McKeag and Co

McKeag & Co Solicitors raise more than £5000 for Will Aid

2012-03-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

McKeag & Co Solicitors of Gosforth has raised over £5000 for charity, by writing Wills for local clients as part of November 2011’s Will Aid campaign. Will Aid clients were offered a basic Will and asked to make a donation instead of paying the firm’s usual fees. The money raised is shared by Actionaid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, Sightsavers and Trocaire.

McKeag & Co has participated in the Will Aid scheme since 2002 and this year’s fantastic result brings their grand total to almost £18,000. The funds raised are being put to work by the Will Aid charities to make a real and immediate difference to the lives of the people in need in the UK and all over the world.

Conrad Cairns, lead Will Aid solicitor at the firm, commented on the success of the campaign:

“Having a Will is so important to make sure that you know exactly what will happen to your belongings or who will look after your children after you are gone. Will Aid is a very effective way of raising money for important causes and writing your Will at the same time. We have written over 70 Wills through the Will Aid 2011 campaign and we are hoping to take part again in 2012.”

Will Aid Campaign Manager, Shirley Marsland, said:

“The Will Aid charities are so grateful for the generosity and hard work of the team at McKeag & Co. This has been the most successful campaign to date and overall we expect to raise over £2 million. The Will Aid charities will be able to put the money raised to immediate use.

Christian Aid's Legacy Officer Ruth Tormey, visited the firm to present their Will Aid certificate and said:

“The support of McKeag & Co. is greatly appreciated by Christian Aid. Will Aid is very important to Christian Aid as not only do we receive a significant amount in donations but the campaign also provides an opportunity for people to leave Christian Aid a legacy. Legacy gifts are crucial in enabling our work to eradicate poverty and change the systems and structures which cause it. Legacies of all sizes are incredibly valuable to Christian Aid – last year our income from legacies could have more than paid for all our work in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Many victims of crime to miss out on compensation

2012-02-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

The Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has announced plans to reform the current Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Under the government funded schemes victims of a crime can make a claim for compensation for physical and mental injuries suffered. The new proposals will however mean that those who suffer from what will be classed as minor injuries, will not be entitled to claim.

The proposed reform has come under critisism as the definition of 'minor injuries' appears to include sprained ankles, broken toes and fingers, bruised ribs and even dislocated jaw.

Further changes to the scheme are aimed at preventing those who have been previously convicted of crimes from claiming for injuries caused by a criminal act committed against them, except in exceptional circumstances.

One proposed change will may well be welcomed is the requirement that all convicted criminals will have to pay a set amount into the scheme to boost the funds available.

Selling fast! - McKeag & Co Rose Ball 2012

2012-02-02T04:55:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder about our McKeag & Co Rose Ball which is being held on 28th April 2012 at The Gosforth Marriott Hotel.

On the first day of sale 70 tickets were sold so book early to avoid disappointment!!

McKeag & Co Rose Ball 2012

2012-02-01T03:35:00.001-08:00

McKeag and Co will be hosting the First Annual Rose Ball in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support and AvMA on 28th April 2012 at The Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel.

Tickets cost £45.00 per person and price includes a Champagne Reception, Three Course Meal, including wine, and live entertainment from The Aaron Bayley Band, Ian Kendall, Close Table Magician and cocktails from 'Zestmixology'.

Tickets are now on sale!!!! To purchase either go to enquiries @mckeagandco.com or telephone 0191 213 1010.

Group litigation ahead for PIP impants

2012-01-24T01:29:00.000-08:00

Following the recent news in the media regarding the dangers of PIP breast implants, personal injury Solicitors have seen a number of women seeking advice on possible action.

Whilst the Government have offered to replace those implants which were fitted on the NHS those whose operations were done privately are unsure of the options available to them.

A number of national firms are considering group litigation.

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

McKeag & Co would like to wish a Happy Birthday to our Lynsey Scott who works in our Conveyancing Department.

We all hope you have a lovely day.

Switching the cameras on in the Court room

2011-09-16T01:50:00.000-07:00

Changes are to be introduced to allow television broadcasting in Court.

The move is expected to start with broadcasts from the Court of Appeal before spreading into the Crown Court although filming for now will be limited to the Judge's summary only.

The changed is hoped to bring more awareness to the public of how the legal system and sentencing works however there are fears that this is the first step towards full coverage of criminal trials.

Broadcasters will no doubt be keen to cash in on sensationalised trials but will the result be more 'Judge Judy' than Justice?

Does the gap between sexes still exist?

2011-09-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

According to an article published today on The Lawyer website, the answer is yes.

Figures in The Lawyer UK's annual report suggest that the number of female equity partners in the UK's largest firms is decreasing.

In 2010 - 2011 even the firm with the largest proportion of female partners only had a percentage of 20%.

So despite a number of large firms improving their policies on family care and maternity/paternity issues, it seems that the top law positions still remain out of reach for most female practitioners.

Hurricane Katia causes weather disruption in Scotland and the North of England

2011-09-12T01:25:00.000-07:00

We are facing a blustery day here in Gosforth as the aftermath of Hurricane Katia moves towards Scotland and Northern England.

Gales are expected to reach up to 60 - 65mph this afternoon with heavy rain expected in Scotland.

The MET office has issued an amber alert and has warned of travel disruption and possible damage to trees and buildings.

Government announce plans to ban referral fees

2011-09-09T03:31:00.000-07:00

The Government has today announced plans to implement a ban on referral fees in personal injury claims.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Association of British Insurers who say that the practice of paying referral fees in exchange for personal injury claims has led to rising insurance premiums.

Aswell as hoping that the changes will bring down insurance premiums, the Government see the ban as a step towards ending the so called 'compensation culture'.

The move has however come in for criticism from lawyers who are concerned about the impact that the ban will have on the profession, particularly at a time when they are already facing the introduction of Alternative Business Structures.

As of yet there is no timescale in place for implementing the ban.

Welcome to Our New Website

2011-07-19T03:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new website of McKeag and Co Solicitors, Newcastle upon Tyne. We are proud of our strong local client base here in Newcastle, but the practice has grown over the years. We have developed a national reputation and receive instructions from both private and commercial clients all across England and Wales. We are recommended annually in the “Legal 500” the directory of top legal forms in the country.

We believe that we offer the traditional professional standards and personal service of a high street practice, coupled with the use of technology and a forward thinking approach to provide our clients with a quick and efficient solution to whatever problems and matters they may instruct us on. We are also committed wherever possible, to deliver our services in the most environmentally friendly way.

If you would like to know more about the services that we offer please contact us on 0191 2131010.