BHD Coronavirus Update – Continuity of BHD Legal Services – 22.04.2020

In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak and uncertain times ahead, we as an established legal practice are ensuring continuity of our legal services during this difficult time. As initially anticipated, there has been minimal interruption to our legal services and case/client management throughout the coronavirus outbreak and government imposed lockdown.

In order to assist existing and new clients, while minimising the impact of coronavirus by promoting safety of our staff and clients, we are continuing to conduct virtual meetings.

We have successfully adapted our operating processes and work-flow systems to enable our staff to work remotely. Using our cloud-based case management system, our cases are being attended to and our lawyers are able to communicate via telephone and video conferencing.

At this time, there is an even greater and continuing need for legal services, in some cases, resulting directly from coronavirus and a subsequent chain reaction of events leading to clients requiring legal help. In respect of all legal services we offer, the following being some illustrations, may be of interest to you, resulting from coronavirus related direct actions:

Immigration – remaining in the UK.

Employment – unfair dismissal or redundancy, contingency planning.

Company/Commercial – breaches of contract, company and commercial disputes.

Wills & Estate Planning – Structuring your estate and reviewing your Will, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

We are currently advising nationals of affected countries from around the world, whom are currently in the United Kingdom. There is a base at present to submit applications for these people to be granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom, on the basis that there are significant obstacles to reintegrate back to coronavirus affected countries.

We are aware of Home Office policy at present, that allows nationals of China to automatically extend their leave to remain. There is a relaxed attitude towards the need for them to leave the UK in order to obtain entry clearance, and to return again back to the UK. We are also advising clients in light of recent Home Office guidance provided regarding automatic extensions to certain visa categories until the 31 May 2020 and further automatic stay for NHS frontline workers.

The seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak means, in our opinion, that no person should be returned to a coronavirus affected country. Also that those who are living in the UK as overstayers, yet enjoying family lives, can argue a claim to remain in the UK on the basis that there are insurmountable obstacles to such family life being enjoyed abroad, or that it would be a breach of human rights to require an applicant to leave the UK to obtain entry clearance to enjoy family life in the UK.

We recommend that through this difficult time, your important legal matters are not put on hold and that you contact us today to arrange a telephone or video consultation. We can be emailed at enquiries@bhdsolicitors if you wish to arrange a consultation, or you can alternatively contact us via the blue contact us boxes above.

We are a firm specialising in various areas of law, providing bespoke services, with offices situated in Croydon and Central London and we are continuing to work remotely throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.