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In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, Angela McCulloch, partner in the personal and family team and Richard Pike, dispute resolution partner, explore the risks of leaving wills to chance or cutting corners with DIY solutions – and what really happens when “later” never arrives. In this episode we give an insight into our YouGov survey - that highlighted a clear contradiction: the majority of people recognise they should write a will, yet most said they would do it “later”. At the same time, DIY will writing is rising – with many unaware of the pitfalls. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

Martyn’s Law – formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - is named in memory of Martyn Hett who was killed in the Manchester Arena attack. The law is designed to improve protective security and organisational preparedness by requiring those responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack, and, for larger sites, to take steps to reduce their vulnerability to attack. In this podcast Clare Bone and Amy Anderson discuss what the new requirements are, who they will apply to and what operators of premises within the scope of the new requirements should be thinking about in preparation for them coming into force in 2027. Clare and Amy will discuss:  Which premises will Martyn’s Law apply to?What will premises have to do to comply with Martyn's Law? Who will be responsible for compliance within an organisation?Who will regulate compliance? What will happen if organisations don’t comply with Martyn's Law?Read more about Martyn's Law via the following links Martyn's Law receives royal assent – what does this mean for your business? | Brodies LLP Martyn’s Law impact on commercial properties | Brodies LLP Martyn’s Law: how will it impact the education sector? | Brodies LLP All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, Lucie Barnes, real estate partner at Brodies LLP, and leading property litigation specialist Katharine Holland KC, of Landmark Chambers, discuss the growing importance of newcomer injunctions. The conversation explores what newcomer injunctions are, when they are used, how they developed through landmark cases, and why they have become an increasingly significant feature of the legal landscape. Lucie and Katharine examine the balance courts must strike between protecting property rights and respecting the right to protest, as well as the legal safeguards that apply to these injunctions. They also share practical guidance for businesses about what steps can be taken to protect a business when facing the threat of protest, trespass or occupation.  All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

The energy transition is often framed as a decisive shift from hydrocarbons to renewables. In practice, it is proving to be far more complex. Rather than a single event, the transition is emerging as a gradual and uneven rebalancing of the energy system—one that must carefully reconcile decarbonisation ambitions with security of supply, affordability and economic stability. In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, Malcolm Gunnyeon and Martin Ewan discuss this tension, which sits at the heart of the energy industry’s current challenge. From skills transfer, investor confidence and geopolitical instability, what is next for the UK and the energy transition?  They explore the findings of Brodies’ Energy Transition Investment Report, which highlights the realities of the transition to net‑zero and the investment trends shaping the next phase of global and UK energy development.  Listen to the first episode of our energy transition podcast series 'Evolution not revolution: Investing in the energy transition', featuring Clare Munro, Keith Patterson and Sarah-Jane Macarthur now.  All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, we explore the findings of Brodies’ 2026 report, 'Evolution not revolution: investing in the energy transition'. Host David Lee is joined by Clare Munro, an energy partner specialised in oil and gas , Keith Patterson, a partner and co-head of renewables, and Sarah-Jane McArthur, a partner also with a focus on renewables, to unpack the report’s key themes. We hear why the energy transition is not a simple shift from hydrocarbons to renewables, but instead a complex and gradual evolution. The conversation looks at the continued role of conventional energy in supporting resilience, the growing momentum behind renewables, and the importance of balancing decarbonisation with security and affordability. From UK policy and market confidence to global investment trends and emerging opportunities, this episode provides insights into navigating a fast-paced and rapidly changing energy landscape. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, Debbie Reekie, legal director at Brodies LLP gives an insight of the collaborative process from a family lawyer perspective. We’re also joined by Martin Donnelly, a chartered financial planner at Trinity Bridge who shares the value in having a financial adviser in collaborative process. This episode discusses how a family lawyer and a financial adviser, both trained in collaborative practice, work together to help clients reach fair, informed decisions without going to court during a separation or divorce. From dividing assets to planning for the future, they discuss how collaboration fosters clarity, reduces conflict, and puts families in control of their outcomes. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, legal director Lisa Stratford and associate George Cohen unpack the Renters’ Rights Act and what it means for landlords, managing agents and investors in England. Described as the most significant change to renting in a generation, the Act’s first phase kicked in from 1 May 2026 and introduces sweeping reforms. This includes the end of section 21 “no fault” evictions, a shift to periodic tenancies, tighter rent controls and new compliance obligations. Lisa and George explain the key changes, the policy drivers behind them and the practical implications for tenancy management, possession and enforcement. They also discuss the risks facing landlords, the likely impact on rents and how the market may respond as the reforms start to take effect. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, we hear from banking and finance partner James Wilson and senior associate Lindsay Lee who explore the impact of the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 one year after its introduction. Described as the most significant reform of Scottish banking law for a generation, the Act has transformed how security is taken over moveable assets. James and Lindsay discuss what has changed in practice, the benefits for lenders and borrowers, the potential challenges and how the new registers set up under the Act are bedding in. Drawing on real examples, they also reflect on whether the Act has delivered on its promise and what the next few years could hold for Scottish lending – as well as how businesses can prepare. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, Jessica Flowerdew partner at Brodies LLP gives an insight of cross border estate planning. We’re also joined by Jaime McLemore partner at Withers LLP who shares a unique perspective as a US qualified private client lawyer living in the UK. She advises on US and international tax and estate planning, particularly for families and trusts with US – UK cross-border concerns. This episode discusses cross-border estate planning issues for individuals with connections to the US and UK. From identifying hidden risks, to understanding US estate planning tools, tax traps and compliance challenges, you will hear about practical advice for individuals with connections to both countries. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, we explore the offshore energy industry’s response to the new weight‑based safety requirements coming into force on 1 November 2026.  Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has set a maximum clothed weight of 124.7kg (19.5 st) for workers being transported offshore, ensuring they can be safely winched in an emergency. With more than 2,200 workers currently above the new limit, the policy has raised significant operational, legal and workforce questions across the sector. We’re joined by Graham Skinner, OEUK and Will Rollinson (employment law) and Malcolm Gunnyeon (health and safety law) of Brodies LLP to unpack what this policy means in practice, including: Key actions OEUK recommends during the transition phase (February–October 2026) and what companies should prioritise ahead of go‑live.Industry reaction so far and the practical challenges operators and contractors are facing.Health and safety law implications, both direct and indirect, arising from the introduction of a mandated weight limit.Recruitment considerations: can weight legitimately be used as an eligibility criterion for new offshore workers?Employment law risks for workers who cannot or choose not to meet the new threshold.Whether the policy amounts to unfair discrimination, including for workers who exceed the limit due to high levels of physical fitness.This episode offers essential insight for HR teams, HSE professionals, offshore operators and anyone affected by—or responsible for implementing—the new OEUK weight policy. This episode was recorded in January 2026, all information was correct at the time of recording. This podcast does not constitute legal advice. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In our series Life at Brodies, we're getting to know Brodies colleagues as they share their personal experiences and perspectives about working at Scotland's largest legal firm. In this episode, partner Nadine Walton gives us an insight of what it’s like to be an English-qualified lawyer working in a Scottish-headquartered firm. We’re also joined by practice development lawyer Paul Iannetta, who shares his unique perspective as a dual-qualified lawyer. Paul dives deeper into our English training contracts – what they involve, and what future candidates can expect from the experience. For anyone looking for more information on Brodies’ English training contracts, you can visit brodies.com/englishtrainingcontracts. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In our series 'Life at Brodies', we're getting to know Brodies colleagues as they share their personal experiences and perspectives about working at a leading UK law firm. In this episode, legal director Rory Forbes and solicitor Nina Munro discuss their career paths into the real estate team at Brodies, address some misconceptions around what being a real estate lawyer actually involves, and explain how the energy transition is creating new and exciting work for the real estate market.  Wherever you are in your career find out more about making that next step in your journey at Brodies by visiting Brodies.com/careers. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In our series 'Life at Brodies', we're getting to know Brodies colleagues as they share their personal experiences and perspectives about working at Scotland's largest legal firm. Do you want to know what it's like to work in one of the busiest private client teams in Scotland?  In this episode, Iona Clark and Nikki Neal talk about their experience working in the personal law team at Brodies; each sharing their own journey to becoming private client lawyers.  Iona shares her insight into having a private client focused traineeship and Nikki discusses the variety of exciting and complex work which makes each day different. Wherever you are in your career find out more about making that next step in your journey at Brodies by visiting Brodies.com/careers. All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, legal experts Emily Pike and Stewart Gibson discuss the subject of inheritance and succession planning, unpacking the findings of an exclusive YouGov survey commissioned by Brodies.  The survey showed that only 25% of respondents have a full estate plan in place— and highlighted a significant gap between awareness of the subject of succession planning and action. Emily and Stewart explore common misunderstandings around inheritance tax, gifting, and intestacy, as well as the emotional barriers preventing families from discussing wealth transfer.  With major inheritance tax reforms set to take effect in April 2026, including new caps on relief for business and agricultural assets, the urgency for proactive estate planning has arguably never been greater. Through real-life examples, Emily and Stewart illustrate the risks of avoiding the conversation and the immense value of early planning, as well as:  key takeaways from Brodies’ latest YouGov survey;  why 58% of individuals haven't spoken to their families about inheritance;  common misconceptions about tax, gifting, and intestacy;  how proactive planning protects both assets and family relationships;  how upcoming inheritance tax changes will impact estate planning; andessential steps to start meaningful wealth transfer discussions.  Access the full survey report via brodies.com/wealthtransfer  All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.

Receiving court papers can be daunting, but understanding what happens next  is essential to resolving the issues at hand. In this episode of Podcasts by Brodies, Carly Forrest and Gemma Nicholson break down everything you need to know about dealing with Scottish court documents, ensuring you can respond effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.   We examine the importance of understanding which court has served the papers, whether you need to respond to the papers and how you respond.   For those defending a court action, we delve into the strategies available, including submitting written defences, challenging claims, and seeking dismissal where appropriate.   If you are interested in the process related to court papers in England and Wales, listen to our podcast 'What do I do if I'm served English court papers?' All information in this episode was correct at the time of recording. The content of Podcasts by Brodies does not constitute legal advice.