina Guy from our Clinical Negligence team attended the Little Hiccups Halloween themed adventure in the woods with Wilderness Adventures. Wilderness Adventures C.I.C. is a not-for-profit forest school based predominantly in a private woodland in Kippax. Director, Nicola Cowell, and…
Inquest into the Death of Henry Grierson
An inquest into the tragic death of 17-year-old Henry Grierson was opened on 8 October at Bradford Coroner’s Court and will resume at 2pm on 31 October 2024. Henry had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 10. However, after being discharged from mental health services, the medication prescribed for…
Duty To Take Reasonable Steps To Prevent Sexual Harassment
Under the Equality Act 2010, sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is considered to be intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, offensive or violates a person’s dignity. With effect from 26 October 2024, the law in relation to sexual harassment is changing. There will be a ‘preventative duty’ on employers to prevent sexual…
10 Key Points of the ‘Tipping’ Act
On 1 October 2024 legislation (accompanied by the Code of practice on fair and transparent distribution of tips) came into force governing the distribution of tips, service charges and gratuities, over which employers have ‘control and significant influence’. Where the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 (the ‘Tipping Act’) is not correctly applied, tribunals can…
Renters’ Rights Bill – what does it mean for Landlords?
On 11th September 2024, the new labour Government published the Renters’ Rights Bill (the Bill), with the aim of making renting fairer for tenants, protecting good landlords and holding bad landlords to higher standards. At this stage, the Bill has only been proposed, it is yet to come into force so the opportunity for amendments…
Civil Partnership Vs Marriage: Which Is Best For You?
Same-sex or opposite-sex couples have the option of both a civil partnership and a marriage in terms of formalising their relationship. In England and Wales, legally, same-sex couples have had the option of civil partnerships since 2005 and marriage since 2014. Of course, marriage has been an option for opposite-sex couples for a long time,…
We Won! Ison Harrison Win Two Awards at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2024
Press Release – October 2024 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has enjoyed major success at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, one of the legal sector’s most prestigious industry events. The firm was shortlisted for four awards in total, winning in the residential property and personal injury and clinical negligence categories. The 25th Yorkshire Legal Awards ceremony…
Ruth Bundey Named on Women of Leeds Sculpture
We are extremely proud to announce that our inquest solicitor Ruth Bundey, is to be named on the Women of Leeds Sculpture. Nearly 400 inspirational Leeds women, voted for by members of the public, are being celebrated with a new sculpture in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. Created by artist, Pippa Hale, ‘Ribbons’…
Sexual Harassment Culture Allowed To Thrive In The Royal Navy
A culture of sexual assault, sexual harassment and misogyny is widespread and “permitted to thrive” in the submarine service, according to a whistleblower who has triggered a damning investigation by the Royal Navy. Sophie Brook – a former Lieutenant in the submarine service – made a formal complaint about repeated and ongoing sexual assaults which…
“I Inspire Me”: Celebrating the Journey of Empowerment and Fulfilment for People with Erb’s Palsy
In a world where stories of resilience and self-empowerment often go untold, Ison Harrison have launched the “I Inspire Me” campaign in association with the Erb’s Palsy Group to shine a spotlight on individuals with Erb’s Palsy who inspire themselves and others every day. We are inviting individuals with Erb’s Palsy to nominate themselves and…
Urgent Reform Of Maternity Care Called For After Increase In Clinical Negligence Cases
Pregnancy and childbirth should be a joyful and happy time, but sadly this is not always the case. Poor maternity care is becoming a more common and widespread issue impacting many families in causing avoidable harm or life-changing injuries. In 2023, 13% of all clinical negligence claims related to pregnancy and childbirth and NHS Trust…
Ison Harrison Receive Multiple Nominations For Top Yorkshire Awards
The Ison Harrison team are very proud to announce that we have been shortlisted for four awards at the prestigious ‘Yorkshire Legal Awards’, which are due to be held in October at a glamourous event which is always the highlight of the legal calendar. Our director and head of corporate and commercial, Richard Coulthard, has…
“Stronger” Bill Should Lead To No-Fault Eviction Ban
The revised Renters’ Rights Bill, which has finally been published and entered parliament, has been praised as a “stronger” piece of legislation than the previous version, and which will better protect renters in the private rental sector. This is expected to include a ban on no-fault evictions to be in place by Summer 2025. Having…