Martin Whitehorn

Martin Whitehorn recognised as a Legal Hero of 2023 by the Law Society

Martin Whitehorn recognised as a Legal Hero of 2023 by the Law Society

We are delighted to announce that Martin Whitehorn, who started as a trainee at our firm before qualifying and becoming one of our specialist conveyancing solicitors has been named as one of the Legal Heroes of 2023 by the Law Society.

The Law Society is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. It launched Legal Heroes to recognise the solicitors who have made the biggest difference to the lives of others.

Setting the standard: new rules on marketing property

Setting the standard: new rules on marketing property

From the end of May 2022 estate agents and other property businesses must include length of lease, amount of service charge and ground rent and whether the property is in a shared ownership scheme. This information is absolutely essential to buyers finding out from the start whether a property is worth pursuing or not (e.g. is the lease so short they won’t be able to get a mortgage). Property solicitor Martin Whitehorn explains the new rules…

Martin Whitehorn wins Rising Star of the Year at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards

Martin Whitehorn wins Rising Star of the Year at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards

We are extremely proud that our very own Martin Whitehorn won the award for “Rising Star of the Year” at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards at the Mandolay Hotel, Guildford!

Martin was particularly recognised for his efforts on behalf of Surrey Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) in addition to his endeavours as a property solicitor during the stamp duty land tax holiday, working with Surrey Law Society, the University of Surrey Law School and Guildford’s University of Law to support isolated junior and aspiring lawyers in and around Surrey, organise careers events, consult with and challenge the Solicitors Regulation Authority on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and more.

Julie West Solicitors’ star is rising at the 2021 Surrey Law Society Legal Awards

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Julie West Solicitors’ Martin Whitehorn has today been shortlisted by Surrey Law Society for “Rising Star of the Year” at this year’s Surrey Law Society Legal Awards. We are delighted for Martin to be recognised and look forward to the Awards evening on 16th September.

In addition to his work as a property solicitor, Martin has spent almost two years going above and beyond for Surrey Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), being tireless in providing junior and aspiring lawyers in and around Surrey with a support network, working with Surrey Law Society and Guildford’s University of Law to deliver useful careers content, and sharing best practice with local JLD groups across England and Wales to overcome the isolation and disruption imposed the Covid-19 pandemic.

As an autistic junior lawyer Martin has keenly engaged with issues affecting those like him in the legal profession, including contributing to The Law Society’s “Easy wins and action points for disability inclusion in smaller organisations” document, having the draft amended to focus more on disability leave. He also organised a stakeholder conference on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in Surrey, where he gathered Surrey JLD, Surrey Law Society, the University of Surrey Law School and Guildford’s University of Law to consult with and challenge the Solicitors Regulation Authority on the SQE.

Learn more about the Awards and book your ticket via the Surrey Law Society Legal Awards website.

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Budget 2021: Climbing the property ladder

Budget 2021: Climbing the property ladder

Yesterday the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced much-anticipated Rates and property ladders: Martin Whitehorn discusses the stamp duty land tax extension and incentives for 95% mortgages announced in the Budget.

Getting started with extending your lease - is the voluntary or statutory route to lease extension better?

Extending the term and/or reducing or removing ground rent paid for your leasehold property will increase value and saleability. There are two routes to lease extension - statutory or voluntary - but which one is better? We’re expert solicitors and we can help you with your lease extension, even during lockdown!