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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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; and
• essential steps to start meaningful wealth transfer discussions.  

Access the full survey report via brodies.com/wealthtransfer 

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?'