HEADLINE
UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH LECTURER RECEIVES NATIONAL TEACHING AWARD A law lecturer from the University of Greenwich has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy. Sarah Greer is a former barrister who now leads a highly- rated university law department: Greenwich’s law students report that they are among the most satisfied in the country, according to the independent National Student Survey.
Sarah ‘aims high’ for her students, and encourages them to set challenging ambitions for themselves. One graduate said of her: ‘Sarah inspired us to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.’ A believer in equal access to the legal
profession, Sarah and her colleagues have developed an impressive range of employability opportunities for Greenwich students. As a result, leading law practices, barristers’ chambers and legal departments in City firms now work closely with the university, offering mentoring, internships, and other opportunities to prepare students for the world of work. Professor Simon Jarvis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) at the University of Greenwich, says: ‘Sarah has made a significant impact on learning and teaching for students in law.’
WITH ALL MY WORLDLY P
re-nuptial agreements once the domain of the rich and famous are becoming standard practice before marriage, and far from being
unromantic, they are a necessary part of sensible planning for the future. Pre-nuptial agreements are useful financial planning tools that document how married couples and civil partners would like their property to be divided in the unfortunate event of the breakdown of their relationship. The contents of the agreement can vary widely depending on the individual circumstances and concerns, but often include provision for the division of property and maintenance. Whilst it may be inappropriate to have a pre-nuptial in all cases, the following maybe examples where they should be considered: significant pre-marital assets; second marriage; business assets including a business that has been in the family for a number of years; inheritance or future inheritance; and where there are children of a previous marriage. In the absence of an agreement excluding these assets from divorce they all go in the pot and the Court then decide how to divide the same. The most appropriate method adopted by
It’s not all doom & gloom!
This time last year I wrote about the impending ‘Double Dip’ - well a year’s gone by and we’re still in the same place. In fact, are we in the same place or are things
worse? We all seem helpless as the mighty politicians take
digs at each other and wring their hands, warning of apocalyptic scenarios if nothing is done. All this time they seem to have been chasing the
problem downhill instead of cutting it off at the pass - hoping that some tinkering here and there will be enough. I’m reminded of a spoof based on Rudyard Kipling’s poem. ‘If you can keep your head when all around you are losing
PIC: TIM KEELER PHOTOGRAPHY
theirs – you probably haven’t understood the seriousness of the situation’
business
GOODS I THEE ENDOW… Considering a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement?
solicitors to negotiate a pre-nuptial or post- nuptial agreement is The ‘Collaborative Model’ which ensure the discussions between couples are transparent, open and focused, thereby avoiding any feeling of mistrust. Although pre-nuptial agreements are
currently not legally binding in the UK unlike America and much of Europe, the Supreme Court ruling in the case of Radmacher in October 2010 has changed the way in which pre-nuptial agreements are viewed. The Supreme Court stated that pre-nuptial agreements should be given decisive weight in divorce proceedings, provided that the parties entered the agreement freely and that they have a full appreciation of the implications of the agreement. Only manifestly unfair contracts would be overturned by the courts. The court also decided that in future, courts
would infer that parties entering into pre-nuptial agreements governed by English law intend them to be binding. The Law Commission is due to report in 2012 on whether a change in the law should be enacted to ensure pre-nuptial agreements are fully enforceable. Parliament is expected to introduce a draft bill in late 2012 with the prospect of new law in 2014.
by Clive Barker, Chamber President I believe they know the seriousness of the
situation – it’s just that they don’t dare talk openly about it in case it becomes self- prophesying. I am concerned that they are running out of options. This is a worldwide problem which requires international cooperation, not finger- pointing from either end of the playground. Meanwhile it seems that all we can do is
continue our lives as normally as we can, watching the latest news, reading the pundits and waiting for an improvement in our circumstances. Or is that all we can do? If it isn’t completely in the hands of
governments to solve the problems, I believe that it will prove to be business and consumers
that will slowly bring us out of the mire. But this will need confidence, even
entrepreneurial bravery. So ever more reason to keep engaged with other
businesses and your Chamber of Commerce networking lunches and informative breakfasts are the place to do that. It’s an opportunity to share your concerns and
learn of opportunities. So if the continuous bad news is getting you down – come to the next Chamber event to meet like-minded people and raise your spirits and confidence. September 14th at the Bromley Court Hotel is another 3 hour bumper event with 18 one minute speaking slots and plenty of room for stands.
www.selondonchamber.org www.meridian-magazine.co.uk 21
GREENWICH UNIVERSITY
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