North West

Weightmans has announced the appointment of Caroline Johnson as its new Claims Director and Executive Board Member. Based in the firm’s London office, Caroline’s arrival marks a major step in Weightmans’ ongoing commitment to advancing its Claims expertise and supporting its Claims clients with industry-leading knowledge and service. With more than 30 years’ experience in the Insurance sector, Caroline has held senior positions at Royal & Sun Alliance, LV=, and most recently as Claims Director at Allianz Personal, where she led a team of 1,500 professionals. Renowned for her leadership, operational excellence, customer focus, and passion for digital transformation, Caroline is widely respected throughout the industry for her strategic insight and dedication to client success. Caroline joins the Weightmans Board as an Executive Director, further strengthening female representation at the firm’s highest level. In preparation for a smooth transition, Caroline is working closely with outgoing Claims Director Rob Williams, who will retire from the Board at the end of the financial year. Sarah Walton, Managing Partner at Weightmans, commented: “Following Rob’s decision to retire from the Board, we saw an opportunity to bring in external expertise that would deliver fresh thinking, broader experience and new perspectives. Our priority was to find someone with a deep understanding of our markets and clients. “Caroline will strengthen our Claims proposition both internally and externally, drive client delivery and operational excellence, and enable senior Claims partners to focus on strategic growth and key client relationships. Her appointment reflects our strategic priorities, and the Board and I are excited to work with her.” Caroline Johnson commented: “I am delighted to join Weightmans at such an exciting time. I am passionate about driving innovation, championing collaboration, and delivering client excellence. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to further develop our claims offering and support the firm’s growth ambitions.” Kieran Jones, Head of Insurance, added: "It is great to have Caroline join us, bringing such comprehensive knowledge of what good looks like for Claims clients." This appointment follows a series of significant leadership changes at Weightmans, including the promotion of Catriona Wolfenden and Jane Price to the equity partnership, and the appointment of Chantal Hannell as IT Director.

The UK Supreme Court’s recent decision in Standish v Standish ([2025] UKSC 26) may not have involved a nuptial agreement, but it offers a powerful lesson on the risks of pursuing tax-driven wealth transfers without aligning them with robust family law protections.   In Standish, a retired financier transferred £78 million of funds, accrued pre-marriage, to his wife as part of an inheritance tax (IHT) mitigation strategy. When the couple later divorced, the wife sought to claim the full amount as matrimonial property. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the assets were not automatically matrimonial emphasising that tax planning alone does not establish shared ownership or intent.   Despite the outcome, legal professionals across disciplines agree: this case might have been clearer (or avoided altogether) had the couple executed a nuptial agreement clarifying ownership and purpose at the time of the transfer.   Such agreements may later influence whether the transferred assets are treated as matrimonial or non-matrimonial on divorce. Whilst this might affect the effectiveness of the tax planning, a well-drafted post-nuptial agreement could address potential tax risks and ensure the parties have weighed the legal and financial consequences.   It’s important to highlight that the court is not bound to enforce a nuptial agreement but it must still give it appropriate weight when making financial decisions. If the agreement was entered into freely, with proper safeguards, and is not unfair or leaving either party (or their children) in need, it is likely to be upheld. Even where a party succeeds in challenging an agreement, the mere existence of the agreement is still relevant, and their divorce settlement will likely still be lower than it would have been with no agreement at all.   Helen Davies, Senior Associate in the Family Law team at DTM Legal, said:   “This recent case highlights the growing need for collaboration between estate planners and family lawyers. Had a properly drafted post-nuptial agreement accompanied the £78 million transfer, explicitly stating that it was for tax efficiency and not intended to be shared in the event of divorce, the dispute might have been prevented.  Tax planning shouldn’t occur in a vacuum.  Family dynamics and legal protections such as nuptial agreements should ideally be considered at the outset, even if they are ultimately decided against.”   Final Thoughts Standish v Standish reinforces that wealth protection strategies should not stop at tax advice. Without a supporting legal framework, particularly in marriages, even the best-structured tax plans can face costly challenges. For high-net-worth individuals, combining nuptial agreements, accurate documentation, and cross-disciplinary advice remains the most reliable way to ensure asset protection and avoid litigation risk.   For advice on nuptial agreements or any other Family Law matters, please contact DTM Legal's Family Law team through their website: www.dtmlegal.com.

National law firm, Weightmans, has been reappointed to the National Legal Services Framework - and is the only firm to secure a position on all seven lots.  The news is a huge boost for the firm’s public bodies segment and demonstrates its expertise and capability in advising police forces across the country. The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) National Legal Services Framework will supply legal services to a consortium of police forces, including GLA functional bodies, police forces, police authorities, and various other public bodies including all local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The contract will run for four years, beginning August 1, 2025. Nathan East, Weightmans’ Partner and Head of Public Bodies, said: “Winning this contract is a phenomenal milestone for Weightmans and a true testament to the commitment, hard work, dedication, and collaboration our teams demonstrated throughout the entire tender process. “This success not only affirms our capabilities but also opens exciting new opportunities to further strengthen our reputation in the emergency services sector. It reflects the strength and agility of our firm, and we are proud to continue delivering exceptional service to the Metropolitan Police Service.” Weightmans has been appointed to the following lots: Lot 1A - Procurement, Contract and Commercial, Governance - complex projects and disputes Lot 1B - Procurement, Contract and Commercial, Governance - business as usual Lot 2 - Civil Litigation, Personal Injury and Debt Recovery Lot 3 - Inquests and Public Inquiries Lot 4 - Employment Lot 5 - Misconduct & Regulatory Lot 6 - Property - Residential, Commercial and PFI Editors Notes   Weightmans is one of the UK’s most respected and award-winning law firms, with over 1,600 people across offices in England, Scotland and Wales. In January 2025, Weightmans was awarded Top Employer status for the 18th time with a top five ranking, by global body, Top Employers Institute. At Weightmans, we believe in the power of people, innovation and partnership to provide strategic business insight and deep expertise to a range of private companies, public sector organisations and individuals. Thinking differently allows us to see the possibilities others don't. We see the possibility of envisioning a better future, for better relationships and in people, whoever they are. We see the possibility in everything. For further information please contact Richard Lackey, PR Manager on 0151 243 3328 or email [email protected]

DTM Legal is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Manley as a Partner in the firm’s growing Commercial Property team. With over 20 years of experience in the legal sector, Kevin brings a wealth of expertise across the full range of commercial property matters, including property transactions, development and planning, and property management. Kevin has joined DTM Legal following more than 18 years at a prominent regional law firm. Throughout his career, he has advised a wide spectrum of clients—from institutional pension funds and major retailers to individual investors and occupiers—providing strategic, pragmatic advice tailored to their commercial objectives. Commenting on his appointment, Kevin said: “DTM Legal has built a strong reputation for delivering commercially focused legal advice with a personal touch. I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the firm’s continued success in the commercial property sector. I look forward to supporting our clients across their property portfolios and helping them to navigate opportunities and challenges with confidence.” Kevin’s notable experience includes acting for the vendor on the sale of the iconic Cunard Building in Liverpool to Liverpool City Council, advising on a high-value letting to Marks & Spencer completed in just two weeks, and supporting the establishment of a national AI innovation lab in Liverpool—a project expected to bring over 1,000 jobs to the city. Anna Duffy, Head of Property at DTM Legal, said: “Kevin’s appointment strengthens our already exceptional Commercial Property offering. His depth of knowledge, track record of successful transactions, and client-first approach make him a fantastic addition to the team. We’re delighted to welcome him on board.” Based in DTM Legal’s Liverpool office, Kevin will work closely with clients across the region, providing guidance on investment acquisitions and disposals, lease negotiations, development projects, and ongoing asset management. His addition comes just months after DTM Legal also appointed a new Senior Associate in Family Law to their Liverpool office, reflecting growth across this service area. For more information about our Commercial Property services, visit our Commercial Property page or contact Kevin Manley for support with your commercial property needs.