Author: Catherine Bates

  In my experience, both personal and professional, there can be quite a difference between getting a good deal (i.e. where you get a good product or service at a reduced rate) and getting something less than you want, because you can’t/won’t pay for the real thing. If you buy a knock off handbag, it […]

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of time travel.  The concept that you could go back and redo something.  Or not do it at all! But it never occurred to me that it was really possible until today.  At the time of writing this, I am on the 9.22 from Watford to Euston, even […]

A friend of mine recently pointed out a certain resemblance between myself and Meghan Trainor, the singer of the pop hit, ‘All about that bass’, and suggested we record a legal version of the song, ‘All about that case’. Now you may be wondering if this would infringe copyright in the song, however you may […]

I’m very aware that I’m not always the most popular person in the world, to the point where if I meet someone new at a networking event, I often won’t admit what I do for a living. I have made a little old lady bankrupt. I have evicted families from their homes. I’ve liquidated companies. […]

If you have ever been into our fab new offices (not actually that new, we’ve been in nearly three years!!!) you’ll have seen our rather cheeky mugs, which bear the slogan “Don’t confuse your Google search with my law degree” It started as a bit of a joke when I saw the mugs online a […]

I’ve discovered that as I get older, I learn more about myself and how my views have changed (or perhaps improved). I’ve always known that I’m a reasonably positive person. The glass has always been half full and not half empty. But now, I can see that not only do I still have half a […]

On valentine’s day this year, Are you planning to move in with your dear? Is the shared home in their name, and you’re worried that you won’t have a claim? You might be concerned about your rights, and maybe it keeps you up at night But don’t be too concerned with this, as it is […]

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year, but Valentine’s Day is supposed to be the most romantic.  If the shops are anything to go by, you should spend the day being inundated with flowers, cards and gifts, and spend the evening being wined and dined.  Obviously I’m not going to discuss what […]

Setting a good example is as essential in business as it is in parenting or teaching. If you have bad business practices, such as an absence of good Ts and Cs, or good credit control, how can you expect your clients to take you seriously when you advise them to have Ts and Cs, and […]

After over 30 years in law and over 50 years on the planet (nearly 20 of them spent as a parent!) it’s really hard to surprise me. Whatever mess you’ve got yourself in to, mistake you’ve made or error of judgement you’ve suffered from, not only have I probably dealt with a similar problem, I’ve […]