Melinda Giles

The Giles Wilson Moot As a leading local law firm, we seek to encourage and nurture legal potential in the region from a young age. Therefore, we are delighted to announce that Giles Wilson will be holding a Mooting competition this year. What is the Giles Wilson Moot? The Giles Wilson Moot is a competition structured as a series of mock legal hearings, leading to a grand final. Students are invited to act as legal counsel, preparing and delivering compelling arguments based on various legal scenarios to a panel of esteemed solicitors, barristers and judges. Additionally, each team of students must respond to a series of questions posed to them by the panel and be prepared to think on their feet. A unique opportunity for an insight into legal practice Recognised by the Law Society, our Moot offers a rare opportunity for local students to experience the law in practice; something that is not commonly found outside of university level study. We are very proud of the fact that is it the only competition of its kind in the Southeast. We believe that our Moot enables the participants to develop key skills that will set them in good stead for any future career, such as; confidence in public speaking, critical thinking and analytical ability. The winners will receive prizes, including the prestigious Giles Wilson Moot cup, work experience with Giles Wilson and barristers’ chambers. Getting involved We have contacted schools within a 5-mile radius of our head office in Leigh-on-Sea to be involved. The schools that participate will have the opportunity to attend ‘Moot evenings’ whereby students will receive further information on the competition, be able to ask questions and network with legal professionals within Giles Wilson. The Moot competition itself will start with the quarterfinals, taking place in October 2024, with semi-finals planned for November, and the final in December. The Moot competition is part of our calendar of events for 2024 and will be in support of our 2024 chosen charities. Therefore, anyone is welcome to come along to watch the Moot rounds and support the students and charities if they wish to. If you require any further information, please send an email to: [email protected], with the subject “Giles Wilson Moot 2024”.

When communicating with someone new, it is always a good idea to make sure you are using inclusive language. Terms such as they/them to avoid an incorrect assumption being made. Pronouns are not a suggestion; they are fundamental and vital to someone’s identity and should be respected.

This year International Women’s Day 2024 is centred around the theme of inclusivity. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.

Let’s change the narrative. Let’s talk to each other about the end of life we want for ourselves and for each other.

If you want to control the gift, then it really is not a gift. It is a contribution to the property and you need to protect it in a declaration of trust. This may restrict the level of mortgage that can be obtained. However, it is best to be fully advised and really understand the outcomes.

I think it is important to have that conversation; after all, if you love each other and want to set up home together and spend your life together, isn’t it important to know how each other would be looked after if disaster struck? Would you buy a property that you love without having a survey? Or insuring it? Best to know where you stand?