Tughans Solicitors

Key Legal Implications of Large Language AI Models such as ChatGPT

A prime example of disruptive technology, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to revolutionise the way entire industries think and operate. The rapid development of large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are now challenging our understanding of the line between human and machine creativity and how that fits into our current regulatory... Read More

Flexible Working Requests

Employers and employees continue to face challenges in the workplace in the aftermath of the pandemic. Some employers are encouraging a return to the office, while others are choosing to  continue with hybrid or even exclusively remote working arrangements. Commonly, flexible working requests relate  to a change in working hours, however employees can also use... Read More

When Short-Term Sickness Leave Becomes a Recurrence: Steps to Consider

Periods of short-term sickness absence can have a major operational impact for a business when it starts to happen on a recurring basis, and for small businesses the impact can be felt even more acutely. There are many issues that can arise when an employee is unfit for work. How the situation is handled will... Read More

Extending an Employee’s Probationary Period

Tughans’ Employment Partner Patricia Rooney and Associate Emma Doherty, look at the issue of underperformance during an employee’s probationary period and considerations for employers should they wish to extend the period of probation. Many employers will incorporate a probationary period into the contract of employment to monitor and assess an employee’s performance and suitability to... Read More

Neurodiversity in the workplace

Promoting a diverse workplace culture is beneficial to employers and employees alike, as it encourages employee retention, helps to attract the best talent, increases employee productivity, promotes the employer’s reputation, and assists in meeting the employer’s statutory obligations. In the workplace, diversity is mainly associated with certain protected characteristics e.g. age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and... Read More

Windsor Framework & The Stormont Brake – The Impacts and Inputs of Business

The proposed “Windsor Framework” was announced by the UK and EU authorities on 27 February 2023, and heralded as a major breakthrough – one that would answer the Northern Ireland question, hopefully paving the way for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive. While it is still being mulled over by various important parties, and... Read More

International Women’s Day – Equality vs Equity – What’s the Difference?

In light of International Women’s Day, it is essential that we not only embrace equality but also #EmbraceEquity. But what actually is equity? Isn’t it the same thing as equality? The two words are often confused and used interchangeably, but, despite their similarity, they are intrinsically different. The IWD website has given each word the... Read More

Disappointed widow awarded half of late husband’s estate in successful “family provision” claim

In a recent England & Wales High court judgement (Kaur v Estate of Karnail Singh EWHC 304 Fam) the Claimant, Harbans Kaur, was successful in her claim for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (equivalent to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) (NI) Order 1979 in... Read More

E-scooters: A Warning to Users

E-scooters, and the wider micro-mobility market, is booming at present. But do e-scooter users know the risks they face?   E-scooters and the Law Few people realise that e-scooters are illegal in public spaces in Northern Ireland. The law states that e-scooters should only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. To be... Read More

The Golden “Rule”? A reflection on the recent judgment in McQuaid v McQuaid.

In a judgement that will be considered a welcome reassurance to estate planning lawyers, the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland has rejected a disappointed son’s challenge to his father’s will, confirming that “intermittent confusion” does not equate to lack of testamentary capacity.   Background   Mr McQuaid, the 73 year old testator, had... Read More