The Jonathan Lea Network

17/06/2026

When a company is facing financial difficulty, directors’ duties can shift in important ways, particularly where insolvency is a real possibility.

In his latest article, Paralegal, Fatim Khan provides a practical guide for UK company directors on how their responsibilities change during periods of financial distress, including the need to consider creditors’ interests, recognise warning signs early, and take properly documented, informed decisions.

This is a useful read for directors, founders and business owners who want to understand their duties and reduce personal risk when navigating challenging trading conditions.

Read the full article here:

A practical guide to directors’ duties in financial distress, creditor duty, insolvency warning signs, wrongful trading and personal liability risks.

11/06/2026

We’re pleased to be featured in the latest issue of Sussex Business Times.

The article, “AI, Ambition and the Future of Legal Services: How Jonathan Lea Network is Rethinking the Modern Law Firm,” explores how we are approaching innovation, technology and client service as the legal sector continues to evolve.

We’re focused on building a modern law firm that combines specialist legal expertise with a more flexible, commercially minded and technology-enabled way of working.

A big thank you to Sussex Business Times for featuring us in Issue 501.

🔗 https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/jonathan-lea-network-featured-in-sussex-business-times-ai-ambition-and-the-future-of-legal-services/

Jonathan Lea Network has been featured in Sussex Business Times, discussing AI, innovation and the future of legal services.

10/06/2026

It was lovely to see everyone together at our Property Matters lunch last Friday, hosted with Sussex Surveyors LLP.

The event brought together property professionals for a relaxed afternoon of good food, conversation and networking, and we are delighted that everything went so well.

A huge thank you to Mary Kemp for joining us and delivering such an insightful talk, to David Mindham and Carnegie Group LTD for kindly sponsoring the drinks, and to everyone who came along and helped make the lunch such a success.

One of the key messages from Mary Kemp's excellent AI presentation at our Property Matters lunch on Friday was that, in an AI-enabled world, attitude is becoming a greater differentiator than knowledge alone. As AI makes expertise and information more accessible, the most valuable employees will increasingly be those who are curious, adaptable, collaborative and willing to embrace change.

Mary also highlighted that organisations achieving the greatest gains from AI are moving beyond using it simply as an assistant. Tools such as Claude can act as genuine AI co-workers, helping teams analyse complex information, improve decision-making, produce higher-quality work and complete tasks significantly faster. The result is not just greater efficiency, but enhanced quality, consistency and capacity across the business.

Thank you again to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing you at the next Property Matters lunch.

Our next Property Matters lunch will take place on Friday 11 September. If you are interested in attending, please do get in touch with Katie Appleby ([email protected]).

09/06/2026

Workplace bullying and harassment complaints can be difficult for both employees and employers to navigate.

In our latest article, paralegal Beth Reed explains when workplace conduct may become legally actionable, the difference between bullying and harassment under employment law, and why employers should take complaints seriously and investigate them properly.

If you are dealing with a workplace bullying or harassment issue, or need support with an internal investigation, our employment law team can help.

🔗 Take a look at the full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/workplace-bullying-harassment-legal-action-employer-investigations/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Article

Workplace bullying is not always a standalone legal claim - harassment, discrimination, constructive dismissal & psychiatric injury claims may arise. Learn when employees can take legal action and how employers should respond.

05/06/2026

A huge congratulations to our colleague Levi, who completed a 10,000ft skydive in support of Alzheimer's Society.🪂

We are incredibly proud of her bravery and commitment to raising awareness and funds for such an important cause.

Well done, Levi, an amazing achievement for a charity that supports so many people affected by dementia.

🔗Read more and support the fundraising here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/levi-takes-on-10000ft-skydive-for-alzheimers-society/

04/06/2026

Join us for one of our JLN Summer Golf Evenings ⛳

We are hosting four relaxed golf evenings at Cuckfield Golf Centre this summer, followed by pizza and drinks at 180 Degrees Bar & Kitchen.

The evenings will take place on 17 June, 30 June, 8 July and 21 July.

If you would like to join Jonathan Lea or Liam Mulvee for one of the evenings, please contact Katie Appleby ([email protected]) to express your interest and she will share the booking link.

We look forward to welcoming guests for some informal networking, golf, pizza and drinks over the summer ☀️

03/06/2026

Shareholder disputes can often be avoided with clear, well-aligned company documents.

In her latest article, trainee solicitors, Dinah Jantasz, explains the key differences between Articles of Association and Shareholders’ Agreements, and why both are important for protecting shareholders and supporting good corporate governance.

🔗 Take a look at Dinah’s full article here: https://www.jonathanlea.net/blog/articles-of-association-vs-shareholders-agreement/

Confused about Articles of Association and Shareholders’ Agreements? Learn what each document should cover to reduce shareholder disputes in private companies.

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.