The Jonathan Lea Network

28/05/2026

Thinking about retirement from your business?

In his article, Jonathan Lea looks at why succession planning should start well before retirement becomes imminent, and how the right incentive arrangements can help retain and motivate a successor while protecting the long-term value of the business.

The article covers key options including employee share schemes, management buy-outs, employee ownership trusts and phased exits.

🔗 Take a look at Jonathan’s full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/business-succession-planning-retirement-successor-incentives/

Retiring from an owner-managed business? Learn how succession planning, share incentives, EOTs, MBOs and shareholder agreements can help secure your exit.

26/05/2026

Can you challenge a will simply because it feels unfair?

In her article, trainee solicitor, Dinah Jantasz, explains the key legal grounds for challenging a will in England and Wales, and why early legal advice can be important in contentious probate disputes.

🔗 Take a look at the full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/challenging-a-will/

Concerned about a will? Learn the key legal grounds for challenging a will, including capacity, undue influence, improper ex*****on and Inheritance Act claims.

21/05/2026

Buying a business in 2026 or 2027? Employment due diligence should be high on the agenda.

In her latest article, Stephanie Williams, one of our paralegals, explains how the Employment Rights Act 2025 could change the risk profile for UK business acquisitions, particularly around inherited employment liabilities, TUPE, unfair dismissal, holiday records, collective consultation and fire and rehire restrictions.

🔗 You can read Stephanie’s full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/buying-business-employment-rights-act-2025-due-diligence/

Buying a UK business? Learn how the Employment Rights Act 2025 affects employment due diligence, TUPE, unfair dismissal, fire and rehire, warranties and indemnities.

19/05/2026

Looking for your next legal career move?

We’re hiring and currently recruiting for the following roles:

• Corporate Solicitor
• Litigation Solicitor
• Paralegal

We’re also always looking to grow our network of experienced consultant solicitors across all practice areas. If you have your own client following, work remotely and are interested in a flexible consultancy model where you can earn up to 85% of what you bill, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re proud to have built a firm where talented people can do high-quality legal work, collaborate in mixed level teams and develop their careers in a positive, friendly and ambitious environment.

Our team are at the heart of what makes JLN a great place to work, and our new recruitment video gives a glimpse into life at the firm, told by the team themselves.

If you’re looking for your next opportunity and want to join a growing law firm, we’d love to hear from you.

Watch the video below and take a look at our recruitment page to view our current opportunities:

🔗 https://www.jonathanlea.net/recruitment/

18/05/2026

What are the biggest mistakes UK businesses make in Master Services Agreements and Statements of Work, and how can they avoid costly disputes?

In Jonathan Lea’s article, we look at how issues around scope, deliverables, payment triggers, liability, intellectual property and change control can lead to uncertainty between commercial parties.

The key takeaway: clarity at the outset can prevent costly disagreements later.

🔗 You can read the full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/master-services-agreement-statement-of-work-disputes-uk/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Article

Master services agreement and statement of work disputes UK can cause costly commercial conflicts. Learn how to align MSAs and SOWs and protect cash flow..

15/05/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Stephanie Williams to our team as a Paralegal.

Stephanie will be supporting the team across corporate and commercial law, with a particular focus on legal research and drafting. She brings a strong academic background, having achieved First Class Honours in Politics and International Relations at the University of Bristol, and a Distinction in her LLM Law Conversion with SQE1 Preparation at BPP University.

Please join us in giving Stephanie a very warm welcome to the team.

🔗 You can find out more about Stephanie here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/meet-the-team/stephanie-williams/

14/05/2026

From 1 January 2027, employees will gain the right to bring an unfair dismissal claim after just six months of employment, with the statutory compensation cap also set to be removed.

In our latest article, Trainee Solicitor, Dinah Jantasz, explains what these changes could mean for employers and why early preparation will be important.

🔗 Take a look at the full article here:

https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/6-month-unfair-dismissal-rights-employer-guide-2027/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Article

A practical employer guide to the 2027 unfair dismissal reforms, including six-month rights, uncapped compensation, probation clauses and dismissal risk.

11/05/2026

In her latest article, Alexandra Pagu explores the key legal issues borrowers and lenders should consider when negotiating and documenting property and development finance in England and Wales, particularly in light of rising construction costs, tighter funding conditions and increased regulatory scrutiny.

🔗 Take a look at the full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/property-development-finance-legal-issues/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Article

Expert legal analysis on property and development finance in England & Wales. Navigate borrower risks, lender protections, and the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

08/05/2026

We’re delighted to share another 5-star Google review ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s always rewarding to receive such positive feedback about the support we provide on important commercial matters. In this case, the review relates to assistance with the sale of a business, highlighting the team’s clear communication, practical approach and efficient support throughout.

A big well done to Byron Yeung and everyone involved.

06/05/2026

Bridging finance can be an effective way for UK businesses, investors and developers to move quickly on time-sensitive opportunities, but it is not without risk.

In her latest article, Paralegal, Alexandra Pagu, considers the key legal issues involved, including security, personal guarantees, interest and fees, default provisions and the importance of having a realistic exit strategy.

Used properly, bridging loans can be a valuable commercial tool. Used without proper advice, they can become costly and high-pressure arrangements.

Read Alex’s full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/bridging-loans-uk-businesses-investors-legal-risk-management/

A practical guide to bridging loans for UK businesses and investors, covering regulated vs unregulated lending, security, guarantees, exit strategy and risk management.