Many employees will encounter a settlement agreement at some stage during their career, often when facing redundancy, a workplace dispute, or a negotiated exit from their employer.

In the latest episode of The Legal Compass, Employment Solicitor Sanjay Rall joins Mike Massen to explain what settlement agreements are, how they work, and why taking independent legal advice is essential before signing.

The discussion covers:

• What settlement agreements are and when they are used
• The rights employees may be giving up
• Common misconceptions surrounding settlement agreements
• Potential risks hidden within poorly drafted agreements
• How legal advice can improve both financial and non-financial terms
• What employees should do immediately after receiving an agreement

The key message is simple: settlement agreements are far more than an administrative formality. They are legally binding documents with potentially significant implications.

In this episode of The Legal Compass, Mike Massen is joined by family law solicitor Jess Yates to discuss child arrangements following separation and the changes brought about by the Pathfinder approach.

Jess explains what child arrangements involve, why the legal system has moved away from outdated terms such as "custody", and how the courts focus on what is in the child's best interests. The conversation explores when parents can resolve matters through mediation, when court intervention may be necessary, and the factors judges consider when making decisions under the Children Act 1989.

The episode also takes an in-depth look at the Pathfinder process, which is transforming private family law proceedings by gathering key information earlier, reducing delays, minimising conflict, and keeping children at the centre of decision-making. Mike and Jess discuss how the new approach benefits families, particularly those affected by safeguarding concerns or domestic abuse, and why seeking legal advice early can help parents understand their options.

Whether you're going through a separation or simply want to understand how child arrangements are decided, this episode provides practical guidance on navigating the process while prioritising the welfare of children.

In this episode we are joined by Managing Director of Ison Harrison Solicitors, Jonathan Wearing, along with fellow Director Richard Coulthard to discuss the process of becoming an EOT - a process that Ison Harrison completed in January 2022. The discussion will cover themes such as the direct benefits to employees and what they can expect, the potential challenges a business may be faced when undergoing the process and how this compares with other employee share schemes.