O'Donnell Solicitors

02/10/2026

Financial Dispute Resolution: A Waste of Time and Money?

Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearings can help couples reach a financial settlement during divorce, but are they always worth the cost?

In our latest blog, we explore the potential pitfalls of court-based and private FDRs, the costs involved and alternative ways to resolve financial disputes.

Is there a better way forward?

Read our blog to find out more about your options and how to avoid unnecessary legal costs.

https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/fdrs-what-a-waste-of-time-and-money/

01/10/2026

Wishing Sir Kevin Sinfield the best of luck from everyone at O'Donnell Solicitors as he passes through Uppermill on the latest leg of his 7 in 7: The Grand Finale ultramarathon!

01/10/2026

Increased Time Limits for Employment Tribunal Claims

Important changes to Employment Tribunal claim deadlines have come into effect today.

The time limit for bringing most Employment Tribunal claims has increased from 3 months to 6 months where the relevant act, omission or dismissal occurs on or after 1 October 2026. The new limit will also apply to a series of linked acts where the latest act takes place on or after this date.

What does this mean for employees?

The extended time limit gives employees more time to consider their position, prepare a claim and seek legal advice before commencing Employment Tribunal proceedings.

What does this mean for employers?

Employers may now face a longer period of uncertainty before being notified of a claim. When ACAS Early Conciliation is taken into account, proceedings may not be notified for 10–12 months after the relevant events.

While the extended timeframe may provide greater opportunities to resolve workplace disputes without formal proceedings, employers should review their document and data retention policies to ensure that important evidence remains available if a claim is brought.

Need advice on an employment law matter?

Our team at O’Donnell Solicitors can help you understand how these changes may affect you or your business. Contact us for a no-obligation initial discussion.

25/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who baked, bought, tasted and donated as part of our Macmillan Coffee Morning Bake Off, raising an amazing £100.

We have crowned Melissa from our Residential Conveyancing Department as Star Baker. Her chocolate brownies and old school cake wowed the judges and won the vote!

24/09/2026

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING BAKE OFF!

We’re getting ready to swap legal briefs for baking sheets as we host a Macmillan Coffee Morning Bake Off!

Friday 25 September 2026
9.30am
O’Donnell Solicitors, 44 High Street, Uppermill

Come along, grab a coffee, enjoy some delicious homemade cakes and help us raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

And there’s more…

Who will be crowned Star Baker?

Try the bakes, cast your vote and help us choose our Star Baker, while making a donation to a very worthy cause.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker, a cake enthusiast, or simply fancy a cuppa and a sweet treat, we’d love to see you there.

Everyone is welcome — come along, have some fun and help us raise as much as we can for Macmillan.

22/09/2026

How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Medical Negligence?

If you or someone close to you has suffered injury or financial loss as a result of suspected medical negligence, you may be wondering how much compensation you could be entitled to.

In his latest blog, Ken Lees, Head of Medical Negligence explains how compensation for medical negligence is assessed and why there is no fixed or “average” amount that applies to every claim.

The blog explores:

• How the value of a medical negligence claim is calculated
• The difference between general damages and special damages
• Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
• Past and future loss of earnings
• Medical treatment, rehabilitation and care costs
• The costs of specialist equipment and home adaptations
• Compensation for care provided by family members
• How future losses can significantly affect the value of serious claims
• The importance of medical and financial evidence when assessing a claim
• How legal costs and funding arrangements can affect the amount ultimately received
• The time limits that may apply to medical negligence claims

Ken also explains why online compensation calculators and average payout figures should be treated with caution, as every claim depends on the individual circumstances, medical evidence and financial losses involved.

Read the full blog at:https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/how-much-compensation-can-you-claim-for-medical-negligence/

O’Donnell Solicitors offers a free, no-obligation initial consultation for potential medical negligence claims.

15/09/2026

We are growing!

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Asia Shahzad to the Commercial Real Estate Team at O’Donnell Solicitors.

With over 23 years of specialist experience in Property Law, Asia’s expertise will be invaluable in managing our busy caseload and helping our team scale to new heights.

Beyond commercial property, Asia will also be supporting our Corporate Team by assisting with real estate due diligence on corporate matters when required.

Asia’s arrival allows us to take on a greater number of instructions, ensuring we continue to deliver the proactive, high-quality legal support our clients rely on.

14/09/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Ruth Shaw as our new Head of Residential Property.

Ruth joins our expanding team at an exciting time of growth. She is a highly experienced lawyer, widely respected across the region for her deep expertise in residential property law. Joining us from her previous role at GLP Solicitors in Manchester, Ruth’s arrival marks a significant milestone in our firm’s continued growth trajectory.

In her new role, Ruth will lead a strong, dedicated team of six fee earners. Her leadership will significantly boost our department's capacity, enabling us to accept more instructions and continue delivering the seamless, high-quality service our clients expect.

Ruth is incredibly eager to get stuck into the role and looks forward to meeting our existing clients and trusted referral network over the coming weeks.

Please join us in giving Ruth a very warm welcome to the team!

11/09/2026

🌾 🚜 Buying or selling agricultural land? There’s more to consider than the land itself.

Agricultural property transactions can be considerably more complex than a standard property sale, with issues ranging from multiple titles and boundaries to agricultural tenancies, access rights, planning, environmental matters and taxation.

In her latest article, Courtney Walsh explores the key considerations for buyers and sellers of agricultural land — and why careful investigation and clear legal advice are essential for a smooth transaction.

📖 Read the full article:
https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/agricultural-land-transactions-what-do-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know/

Buying or selling agricultural land in the North West? Learn about titles, access, tenancies, planning, environmental issues, tax and other key legal considerations.