Financial Services Matters – Summer 2019


Collections and Recoveries – Summer 2019
Review of enforcement agent reforms Richard Sandford and Justin Coley provide a brief update on the […]
Review of enforcement agent reforms
Richard Sandford and Justin Coley provide a brief update on the Ministry of Justice’s review of enforcement agent reforms.
When might a summary possession order be vulnerable to appeal?
Louise Power and Justin Coley review a recent Court of Appeal case which considered when a defendant against whom an order for possession has been made summarily might be able to raise additional issues on appeal.

Banking Litigation – Summer 2019
Duty of care to protect customers? Legal and practical considerations for lenders Most major lenders […]
Duty of care to protect customers? Legal and practical considerations for lenders
Most major lenders will be well versed in the vital work that is needed to protect their employees and premises. However, the recent shocking case in which three sisters were brutally attacked at the former Cumberland Hotel gives rise to additional concerns for lenders, and indeed for any business inviting customers or guests into its premises, because it considers the extent to which such businesses owe a duty of care to protect their customers. Louise Power considers the legal and practical implications for lenders.
Borrower had 100% legal ownership, but 0% beneficial interest
When a relationship breaks down (whether it be a relationship between, say, friends, business partners, spouses or cohabitees), the question often arises whether a party whose name is not on the deeds to a property nevertheless owns a share. The issue has arisen in a recent case, which represents a cautionary tale for anyone considering acquiring or dealing with property on an informal basis. Sandip Singh offers legal and practical advice.
Credit checks and lenders’ duties to consumers
A recent case, Adelekun v Yorkshire Building Society, is an example of an individual’s attempt to rely on data protection laws and/or a tortious duty of care to found a damages claim arising from a credit register entry.
Push payment fraud and freezing injunction update
Rachel Elgar explains why injunctions against ‘persons unknown’ can be a tactically and financially worthwhile option.
What should banks do if they suspect that customers’ accounts contain proceeds of crime?
Money laundering and fraud are key risks facing the industry today. Andrew Beck highlights a recent Commercial Court case which has practical implications for institutions which suspect that customers’ accounts may contain the proceeds of crime.

Regulatory – Summer 2019
Regulatory Round-up The latest edition of our Regulatory Round-Up offers a succinct summary of current […]
Regulatory Round-up
The latest edition of our Regulatory Round-Up offers a succinct summary of current and future developments and news.
Change to response time for data subject access requests
On 15 August 2019, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued updated guidance on the timescales for responding to a data subject access request (DSAR) following a recent ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Jeanette Burgess and Andrew Northage explain.

Housing, Property Law and Conveyancing – Summer 2019
Market Matters In this regular feature, Banking Litigation Associate Rachel Elgar provides updates and commentary […]
Market Matters
In this regular feature, Banking Litigation Associate Rachel Elgar provides updates and commentary on trends and issues in the UK property market for July 2019.
Renting Homes (Wales) Act: What landlords, lenders and receivers need to know
When the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 comes into force it will make sweeping changes to housing law and practice in Wales. Walker Morris’ Housing Management & Litigation Partner Karl Anders and Head of Recoveries Justin Coley explain that the RH(W)A is definitely ‘one to watch’, and highlight some of the key issues for landlords, lenders and receivers.
Conveyancing protocol updated to reflect Dreamvar and other developments
Christina Gill provides an essential update on imminent changes to conveyancers’ obligations.
MHCLG consults on abolition of section 21 Housing Act 1988
Private landlords should respond to the latest major threat to the stability of the Private Rented Sector. Deborah Brown explains.
Leasehold reform on a ground-breaking scale
The Housing Communities and Local Government Committee (HCLGC) published a report which offers wide-ranging reform to the leasehold market on a ground-breaking scale. Walker Morris’ Housing and Real Estate experts summarise some of the key recommendations, which are likely to be of interest to lenders.

Colleagues and Community – Summer 2019
Firm news We have now relocated to our new premises at 33 Wellington Street in […]
Firm news
We have now relocated to our new premises at 33 Wellington Street in Leeds. The building has undergone a comprehensive £10 million refurbishment to provide us with a premium working environment, with significantly improved sustainability credentials.
The move, which is the largest professional services relocation in Leeds for almost 15 years, sees all our staff move from our previous premises on King Street, into 76,000 sq. ft. of fully renovated, Grade A office space at the heart of the Leeds business district.
See our final time-lapse video below:
Malcolm Simpson, Managing Partner at Walker Morris commented:
“This is a very exciting time for the firm. The move is a fantastic opportunity to have a great working environment which fits with our brand as a preeminent and distinctive law firm. The designs for the interiors of the new building will help to inspire our staff, and enable them to work more collaboratively and effectively; whether they are in the office, working remotely at home, with clients or on the move.”
Calendar Competition
The judging has now taken place for the 25th anniversary of the Walker Morris Children’s Charity Calendar Competition. The winners and runners-up are due to be announced in September.
This year the Calendar Competition saw a record number of infant, junior and primary schools enter, with over 85 schools throughout our region taking part.
The judging panel, included renowned Yorkshire artist, Ashely Jackson, David Smedley, Chairman of the Partners at Walker Morris and Dean Poole from Reflex Label Plus. The judges were particularly impressed by the quality and variety of artwork submitted this year. The high level of technical skill and creativity made the judging process very difficult!
The Calendar Competition is open to all primary school age children from the Yorkshire and Humber regions. The children were invited to paint a picture that represents their favourite month of the year. From the artwork submitted the judges chose 13 winners, including the prestigious front cover, and 28 runners-up. The children’s winning artwork will be used to produce the 2020 calendar that is sold to raise funds in aid of Martin House Hospice. Martin House provides family-led care for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions across West, North and East Yorkshire, as well as supporting their families throughout the life of their child, and in bereavement.
Refurbishment of 33 Wellington Street raises £3,751 for Sunshine and Smiles
Specialist fit out company, Overbury, has raised £3,751 for Walker Morris’ Charity of the Year – Sunshine and Smiles.
The fundraising was done during the double award-winning refurbishment of 33 Wellington Street, Walker Morris’ new flagship office. During the refurbishment, Overbury asked builders and contractors to make a charity donation to use the car park at the building. During the nine month fit out, significant funds have been raised, which will be donated to the law firm’s nominated Charity of the Year.
Caroline Black, Head of Marketing at Walker Morris commented:
“We worked collaboratively with Overbury to look at how we could make best use of the building and its assets during the refurbishment programme whilst also helping the builders and contractors and achieving both organisations’ aims of being responsible employers within the community. Asking for a charity donation for use of the car park was such a simple but effective idea.
“We are delighted with the result which will make a real difference to our local charity Sunshine and Smiles and the vital support it provides for children and young people who have Down syndrome and their families. On behalf of Walker Morris and Sunshine and Smiles I’d like to thank all those who contributed.”
Overbury has been delighted to work with Walker Morris on this project which finished on time and on budget. The builders and contractors really appreciated being able to use the onsite parking and it is great to be able to help out a local charity in the process.
Walker Morris On The Go
Walker Morris On The Go is a legal app which provides you with instant access to our little green books, news and legal insights which can be accessed from any device – mobile, tablet or desktop.
We have always been renowned for our high quality legal know-how. For the last decade our popular little green book series has offered pocket-sized guides brimming with practical solutions and summaries of key information on a range of topics. These handy guides are now available, via the app, in a user-friendly, convenient format.
Learn more with our short video below:
The app is available for free. All that’s required is to download the app from:
Apple Store – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/walker-morris-on-the-go/id1456621562?mt=8
or Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.calls9.onthego
Alumni
We have launched our Alumni network to help connect past and present Walker Morris employees and support them throughout their career. Our bi-annual newsletter will update Alumni members with firm news, interviews with past employees, updates on movers and promotions and forthcoming events. Click here for further information.