Keystone Law
UK Guide 2024
About
Managing Partner: James Knight
Number of partners: 400
THE FIRM
Keystone Law was established in 2002 by a group of forward-thinking lawyers who were determined to build a law firm that would serve the needs of its clients more effectively than the conventional alternatives. Now a full-service AIM listed firm with over 400 lawyers, Keystone is widely recognised as an award-winning legal pioneer, notably being crowned Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2020.
By investing heavily in technology and embracing modern working practices from the start, the firm has significantly changed the way highly experienced lawyers provide dedicated legal services to clients. Keystone’s innovative structure enhances relationships between lawyers and clients by increasing interaction whilst also improving many legal processes. The firm only recruits senior partner-level lawyers from the UK’s best law firms which ensures clients benefit from direct access to lawyers of the highest calibre. With most Keystone lawyers having more than 20+ years’ experience, matters can be resolved quickly and efficiently, considerably increasing the value to clients.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Keystone Law
- London48 Chancery Lane, London, Greater London, UK, WC2A 1JF
- Web: www.keystonelaw.co.uk
- Tel: 020 3319 3700
- Fax: 0845 458 9398
- View ranked office
Keystone Law rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
172 items provided by Keystone Law
Pre-packs to connected parties – New rules from 30 April 2021
This article outlines how the Regulations will change the law in this area and consider whether this will alleviate the “controversial” elements of pre-pack sales.
Everyone’s Invited, the website on which victims of sexual harassment, abuse and misogynistic behaviour perpetrated by their peers from schools and universities can anonymously submit their experiences, has now received and shared over 14,000 testimonies.
NFTs are currently the talk of the art world but what are they? “NFT” stands for “non-fungible token” but this still leaves many of us none the wiser. In short, an NFT is a unique (non-fungible) code which is linked to a digital asset, such as a piece of digital art which exists on the internet?
Understanding the UK’s new Graduate Immigration Route
The government has announced that the new Graduate Immigration Route will open for applications from 1 July 2021.
Why are housing associations applying to become registered charities?
Many housing associations – now legally called Registered Social Landlords – are looking to convert from being a “Registered Society” with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to become a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered by the Charity Commission.
Coronavirus: Facing the threat of insolvency, being proactive as a director of a company!
Coronavirus continues to have serious financial implications for businesses and this week the wrongful trading provisions have been further suspended (for the third time) until 30 June 2021.
COVID-19 and the prime residential property market: Advice for purchasers and sellers of UK property
The fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic has shown those working in the residential property market that the sector is more resilient than any of us could have ever anticipated. This is despite the unsettled global economy, continuous lockdowns and social distancing measures.
COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance – Can I make several claims?
Supreme Court decision and beyond Many thought it was game over when the Supreme Court handed down its eagerly-awaited decision in the FCA test case on COVID-19 business interruption insurance claims in January which resulted in a resounding victory for policyholders.
Managing health and safety in a hybrid workplace
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses were required to close their workplaces and employees had to work from home where possible. Now the road map has been shared employers will be starting to consider the best working arrangements for staff.
How to deal with personal and corporate insolvencies as a creditor
Both businesses and individuals have suffered financially throughout 2020 as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
Board compositions of Irish companies post-Brexit: what are the requirements?
Following the UK’s departure from the European Economic Area, it is vital that any UK company that may have operating subsidiaries or associated companies in the Republic of Ireland, review the board composition of its Irish companies to ensure they are not in breach of the Irish Companies Act 2014.
Revised OGA Strategy: the need for universal collaboration
On 11 February the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) announced that the “Revised OGA Strategy” had come into force.
Uber ruling and IR35: a perfect storm?
The Supreme Court ruling in the Uber v Aslam and others case, published on 19 February 2021, was a landmark decision for the classification of workers. However, there are two key points in the ruling which may have far-reaching consequences.
Coronavirus: Employment Tribunal finds dismissal for refusing to wear a face mask was fair
An Employment Tribunal has found that a lorry driver was fairly dismissed for refusing to wear a face mask. Whilst cases always turn on their own individual facts, the message sent is that established principles of employment law will still apply in light of COVID-19.
Reopening the workplace after COVID-19: Considerations for employers
Since September 2020, government guidance for employers has been that if employees could work from home then they should. With the announcement of the “road map” for the easing of lockdown measures, the government has now said that it will conduct a review by the end of June this year.
How to resolve commercial rent disputes between landlords and tenants
For both landlord and tenants, resolving commercial rent disputes quickly and efficiently is essential for maintaining a positive relationship between both parties.
Supreme Court judgment confirms employment status for Uber drivers
On 19 February 2021, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in the case of Uber BV and others v Aslam and others. The judgment confirmed that Uber drivers are workers for the purposes of English employment legislation and are entitled to receive national minimum wage and annual paid leave.
Traditional pensions do not offer flexibility over where your money is invested, a “self-invested personal pension” or a SIPP is a type of pension that lets the investor take control of a retirement fund.
Business Interruption Insurance: What the Supreme Court judgment means for policyholders
On 15 January 2021, the Supreme Court handed down its much-anticipated judgment on the FCA’s business interruption insurance test case.
Gambling Commission announces measures to make online casino games safer by design
Following a consultation launched in July 2020, the Gambling Commission has announced a series of strict measures to make casino games safer for consumers. Restrictions will come into force on 31 October 2021 and will be implemented by revisions to the Commission’s remote technical standards (RTS).
What the new Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management means for mining companies
Tailings (mining waste) are a key risk issue for most mining projects, and failures can have devastating consequences. Whilst usually stored in “tailings ponds”, there have been many tragic examples of tailings facilities failure, including the recent Brumadinho tailings disaster in Brazil in 2019.
How does Brexit affect Spanish property owners?
On 1 January 2021, the UK officially transitioned into its new relationship with the EU. Whilst there is a UK-EU trade deal now in place, many questions still remain, particularly for those individuals who wish to purchase or already own property in the EU.
How to be more financially savvy when getting a divorce
Recent statistics in an article from Legal & General reveal some interesting trends relating to the impact of pension decisions taken on divorce, despite it being the case that pension pots can sometimes exceed the equity in the home.
What the UK-EU trade deal means for intellectual property rights
As the UK enters into a new post-Brexit trading relationship with the European Union, this article examines the intellectual property (“IP”) provisions of the recently signed trade deal.
What does the UK-EU trade deal mean for data flow?
The Brexit transition period has now ended, and a trade deal has been reached. However, hidden in the depths of the UK-EU trade deal are details of a further transition period for the transfer of personal data which avoids that outcome – for now.
How will Brexit affect UK corporate law and UK companies with EEA operations?
With the Withdrawal Agreement transition period now expired and a UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement finally in place, as of 1 January 2021, EU company law no longer applies to UK-registered companies.
Section 106 planning obligations: overcoming problems with ‘permit-free’ development
Relating to a previous article on “Use of Section 106 Planning Obligations: Restrictions on Car Parking”. There are several good reasons why landowners, developers, tenants, and prospective purchasers of residential property may wish to take specialist legal advice on the enforceability.
The impact of Brexit on employment and labour in the UK
To say that Brexit was a lengthy and excruciating process would be an understatement. This is my third KeyNote on the impact of Brexit on UK employment and labour since 2017!
Government announces new leasehold reforms but do they raise more questions than answers?
On 7 January 2021, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) released a statement claiming that “Government reforms [will] make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their homes.”
Is 2021 the year for artists to sell their music catalogues?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have recently seen in the news a glut of high-profile artists, writers and producers parting with all or part of their song catalogues and certain royalty streams to companies.
Pre-packs to connected parties – New rules from 30 April 2021
This article outlines how the Regulations will change the law in this area and consider whether this will alleviate the “controversial” elements of pre-pack sales.
Everyone’s Invited, the website on which victims of sexual harassment, abuse and misogynistic behaviour perpetrated by their peers from schools and universities can anonymously submit their experiences, has now received and shared over 14,000 testimonies.
NFTs are currently the talk of the art world but what are they? “NFT” stands for “non-fungible token” but this still leaves many of us none the wiser. In short, an NFT is a unique (non-fungible) code which is linked to a digital asset, such as a piece of digital art which exists on the internet?
Understanding the UK’s new Graduate Immigration Route
The government has announced that the new Graduate Immigration Route will open for applications from 1 July 2021.
Why are housing associations applying to become registered charities?
Many housing associations – now legally called Registered Social Landlords – are looking to convert from being a “Registered Society” with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to become a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered by the Charity Commission.
Coronavirus: Facing the threat of insolvency, being proactive as a director of a company!
Coronavirus continues to have serious financial implications for businesses and this week the wrongful trading provisions have been further suspended (for the third time) until 30 June 2021.
COVID-19 and the prime residential property market: Advice for purchasers and sellers of UK property
The fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic has shown those working in the residential property market that the sector is more resilient than any of us could have ever anticipated. This is despite the unsettled global economy, continuous lockdowns and social distancing measures.
COVID-19 Business Interruption Insurance – Can I make several claims?
Supreme Court decision and beyond Many thought it was game over when the Supreme Court handed down its eagerly-awaited decision in the FCA test case on COVID-19 business interruption insurance claims in January which resulted in a resounding victory for policyholders.
Managing health and safety in a hybrid workplace
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses were required to close their workplaces and employees had to work from home where possible. Now the road map has been shared employers will be starting to consider the best working arrangements for staff.
How to deal with personal and corporate insolvencies as a creditor
Both businesses and individuals have suffered financially throughout 2020 as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
Board compositions of Irish companies post-Brexit: what are the requirements?
Following the UK’s departure from the European Economic Area, it is vital that any UK company that may have operating subsidiaries or associated companies in the Republic of Ireland, review the board composition of its Irish companies to ensure they are not in breach of the Irish Companies Act 2014.
Revised OGA Strategy: the need for universal collaboration
On 11 February the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) announced that the “Revised OGA Strategy” had come into force.
Uber ruling and IR35: a perfect storm?
The Supreme Court ruling in the Uber v Aslam and others case, published on 19 February 2021, was a landmark decision for the classification of workers. However, there are two key points in the ruling which may have far-reaching consequences.
Coronavirus: Employment Tribunal finds dismissal for refusing to wear a face mask was fair
An Employment Tribunal has found that a lorry driver was fairly dismissed for refusing to wear a face mask. Whilst cases always turn on their own individual facts, the message sent is that established principles of employment law will still apply in light of COVID-19.
Reopening the workplace after COVID-19: Considerations for employers
Since September 2020, government guidance for employers has been that if employees could work from home then they should. With the announcement of the “road map” for the easing of lockdown measures, the government has now said that it will conduct a review by the end of June this year.
How to resolve commercial rent disputes between landlords and tenants
For both landlord and tenants, resolving commercial rent disputes quickly and efficiently is essential for maintaining a positive relationship between both parties.
Supreme Court judgment confirms employment status for Uber drivers
On 19 February 2021, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in the case of Uber BV and others v Aslam and others. The judgment confirmed that Uber drivers are workers for the purposes of English employment legislation and are entitled to receive national minimum wage and annual paid leave.
Traditional pensions do not offer flexibility over where your money is invested, a “self-invested personal pension” or a SIPP is a type of pension that lets the investor take control of a retirement fund.
Business Interruption Insurance: What the Supreme Court judgment means for policyholders
On 15 January 2021, the Supreme Court handed down its much-anticipated judgment on the FCA’s business interruption insurance test case.
Gambling Commission announces measures to make online casino games safer by design
Following a consultation launched in July 2020, the Gambling Commission has announced a series of strict measures to make casino games safer for consumers. Restrictions will come into force on 31 October 2021 and will be implemented by revisions to the Commission’s remote technical standards (RTS).
What the new Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management means for mining companies
Tailings (mining waste) are a key risk issue for most mining projects, and failures can have devastating consequences. Whilst usually stored in “tailings ponds”, there have been many tragic examples of tailings facilities failure, including the recent Brumadinho tailings disaster in Brazil in 2019.
How does Brexit affect Spanish property owners?
On 1 January 2021, the UK officially transitioned into its new relationship with the EU. Whilst there is a UK-EU trade deal now in place, many questions still remain, particularly for those individuals who wish to purchase or already own property in the EU.
How to be more financially savvy when getting a divorce
Recent statistics in an article from Legal & General reveal some interesting trends relating to the impact of pension decisions taken on divorce, despite it being the case that pension pots can sometimes exceed the equity in the home.
What the UK-EU trade deal means for intellectual property rights
As the UK enters into a new post-Brexit trading relationship with the European Union, this article examines the intellectual property (“IP”) provisions of the recently signed trade deal.
What does the UK-EU trade deal mean for data flow?
The Brexit transition period has now ended, and a trade deal has been reached. However, hidden in the depths of the UK-EU trade deal are details of a further transition period for the transfer of personal data which avoids that outcome – for now.
How will Brexit affect UK corporate law and UK companies with EEA operations?
With the Withdrawal Agreement transition period now expired and a UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement finally in place, as of 1 January 2021, EU company law no longer applies to UK-registered companies.
Section 106 planning obligations: overcoming problems with ‘permit-free’ development
Relating to a previous article on “Use of Section 106 Planning Obligations: Restrictions on Car Parking”. There are several good reasons why landowners, developers, tenants, and prospective purchasers of residential property may wish to take specialist legal advice on the enforceability.
The impact of Brexit on employment and labour in the UK
To say that Brexit was a lengthy and excruciating process would be an understatement. This is my third KeyNote on the impact of Brexit on UK employment and labour since 2017!
Government announces new leasehold reforms but do they raise more questions than answers?
On 7 January 2021, the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) released a statement claiming that “Government reforms [will] make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their homes.”
Is 2021 the year for artists to sell their music catalogues?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have recently seen in the news a glut of high-profile artists, writers and producers parting with all or part of their song catalogues and certain royalty streams to companies.