Barnes Law Associates

Fire and rehire is a controversial cost-cutting strategy where employers dismiss employees and offer them new contracts with less favorable terms. While it’s becoming more common, especially after the financial pressures of COVID-19, recent legal changes are challenging its use. From the new Code of Practice to the upcoming Employment Rights Bill, employers face increasing scrutiny and risks.

Traditionally, trademarks were used to protect the names, logos, designs and slogans of companies, to ensure no other business could copy them and create brand confusion. But with the rise of ‘digital products’ which don’t exist anywhere except the online world, there are new considerations for start-ups when it comes to which trademarks they may need to secure. While it could be easy to overlook the need to trademark virtual assets such as non-fungible tokens and blockchain, it’s important to protect what makes your brand recognisable and trusted by customers – whether it features online or offline. #trademarks #intellectualproperty #startups #assets

Barnes Law expands offering with launch of dedicated mediation service “Mediation is a powerful tool for a conflict resolution and has multiple uses not just limited to commercial disputes. Many conflicts can be defused because a lot of the time – outside of corporate disputes – the conflict is driven by emotion. Furthermore, as the judicial system remains overburdened, I can see that mediation might become compulsory for all types of disputes in the upcoming years. I am, therefore, delighted to launch our dedicated mediation service and am confident we will support many existing and future clients in resolving both commercial and personal disputes.” #mediation #dispute #conflict #litigation

In response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Building Safety Act 2022 (“the BSA”) received Royal Assent in April 2022 and has significantly amended the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (“Fire Safety Order”) by imposing certain obligations on all Responsible Persons. These requirements are also relevant to all non-domestic properties, such as workplaces, commercial premises, premises accessible to the public, and the non-domestic parts of multi-occupied residential buildings. If you are a business in occupation of a non-domestic property, you may be a Responsible Person and hence, are required to comply with certain obligations.  Read more in our article below:

International arbitration may encounter jurisdictional conflicts when two distinct courts hold different views on the same issue. The recent case of Nael v Niamh Bank (2024) highlights the tension between the enforcement of an arbitration award under the DIFC Arbitration Law and its potential contradiction with the Dubai's public policy.While this case may appear to be of particular relevance to the practitioners in the UAE, it is important to recognise that UK courts have previously dealt with similar challenges. This article examines the details of the case, the DIFC court’s ruling, and the impact it has on international arbitration.

Selling a company is a complex process that requires care and preparation by the owner to mitigate the risks and protect confidential data. In the negotiation stage, the target company is expected to disclose information regarding key areas of interest to the potential buyer and to the company's legal and financial advisors. It is a seller's responsibility to organise and manage the information and access to it. During the negotiations and subsequent due diligence conducted by the buyer, the risk occurs that the potential buyer is an unscrupulous competitor trying to acquire valuable information for its own purposes. Therefore, it is crucial that the company is protected against common risks before entering the process of negotiation. You can read more in our new article below:

British entrepreneurs are increasingly moving to Dubai, attracted by the city's growing prominence on the global stage. Dubai's business-friendly laws and policies create an ideal environment for growth, with minimal business taxes and no personal taxes. In addition, the city's free zones—areas where businesses can be fully foreign-owned—offer even more opportunities for entrepreneurs. With these advantages, Dubai is becoming an exciting hotspot for business ventures.   However, Dubai's legal system is complex, influenced by Islamic Sharia Law and UAE federal regulations covering matters like company registration, immigration, and labour. Entrepreneurs must be aware of cultural sensitivities and how the legal framework is evolving alongside the city's economic growth. To navigate these complexities and fully capitalise on Dubai's opportunities, it is essential entrepreneurs seek legal advice.   Our managing partner, Yulia Barnes, has written an article on this topic.   Patricia Cullen i:Entrepreneuruk #Dubai #Enterpreneuraliship  

The recent Commercial Court decision in Friedhelm Eronat v CNPC International (Chad) Limited [2024] EWHC 2880 (Comm) reaffirms the importance of deadlines for appeals, regardless of whether those arise from the Arbitration Act 1996, the arbitration agreement or rules set by the arbitral bodies. Once again, the Court emphasises the finality of the arbitral awards and a requirement for strict compliance with the time limits. In this case, the Court refused to accept that a delay in the communication of an arbitral award paved the way to a successful application for an extension of time.

On 29 April 2025, the Shareholder & Securities Disputes Forum 2025 will convene leading industry professionals at One Whitehall Place, London, for a day dedicated to exploring the latest developments in shareholder and securities disputes. We are delighted to announce that our Managing Partner, Yulia Barnes, will be amongst the distinguished speakers, sharing her expertise and unique perspectives on managing complex disputes in this evolving area. This forum offers an invaluable opportunity to: Network with peers and in-house professionals, Gain practical insights from leading experts, and Stay ahead in navigating the challenges of shareholder disputes. We are pleased to share a 10% discount code: SSDFSPK25 for those wishing to attend. Registration is available here: https://hubs.la/Q032BTN30.   We hope to see you there for what promises to be a highly engaging and collaborative event. #TL4 #ShareholderDisputes #SecuritiesDisputes #Litigation #Disputes Special thanks to ThoughtLeaders4 Disputes | TL4D Disputes | TL4 D and the organisers Owen Dilworth, Ben Jobson, Peter Miles for this event.  

Yulia Barnes, managing partner of Mayfair-based firm Barnes Law, is passionate about finding seamless solutions for her high-flying clients Words: Charlotte Pasha With her international background and first-hand experience across diverse global contexts and cultures, Yulia Barnes – managing partner of Mayfair-based Barnes Law – understands what it takes to launch and grow a successful business in the UK. Having faced the same opportunities and challenges as many of her clients – a number of whom are global business leaders – she uses this perspective to provide tailored, personal and comprehensive legal support, and is known for her pragmatic approach to legal strategy. Selma Day Adrian Day