How Not To Be Taken For A Ride: What are the legal rights surrounding horse ownership?

How Not To Be Taken For A Ride: What are the legal rights surrounding horse ownership?

Whether you’re buying your first horse, loaning one to a friend, or trying to resolve a disagreement about a pony with problems — knowing your rights (and your responsibilities) is vital. In this episode of Do Yourself Justice, host Danny Lawrence is joined by award-winning lawyer Elizabeth Duncan of Slee Blackwell Solicitors, a horse lover and legal expert in equine law to discuss the surprisingly complex world of horse ownership law. From disputes over a horse’s temperament to arguments over care standards and unwritten loan agreements, this episode is full of practical advice for owners, buyers, sellers, and sharers. We explore what happens when: * You buy a horse and it turns out to be dangerous or not as described * A seller is a private individual, not a business — and what rights you lose * You agree to loan or lease a horse but things go wrong down the line * There’s no written agreement, just texts and handshakes * Someone pulls out of a horse share, or a dispute arises over care * A horse’s behaviour changes, and both parties blame each other This isn’t just a niche legal topic — it’s something that affects thousands of horse lovers across the UK every year. Unlike buying a car, purchasing or loaning a horse usually involves limited regulation, variable documentation, and emotionally charged decisions. It’s easy to make assumptions, but far harder to untangle disputes once they happen. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Do Yourself Justice 03:11 What are the different ways of buying a horse? Leasing, loaning and sharing. 04:27 A Do Yourself Justice Scenario 05:37 Can I return a horse if it isn't as described? 06:18 What are my legal rights depending on if it's a private or commercial horse sale? 07:14 What evidence do I need to show the contract to buy the horse has been breached? 10:16 How can a vet help in a dispute over a contract to buy a horse? 11:03 What is the difference between leasing and loaning ahorse? 13:30 What should be included in a contract to lease a horse? 13:54 What should a horse loan agreement include? 15:23 What happens if a horse should new behavioural issues during a loan? 16:56 Is sharing a horse a legal agreement? What should I look out for? 18:14 What legal responsibilities do horse sellers have? 19:43 When should I get a solicitor involved in a horse dispute? 20:07Resolving horse disputes in the small claims court? 21:20Where can I find help and assistance with a horse dispute? 🎯 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE: * What legal rights do I have when I buy a horse? * Can I return a horse if it’s dangerous or misrepresented? * What’s the legal difference between buying from a dealer vs a private seller? * What proof do I need to show that the horse’s problems were pre-existing? What’s the difference between leasing and loaning a horse? * What should a loan agreement or horse share contract include? * When should you get a solicitor involved — and what can they actually do? USEFUL RESOURCES FOR HORSE OWNERS AND RIDERS: 🟠 Slee Blackwell Solicitors https://www.sleeblackwell.co.uk [https://www.sleeblackwell.co.uk] 🟡 British Horse Society (BHS) Guidance on buying, loaning, and caring for horses in the UK: https://www.bhs.org.uk [https://www.bhs.org.uk] 🔵 Money Claims Online (UK Government Court Claim Service) Make or defend a legal claim (including horse sales and loan agreements): https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money 👂 WHO SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE? * 🐎 First-time horse buyers who want to avoid costly mistakes * 📝 Anyone loaning or leasing their horse to someone else * 🤝 People entering horse share agreements and needing clarity * ⚖️ Those involved in a dispute over ownership, care, or sale * 🧾 Anyone unsure what legal documents they need when buying/selling * 🗣️ Riders or parents dealing with behaviour changes in a new horse * 📩 People wondering when to involve a solicitor (and how it helps)

How Not To Let Your Holiday Be Ruined: How to make a personal injury claim for an accident on holiday

In this travel-focused episode of Do Yourself Justice, host Danny Lawrence is joined by personal injury specialist Carly Sylvester, a Chartered Legal Executive at Slee Blackwell Solicitors and Young Achiever of the Year at the National Personal Injury Awards. Together they talk through the legal pitfalls that can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Whether it’s food poisoning at a resort, bed bug bites at a hotel, or cosmetic surgery gone wrong abroad, Carly offers expert advice on how to protect yourself — and when you might be entitled to compensation. This episode covers: * ✅ How to make a successful claim for illness or injury abroad * ✅ The importance of travel insurance — and what it really covers * ✅ What to do immediately after a personal injury accident overseas * ✅ Whether you can claim for personal injuries from cheap cosmetic surgery abroad * ✅ How jurisdiction affects your rights and compensation for a personal injury * ✅ The rise in bed bug claims — and how to gather evidence for a personal injury claim * ✅ The legal differences between package holidays and independent travel when it comes to personal injury * ✅ How credit card bookings might offer added protection * ✅ The dangers of making a false personal injury claim — and how it hurts genuine cases Carly brings real insight to this fast-changing area of law, sharing memorable stories (some funny, some shocking), and breaking down the legal process in simple terms. With tips that every traveller should know, this episode helps you travel smarter and avoid disaster. If you’ve booked a trip, had a bad experience, or want to know your rights before your next holiday, this is the legal advice episode you didn’t know you needed. 🎧 Hosted by Danny Lawrence, with Carly Sylvester from award-winning Slee Blackwell Solicitors. 📍 Find out more at www.sleeblackwell.co.uk Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Do Yourself Justice 01:05 – How to win a holiday sickness claim 02:37 – What do I do if I suffer an accident abroad? 04:36 – What are my rights if I'm injured on a package holiday? 05:12 – What evidence should I get if I suffer an accident abroad? 07:32 – How important is travel insurance if I have an accident abroad? 08:24 – A Do Yourself Justice Scenario 09:25 – How do I make a claim for cosmetic surgery done abroad? 10:39 – How do I make a personal injury claim if I'm injured on a plane? 11:56 – Injuries on flights and jurisdiction 13:04 – What is the problem with fake holiday sickness and food poisoning claims? 14:13 – How do I make a personal injury claim if I'm bitten by bed bugs? 15:51 – What’s different about accidents in the UK vs holidays abroad? 16:58 – What if I'm assaulted by a hotel staff member on holiday? 18:43 – What protection do I have if I used a credit card to book? 19:50 – Where can I find a solicitor to help? #holiday rights, #travel injury claims, #compensation abroad, #bed bugs, #travel insurance, #medical tourism, #plane injuries, #package holidays, #Slee Blackwell, #legal podcast, #personal injury, #Carly Sylvester

How Not to go Mad when moving house: What should I know when buying or selling a house?

In this episode of Do Yourself Justice, your host Danny Lawrence is joined by Brett Lawrence, partner at Slee Blackwell Solicitors (and probably no relation), for a frank and practical conversation about the legal chaos, costs, and emotional rollercoaster of moving house. If you’ve ever wondered why moving takes so long, whether you need to use your estate agent’s preferred solicitor, or what happens if the buyer in your chain pulls out — this episode is for you. Together, Danny and Brett cover: * The key roles of estate agents, mortgage brokers, and solicitors * How to budget for buying or selling a property * The often-overlooked costs (like stamp duty and leasehold fees) * The real reasons conveyancing takes so long * What searches actually reveal (and what they don’t) * Managing stress and avoiding panic during delays * When completion becomes legally binding * What gazumping really means (and how rare it is) * How to handle neighbour disputes and post-sale surprises * What your solicitor can and can’t do for you Brett draws on over 20 years of experience and thousands of property transactions to offer real-world advice for first-time buyers, anxious sellers, and anyone stuck in a frustrating housing chain. With practical tips, honest answers, and a couple of memorable stories (including the time a client moved into their new home two weeks early...), this is the moving-house episode everyone should hear before they pack a single box. Don’t get caught out — get informed. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Do Yourself Justice01:51 Who is involved when I'm buying a house?02:16 What is the role of the estate agent when I'm buying or selling and house?03:23 What does a mortgage broker do when I'm buying a house?04:27 How much does it cost to buy or sell a house in the UK?08:42 Why does it take so long to buy or sell a house?08:50 What does a solicitor do when I'm buying or selling a house?10:20 What are conveyancing searches and are they really necessary when buying a house?11:11 What can hold up a mortgage during a house purchase?14:53 A Do Yourself Justice scenario16:14 Do I have to use the solicitor the estate agents want me to when buying a house?17:36 What can I do if the house seller is causing delays?18:20 Do house sellers have to tell you about a neighbour dispute?20:34 How can I make buying or selling a house less stressful?21:28 How long does it usually take to complete a house sale or purchase?24:33 When is a house moving date legally fixed?25:49 Can someone gazump me once my offer on a house has been accepted?26:58 What happens if someone pulls out of the house chain before we move?29:33 What happens if I find a problem with a house after I buy it and move in?32:01 What won't a solicitor do when I'm buying a house?32:11 Will a solicitor check the physical condition of a house before I buy it?34:47 What's the weirdest thing that can go wrong when buying or selling a house?36:24 Where can I find a solicitor to help with buying or selling a house?37:11 Ending Keywords: #moving house, #property transactions, #legal advice, #buying a home, #selling a home, #solicitors, #stress, #conveyancing, #first-time buyers, #neighbour disputes, #completion, #estate agents, #mortgage brokers, #Brett Lawrence, #Slee Blackwell Solicitors

How Not To Be Let Down By The CICA - How to make a CICA Claim: Criminal Injuries Compensation

If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)—but the process is far from simple. With confusing rules, strict deadlines, and a reputation for making low offers, many victims are left feeling let down. That’s where this episode comes in. In S1 E2 of Do Yourself Justice, host Danny Lawrence is joined by expert solicitor Elizabeth Duncan, who specialises in abuse, trauma, and personal injury law at the award-winning firm Slee Blackwell Solicitors. Together, they unpack the CICA scheme and share practical advice that could make the difference between a rejected claim and a life-changing award. Elizabeth is one of the UK’s leading CICA specialists. She has helped countless victims of crime navigate the CICA process. She is recommended by the Legal 500 and recently won the DASLS Legal Hero Award. Whether you’re thinking about making a claim, have already submitted one, or just want to understand your rights, this is essential listening. Chapters & Timecodes 00:00 – Introduction to Do Yourself Justice 01:06 – What is the CICA? 02:03 – Why choose to be a specialist in abuse compensation law? 05:19 – A Do Yourself Justice scenario 06:28 – Can I make a claim if I have a previous conviction? 08:30 – How much money can I get from the CICA? 10:56 – Can I make a claim if no one has been arrested? 11:27 – How long do I have to apply to the CICA? 12:48 – What might cause a CICA application to fail? 13:18 – What if I don’t co-operate with the police? 13:43 – What medical evidence do I need? 14:34 – Can I appeal a CICA award? 15:25 – How long does a CICA application take? 16:14 – What are the problems with the CICA scheme? 17:25 – When should I ask a solicitor for help? 18:41 – How to contact a specialist solicitor 19:15 – Ending What is the CICA? The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government body that provides financial compensation to victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales. It operates under a strict set of rules known as the CICA Scheme, which sets out who can claim, what evidence is required, and how much compensation can be awarded. Awards are based on a tariff system, with fixed payments for specific injuries, such as broken bones, PTSD, or sexual assault. Additional compensation may be available for lost earnings and care needs—but these are often under-calculated, and many victims are unaware they can challenge or appeal the initial decision. The scheme can be daunting. Claims may be rejected for technical reasons, like missing the time limit, having an unspent conviction, or failing to co-operate with police. Some applicants accept low offers without realising they can request a review or appeal. Legal advice isn’t required, but as Elizabeth explains, it can be vital in securing a fair outcome. Key Takeaways * You may be eligible even if no one has been arrested. * A criminal record can affect your claim—but not always fatally. * You typically have 2 years to apply, but there are exceptions. * Compensation can cover both physical and psychological injuries. * Medical evidence and police cooperation are essential. * CICA often lowballs victims, especially for lost earnings. * Legal advice increases your chances of a better outcome. * You can appeal if the offer is unfair—don’t give up. About the Guest Elizabeth Duncan is a solicitor with experience handling complex CICA claims, reviews, and appeals. She is nationally recognised for her work on abuse and trauma cases, and has secured some of the highest known awards through the scheme. Hosted by Danny Lawrence, a broadcaster and legal outsider who asks the questions you’re thinking. Every week, Danny speaks to a different legal expert from Slee Blackwell Solicitors to explain your rights—plainly, honestly, and without jargon. Learn more: www.cicacriminalinjurysolicitors.co.uk [www.cicacriminalinjurysolicitors.co.uk] www.sleeblackwell.co.uk

How Not To Get Yourself Arrested - What are the rules around Stop and Search?

Ever wondered what your rights are if you’re stopped by the police? Can you say no to a search? Should you go with them if you're not under arrest? And what exactly is PACE, anyway? In this essential episode of Do Yourself Justice, titled How Not To Get Yourself Arrested, legal novice Danny Lawrence is joined by seasoned solicitor and partner at Slee Blackwell Solicitors, James McNally, to break down everything you need to know about staying calm, informed, and legally protected in your interactions with the police. Whether you’ve had a run-in with the law or are just curious about your rights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how to handle encounters with law enforcement—and avoid getting into unnecessary trouble. Topics covered include: * 02:45: What is PACE(Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) ?06:45: When can the Police stop and search you?10:15: Can I film the Police without their permission?11:41: Do I have to go with the Police if I'm not under arrest?12:16: How should I behave when dealing with the Police?16:28: Can the Police search my home if I'm not there?18:58: How long can the police detain me without charge?20:09: What are my rights if I'm detained at a Police station?21:18: Can I do anything if I was arrested by mistake?22:42: Who do I complain to about abuse of Police powers? Learn about: * Your rights during a stop and search * When the police can legally search your home * What to do if you’re taken to a police station * The difference between voluntary attendance and arrest * Your right to legal representation * When and how you can film the police * How to make a complaint if you’ve been treated unfairly * What constitutes a wrongful arrest * Why staying calm and polite can be your best legal defence Packed with real-world advice, clear explanations, and a dose of dry humour, this episode is part of our ongoing mission to make the law less intimidating and more accessible to everyone. Keywords : legal rights, wrongful arrest, stop and search, arrest procedure, police powers UK, PACE 1984, civil liberties, solicitor advice, know your rights, detained by police, when can police search my home, UK police misconduct, police complaint process, filming police UK, what to do when arrested, public safety, legal advice podcast, legal education UK, how to handle police interaction, rights in police station, criminal law basics Who is this for? * Young people or parents of teens worried about stop and search * Anyone nervous about police interaction * Victims of wrongful arrest or detention * Law students or legal curious minds * Anyone who’s ever asked: “Can they really do that?” About the hosts: Danny Lawrence brings the voice of the public—asking the questions we all want answers to—while James McNally delivers expert insight from over 25 years in legal practice. James is a partner at award-winning law firm Slee Blackwell Solicitors, known for their work in personal injury, civil liberties, and more. Why listen? This isn’t your average dry legal lecture. Do Yourself Justice is a practical, engaging, and sometimes surprising guide to the legal rights that protect you every day—delivered with warmth and clarity by people who care about making the law understandable. Brought to you by Slee Blackwell Solicitors – the award-winning legal firm helping people across England and Wales get the justice they deserve. Got a question or experience to share? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at info@sleeblackwell.co.uk or visit www.sleeblackwell.co.uk [www.sleeblackwell.co.uk] or www.policecompensation.co.uk [www.policecompensation.co.uk] for more info. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Do Yourself Justice so we can keep bringing you free, jargon-free legal guidance.