Tughans Solicitors

Data Protection and AI expectations for 2026

On 19 December 2025, the European Commission formally renewed its Adequacy Decisions (made in the wake of Brexit, in 2021) in respect of the UK’s data protection laws.   The renewal of these Decisions means, in real terms, that controllers and processors of personal data can continue to send such data between the European Economic... Read More

Transition impossible? The role of transition finance on the road to net zero

The Loan Market Association (LMA) , along with its partners at the Loan Syndications and Trading Association Inc (LSTA) and the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA), published its “Guide to Transition Loans” in October 2025. The Guide seeks to provide much-needed clarity and a practical framework for scaling up transition finance.   With the global economy on a... Read More

Fiduciaries, fire and phantom shares: how not to lose €67m in a liquidation

The UK Supreme Court handed down a significant judgment this week in Mitchell and another (Joint Liquidators of MBI International & Partners Inc (In Liquidation)) v Sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber UKSC 43. It is an important judgment which provides guidance on directors’ fiduciary duties post-liquidation, the scope of equitable compensation, and the... Read More

Autumn Budget 2025: Key changes for individuals, employers and business owners

The Autumn Budget saw headline tax rates remaining largely unchanged, with the Chancellor opting to raise taxes via fiscal drag measures caused by the freezing of various thresholds. This will have a direct impact on individuals, property investors, pension scheme members and employers in particular. Here we’ve noted a few of the main takeaways affecting... Read More

Court of Appeal Clarifies Discretion in Differential Costs Orders Under Section 17

The Court of Appeal in Milmoe v Chatzis & Anor IECA 149 clarifies that differential costs orders under Section 17 of the Courts Act 1981 are discretionary, not automatic. Even where an award falls within the Circuit Court’s jurisdiction, a costs differential order may be refused depending on the procedural and evidential context, and... Read More

Is your planning permission worth the paper it’s written on? The Supreme Court’s CG Fry Ruling Explained

The Supreme Court has now delivered its long-awaited judgment in CG Fry, opening a new chapter in how the Habitats Regulations are applied to planning consents. While often labelled a “nutrient neutrality” case, the ruling has much wider ramifications, particularly for developers operating in or near European Designated sites.   Background   In December 2015,... Read More

Using ChatGPT in the Workplace: Risks, Opportunities, and Policy Considerations

In recent years, artificial intelligence has rapidly transitioned from a niche innovation to a mainstream workplace tool, with ChatGPT leading the charge. As one of several generative AI chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs), ChatGPT is capable of producing human-like responses to a wide range of prompts – from drafting emails and writing code... Read More

Commercial Strategy vs Legal Boundaries: The High Court’s Verdict in Glint Pay v Baker

The recent High Court decision in Glint Pay Ltd v Baker & Ors EWHC 2166 (Ch), handed down by Mr Simon Gleeson (sitting as a Deputy High Court Judge), offers a timely reminder of the commercial realities and legal boundaries surrounding the appointment of administrators by secured creditors, particularly in the context of tech... Read More

Employee Expression vs Business Reputation: Navigating Social Media Conduct

As online communication becomes more common, both in and outside the workplace, the boundary between personal views and professional responsibilities is increasingly important. For employers, especially those in regulated industries or with a strong public presence, comments made by employees on social media can affect the company’s reputation. This article outlines the legal issues surrounding... Read More

Short-term lets and planning: Drawing the line on ‘permanent use’

When is a short-term let not a short-term let? The answer is far from straightforward – at least in Northern Ireland.   Short-term lets have become a prominent part of the urban housing and tourism landscape. However, their growing prevalence has raised concerns about their impact on housing availability and community cohesion and has led... Read More