The growth of the blockchain technology, cryptocurrency and other digital assets has given rise to many complex legal issues, particularly relating to the regulatory status and enforcement, compliance, taxation, anti-money laundering, cross-border transactions and venture capital.

We support companies and individuals with a broad spectrum of issues related to blockchain technology and content-related businesses. This includes blockchain and distributed ledger implementations for record keeping, title, provenance, transactions in virtual goods, smart contracts, real estate transactions in cryptocurrency and other uses.

In particular, we will assemble a team that will advise you on:

• Token and Coin Compliance with Securities Laws
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Launch and Compliance
• SEC No-Action relief and FinHUB engagement
• Regulatory Investigations and Defence
• Offshore Entity Formation
• Initial Decentralized Exchange Offerings (IDOs)

Most purchasers of a property pay through their solicitors to the seller’s solicitors the deposit and then the completion monies.  However a small (but growing) number of purchasers are finding that having paid the deposit and completion monies, they do not own the property.  This is a devastating outcome and potentially financially ruinous.

However, do not despair but do contact Robert Johnson of Healys LLP who will in these circumstances be able to recover your monies.

Robert has built up a considerable amount of experience and expertise in dealing with these types of property frauds.  The fraudster could be someone impersonating the true owner of the property; or a rogue conveyancer at the firm instructed by the true vendor; or a party who by way of cyber crime is able to interfere with the transaction and divert the monies to his/her (wrong) account.  It does not matter; Robert will be able to assist you.

If you have been the victim of a property fraud, please contact Robert Johnson for a free consultation on 020 7822 4106 or 07899 973306. You can also contact him at robert.johnson@healys.old-website.shout-loud.co.uk

Our Expertise

Claims against intended purchaser’s solicitors and purported vendor’s solicitors

Acted on behalf of the intended purchaser against two firms of solicitors in relation to a fraudulent property transaction in the sum of £1.1 million. We succeeded in obtaining judgment against the First Defendant for breach of trust after a 6 day Trial. The First Defendant appealed, our client cross-appealed and the Court of Appeal considered it together with a co-joined appeal for four days in 2018:  The Court of Appeal held that both Defendants were jointly liable for our client’s losses.

Claims against Sterling Avram LLP (“SA”)

Acted on behalf of a firm of solicitors who had acted for the intended purchasers of a house for about £7 million. The purchase monies had been paid to SA (a genuine firm of solicitors) but the fee-earner dealing with the transaction at SA was a fraudster.  In his position within SA, the fraudster was able to pretend that he and SA were acting for the true vendor of the house whereas the whole transaction was a fiction.  Hence when the monies were received for the purchase of the house, they were not transferred to the true owner of the house but rather accounts in Eastern Europe. After a number of years judgment was obtained against SA by both the intended purchasers (for whom we did not act) and the intended purchasers’ solicitors (for whom we did act) for both the full amount of the losses and the majority of legal costs incurred.

Claims against intended purchaser’s solicitor

Acted for the intended purchaser of a property for about £300,000 but because the purported vendor was a fraudster, the monies were paid to that fraudster and our client did not become the owner of the property. Within 8 months and without having to go anywhere near a courtroom, all of the purchase monies and most of the legal costs had been recovered.

 Commercial Law Services

Healys commercial lawyers are specialists and have over 20 years’ experience supporting businesses with a range of commercial related matters. Our commercial minded legal experts understand the importance of running a smooth and successful business. This includes not only getting the best professional assistance, but also having strong systems, structures and contracts correctly in place and making sure these support your business.

How can Healys Commercial Lawyers Help you:

Our team of lawyers have worked for some big name companies (and have also run their own businesses), so we understand first-hand the challenges you are facing.

We are here to help you grow your business on strong foundations, and understand your need for simple, straightforward and pragmatic legal advice – we take a commercial approach and using our years of experience will help you find the right solutions.

We will work closely with you and be by your side, truly getting to know you and your business.

We are here to help you with your day-to-day business needs, such as:

• Commercial negotiation
• Contracts
• Data protection
• IP protection
• Contract disputes
• Managing your risks and liabilities
• Compliance [with legal requirements e.g. consumer law]

If you would like to have [a free] introductory chat please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are starting out, seeking investment or looking to sell your business please see our Corporate page for more details of how we can help you.

GRADUATE VISA

The Graduate Immigration Route will allow international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to stay in the UK to work, or look for work, for two years (or three years for those being awarded doctorates), after they have completed their studies in the UK.

The Graduate Immigration Route will not lead directly to settlement, but graduates on the route will be able switch into other work-based routes which can lead to settlement.  The Graduate Immigration Route will open for new applications from 1 July 2021.

Requirements of the Graduate Immigration Route

In order to qualify for permission to stay on the Graduate Immigration Route, you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• You have successfully completed a UK degree, or other eligible course;
• You have studied at a Higher Education Provider which is a student sponsor with a track record of compliance;
• You have spent a minimum period of time studying in the UK;
• You are applying from within the UK and have valid leave as a Student or Tier 4 Student at the date of application;
• You have not previously held permission on the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES), or the Graduate route;
• You do not fall for refusal on grounds of suitability.

Please contact our Immigration team to discuss your eligibility.

Student Visa

The Student Visa category is for individuals who are aged 16 or over and who wish to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.

If you are between 4 and 17 years old and wish to study at an independent school in the UK, you should apply for a Child Student Visa instead.

Requirements for a UK Student Visa

In order to qualify for a UK Student Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 16 or over;
• You have been offered an unconditional place on an approved course with a licensed student sponsor;
• You can read, write, speak and understand English to at least CEFR Level B2 (if studying at degree level or above) or CEFR Level B1 (if studying at below degree level);
• You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course without relying on public funds;
• You have the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian if you are 16 or 17 years old.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice.

Child Student Visa

The Child Student Visa route is for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK, which is a Home Office approved student sponsor.

If you are aged 18 or over and wish to study a further or higher education course in the UK then you should apply for a Student Visa instead.  If you are aged 16 or 17 and want to study a course at or above Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework then you can apply as either a Child Student at an independent school or as a Student.

Requirements for a Child Student Visa

In order to qualify for a Child Student Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged between 4 and 17;
• You have been offered an unconditional place on an approved course of study at an independent school holding a valid student sponsor licence;
• You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course without relying on public funds;
• You have the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.  Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice

Parent of a Child Student Visa

The Parent of a Child Student Visa will allow one parent to come to or stay in the UK to care for their child (or children) where the child is studying at an independent fee-paying school under a Child Student Visa.

Requirements for a Parent of a Child Student Visa

In order to qualify for a Parent of a Child Student visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You are the parent of a child who has, or is at the same time applying for, entry clearance or permission to stay as a Child Student;
• The Child Student’s other parent is not in the UK and is not seeking to come to the UK;
• The Child Student is aged between 4 and 11 years old and has, or is at the same time applying for, entry clearance or permission to stay, as a Child Student;
• You intend to live with the Child Student during your stay in the UK;
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You do not intend to make the UK your main home and have sufficient funds to maintain your main home outside the UK.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice.

Short-Term Student Visa

The Short-term Student Visa (English Language) is a route for persons aged 16 and over who want to study an English language course in the UK for between 6 and 11 months without a student sponsor but at an accredited institution.

If you wish to study an English language course that will last longer than 11 months then you should apply for a Student Visa or Child Student Visa instead.

If you wish to study a course or complete a period of research that will last less than 6 months then the UK also offers a shorter 6-month Short-term Student Visa.  This route can also be used by persons who wish to re-sit an examination, retake a module or take an oral examination as part of a PhD qualification.  There is also a Short-term Student (Child) route which is available to persons under the age of 16.

Requirements for a Short-term Student Visa (English Language)

In order to qualify for a Short-term Student Visa (English Language) you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 16 or over;
• You are outside the UK;
• You have been accepted onto an English language course (that does not include any other subject) at an accredited institution that will last no longer than 11 months;
• You have paid your course fees or have enough funds to pay your course fees;
• You do not intend to undertake a course of study of longer than 11 months, study at an academy or state-funded school, make the UK your main home, work in the UK or engage in any business or professional activities in the UK;
• You intend to leave the UK within 30 days of the end of your English language course, or at the end of 11 months, whichever is sooner;
• You can maintain and accommodate yourself adequately without receiving public funds;
• You have enough funds to meet the cost of your return or onward journey from the UK;
• You have the consent of your parents if you are 16 or 17 years old.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice.

Representative of an Overseas Business visa

The Representative of an Overseas Business visa allows a senior employee of an overseas business to come to the UK to set up and run a UK branch or wholly-owned subsidiary of the overseas parent company.

In order to qualify for a Representative of an Overseas Business visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that your overseas company:

• Is an active and trading overseas business;
• Has, and will continue to have, its headquarters and principal place of business outside the United Kingdom;
• Has no branch, subsidiary or other representative in the UK;
• Intends to establish a branch or wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK that will actively trade in the same type of business as the overseas business and will not be established solely for the purpose of facilitating the entry and stay of the sole representative;
• Intends to maintain the centre of its operations overseas.

You will also need to demonstrate that you genuinely:

• Are an existing senior employee of the overseas business;
• Have been recruited and taken on as an employee of the overseas business outside of the UK;
• Have the skills, experience and knowledge of the overseas business necessary to undertake the role of sole representative of the overseas business in the UK;
• Have full authority to negotiate and take operational decisions on behalf of the overseas business;
• Intend to be employed full-time as a representative of the overseas business;
• Will not engage in business of your own or represent any other business’ interest in the United Kingdom;
• Do not have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, that overseas business, whether that ownership or control is by means of a shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement;
• Are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level A1 (speaking and listening);
• Can maintain and accommodate yourself and your dependants.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice.

TIER 5 TEMPORARY WORKER VISA

The Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa category is for certain types of temporary worker whose entry to the UK will help to satisfy cultural, charitable, religious or international objectives. You will need to have an offer of a position before applying for a visa.

What are the main eligibility requirements for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa?

Each subcategory has its own eligibility requirements:

Creative and Sporting: The Creative and Sporting subcategory of the Tier 5 Temporary Worker route is for individuals who have been offered work as a creative worker (including, but not limited to, actors, dancers, musicians and film crew) or sportspersons.

If you apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa as a creative worker, you will need to demonstrate that you can make a unique contribution to the UK labour market and that you will be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU.

If you apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa as a sportsperson, you will need to be endorsed by the governing body for your sport and demonstrate that you will make a significant contribution to your sport at the highest level in the UK.

Charity Worker: You can apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa in the Charity Worker sub-category if you wish to undertake unpaid voluntary work for a charity. The work that you intend to undertake in the UK must directly relate to the charity which is sponsoring you and the position must not be a permanent position.

Religious Worker: If you would like to undertake religious work, for example preaching or working in a religious order, you may be able to apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa in the Religious Worker sub-category. Your salary and conditions will need to be at least equal to that received by settled workers in the same role. Your employer may need to conduct a ‘Resident Labour Market Test’, which in some circumstances will entail providing evidence of a national recruitment search.

Government Authorised Exchange: The Tier 5 Temporary Worker Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) route is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short time for work experience or to complete training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved Government Authorised Exchange scheme.

International Agreement: You can apply for a Tier 5 Temporary Worker visa in the International Agreement sub-category if, while in the UK, you will be contracted to undertake work that is covered by international law (e.g. working for a foreign government or as a private servant in a diplomatic household). You will normally need to have professional experience in the relevant sector before you apply under this route.

YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME (T5) VISA

The Youth Mobility Scheme (T5) visa is for young adults from participating countries and territories who wish to experience life in the United Kingdom for a period of up to two years.

Dependants are not eligible to apply on the Youth Mobility Scheme (T5) visa route and it is not a route that leads directly to settlement in the UK.

Requirements for a Youth Mobility Scheme (T5) visa

In order to qualify for a Youth Mobility Scheme (T5) visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

• You are aged between 18 and 30 on the date of the application;
• You are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan, Monaco, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea, or San Marino or are a British overseas citizen, a British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas);
• You have funds of £2,530 which you have held for a 28 day period within the 31 days before your application;
• You do not have any children under 18 who are living with you or are financially dependent on you;
• You have not previously been in the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme route;
• You have paid the visa application fee and Immigration Health Charge and provided any required biometric information;
• You have taken a tuberculosis test, if required;
• You do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice.

HEALTH AND CARE WORKER VISA

The Health and Care Worker Visa is open to qualified doctors, nurses and allied health professionals of all nationalities (except British and Irish) who have been trained to a recognised standard.

The Health and Care Worker Visa can lead to settlement in the UK after 5 years and applicants can be joined by dependant partners and children.

Requirements for a Health and Care Worker Visa

In order to qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You are a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional;
• You work or will work in an eligible health or social care job, which falls within the list of approved occupation codes;
• You work or will work for a UK health and care sector employer that has been approved by the Home Office;
• You have a valid ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you have been offered;
• You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
• You will be paid the minimum salary or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you will be doing, whichever is higher;
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a criminal record certificate, if working with vulnerable people; and
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if from a listed country.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice.

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER VISA

The Intra-Company Transfer Visa is for employees of multinational employers who need to be transferred to a UK branch of their employer to do a skilled role in the UK.

You will need to have worked for your employer overseas for at least 12 months, unless you will earn £73,900 or more in the UK.

Requirements for an Intra-Company Transfer Visa 

In order to qualify for an Intra-Company Transfer Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over;
• You are currently employed by an organisation that has been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor;
• You have worked for your sponsor, or a business linked to your sponsor by ownership, outside the UK, for at least 12 months, unless you will earn £73,900 or more in the UK;
• You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by your sponsor for the job you are planning to do;
• The job you are planning to do is genuine;
• The job you are planning to do is at an appropriate skill level;
• You will be paid at least £41,500 or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher;
• Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;
• You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
• You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.

Please speak to our solicitors for expert advice.