Paradise News

Category: Metro

  • NRF increases NQ lawyer salaries to £135k

    12.5% raise

    Norton Rose Fulbright has raised the salary for its newly qualified (NQ) lawyers in London to £135,000.

    This marks a £15,000 increase from the previous salary of £120,000, representing a raise of 12.5%. The new rate takes effect on 1 April.

    Trainee pay remains unchanged, with the City cohort earning £50,000 in the first year and £55,000 in the second year.

    This latest pay raise brings NRF’s London NQ salary ahead of outfits including Ashurst and Reed Smith which both offer £125,000 on qualification, and in line with Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells and Mayer Brown.

    NRF confirmed that salaries have been raised throughout the ranks, and that NQs who “achieve the required hours” are now able to earn between £143,000 and £189,000.

     The 2025 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

    The Legal Cheek Firms Most List 2025 shows that the firm takes on around 50 trainees each year in its London office, with 80% of trainees retained in the Autumn.

    A spokesperson for the firm said:

    “As a firm, we are committed to providing competitive remuneration, through a combination of base salary, performance bonus and benefits. We believe this change will allow us to continue to attract the best talent in the market, as well as ensuring our high performing lawyers at all levels are rewarded competitively for their contribution.”

    The post NRF increases NQ lawyer salaries to £135k appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Man arrested in 1979 cold case deaths of a mother and her young son

    OMAHA, Neb. (TCN) — Police recently arrested a 67-year-old man on suspicion of killing a 26-year-old mother and her 7-year-old son over four decades ago.

    According to the Omaha Police Department, on April 24, 1979, officers responded to a possible abduction and burglary call at a home on Binney Street. Inside, police found Deroshia Matthews and her young child, Kamal Matthews, deceased.

    Authorities arrested Abdulmalik Husain in 2004 in connection with their deaths, but the case was dismissed nearly a year later, KETV-TV reports. Following recent DNA testing, police announced Feb. 12 that they arrested Husain again, and he was booked into the Douglas County Corrections on two counts of murder. Husain is formerly known as Louis Walker.

    In a statement, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said, “Murders are never forgotten, and justice has no expiration date. The depraved nature of this double homicide — one victim being a child — was bound to receive our utmost attention. Our commitment to these victims and their family never wavered.”

    MORE:

    • OPD makes arrest in 1979 cold case – Omaha Police Department
    • Omaha police make an arrest in 1979 double homicide – KETV

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • The language of love… and litigation

    The lawyerly skills that go hand in hand with romance

    They say love is all about communication, and who better to navigate the highs and lows of a relationship than someone trained in the fine art of persuasion, negotiation, and conflict resolution?

    They might spend their days advocating for clients, but when it comes to love, their skill set is surprisingly well-suited for romance — provided you don’t mind the occasional cross-examination.

    What’s your love language? I bet any lawyer has it on lock.

    Negotiation skills

    Every relationship requires compromise, whether it’s deciding whose turn it is to pick the restaurant or how to split never-ending household labour (I, for one, will never be taking the bins out). Fortunately, (or unfortunately) lawyers are expert negotiators. They instinctively know how to find a solution that benefits both sides, ensuring fairness and balance. Yes, they may be strategic in getting what they want, but that also means they’ll make sure your needs are met too — because, for them, a happy partnership is the best kind of settlement.

    Persuasive advocacy

    Lawyers are trained to be convincing, and in relationships, this means they’ll champion your dreams, back you up in an argument, and hype you up before the big moments. Whether you’re asking for a promotion or picking out the perfect outfit, they’ll be right there with a compelling case for why you deserve the best. Sure, they can also talk you into watching a four-hour historical documentary when you were hoping for a romcom, but at least their reasoning will be watertight.

    Attention to detail

    No anniversary, birthday, or coffee order is too small to remember for a lawyer. Their meticulous nature means they pick up on details others might miss — like the way you take your tea, your favourite book, or that offhand comment about wanting to visit Rome. This same trait makes them formidable in their work. But in love, it means they show they care in ways that truly count. However make sure you’re also prepared for them to notice every minor inconsistency in your stories — because they will!

    Conflict resolution

    No couple is immune to disagreements, but with a lawyer, conflicts don’t have to spiral out of control (we like to think). They’re trained to defuse tense situations, listen to both sides, and find fair solutions. Rather than shouting over each other, they’ll take a methodical approach, ensuring every concern is heard and addressed. Of course, they may still insist on summarising your argument before responding, but hey, at least you’ll know they’ve actually been listening.

    Time management & prioritisation

    Balancing a demanding job with a personal life is no easy task, but lawyers are pros at prioritising what’s important. They may have packed schedules, but they understand that meaningful relationships require dedicated time and effort. So, when they do carve out time for you, you can be sure you have their full attention. And if your date night is neatly scheduled into their calendar? Consider it a legally binding commitment.

    Active listening

    Lawyers aren’t just waiting for their turn to speak — they truly listen, absorbing every detail and responding thoughtfully. In relationships, this means they’ll remember things you said weeks ago and bring them up in the most unexpected yet delightful ways (we hope).

    Emotional resilience

    Lawyers are used to high-pressure environments and emotional intensity, which means they won’t crumble at the first sign of an argument. Most are talented in remaining calm, composed, and rational, even when emotions are running high. If you’re hoping for an over-the-top romcom-style meltdown, you might be waiting a while.

    Confidence under pressure

    Meeting your family for the first time? Walking into an intimidating social setting? A lawyer won’t just survive these moments — they’ll thrive. A lawyer’s natural confidence is a force of nature, meaning that they can charm their way through any situation, making a great impression while keeping their cool. They might also enjoy a good debate over dinner (even if your Dad brings up politics), but at least you’ll have a partner who can hold their own at any table.

    Clear & concise communication

    One of the biggest challenges in relationships is miscommunication, but lawyers value clarity. They say what they mean and mean what they say — so no cryptic texts or guessing games (a huge win). If they care about you, they’ll make it clear. Of course, sometimes their messages might sound a little too polished (do you really need “for the avoidance of doubt” in a love letter?), but at least you’ll always know where you stand.

    Knowing when to rest your case

    A good lawyer knows that winning every argument isn’t always the goal. Sometimes, maintaining harmony is more important (think arbitration and mediation). The best partners recognise when to let things go, and lawyers, despite their love for a debate, understand that relationships aren’t about being “right” all the time. When they choose to step back rather than push their point, it’s their way of showing love. So, if they ever say, “You’re right, let’s do it your way”, cherish the moment.

    The post The language of love… and litigation appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Wyoming mother allegedly shot her 4 daughters, called 911, and then shot herself

    BIG HORN COUNTY, Wyo. (TCN) — A 32-year-old mother allegedly shot her four young daughters, called 911 to report the shooting, and then turned the gun on herself.

    The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Communications Center received the mother’s call on the afternoon of Feb. 10. She reported gunshots and told authorities she believed her daughters had been killed.

    The mother, identified by KRTV-TV as Tranyelle Harshman, said two of the victims were upstairs in their cribs, and two children were in their shared bedroom. Harshman allegedly also told police she was going to shoot herself and that she would be in her upstairs bedroom.

    According the the sheriff’s office, the dispatcher “pleaded” with Harshman to “remain on the line until responding units arrived,” but she said “multiple times that she could not do that and that it was too late.” The call was eventually disconnected.

    While on the phone, dispatchers had units respond, and they made entry into the home.

    Law enforcement cleared the residence and found two female children, ages 2 and 9, deceased with gunshot wounds to the head. They also located two other female children, ages 2 and 7, still alive with gunshot wounds to the head. Despite lifesaving measures, the 2-year-old succumbed to her injuries.

    Authorities found Harshman with a single gunshot wound to the head in the upstairs bedroom, and responding officers attempting lifesaving measures. The surviving 7-year-old and her mother were transported to the hospital, where Harshman later died, KRTV reports. Family members told the news source the 7-year-old remains hospitalized in Salt Lake City.

    MORE:

    • Wyoming mom shoots her four daughters – KRTV
    • Tragic Shooting Incident – Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Ban for law firm consultant who glassed pub-goer

    Convicted of GBH and criminal damage

    A law firm consultant has been barred from working in the legal profession after throwing a glass at the head of a pub-goer, leaving him with a scar.

    Saul Oyefeso, who was employed as a consultant in the personal injury department of Hawkins Law for periods in 2019 and 2020, became aggressive when a group of drinkers at a pub in Preston told him to “leave them alone”. Oyefeso repeatedly interrupted their conversations and, according to local newspaper reports, even offered them legal advice. He then followed the group out of the pub, carrying a glass and a bottle.

    After some exchanges with the group, Oyefeso threw the bottle at one pub-goer but instead hit the window of a nearby takeaway, resulting in £500 worth of damage. He then launched the glass at his target, causing “a laceration which bled profusely”. The man did not receive hospital treatment but was left with a scar across the back of his head.

     The 2025 Legal Cheek Firms Most List

    Charged with grievous bodily harm without intent and criminal damage, Oyefeso pleaded guilty and was sentenced with 16 months imprisonment.

    The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has now issued a section 43 order against Oyefeso, preventing him from being employed in any regulated firm without its prior approval.

    The SRA determined that the incident cast doubt over Oyefeso’s “integrity and compliance with law abiding behaviour”. It was decided that his employment “would diminish public trust and confidence in the legal profession and in the delivery of legal services”, especially as he was employed in a public-facing role at his firm.

    Oyefeso has been ordered to pay £600 in costs.

    The post Ban for law firm consultant who glassed pub-goer appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • Watch a man confess to participating in the fatal stabbing of celeb hairstylist Fabio Sementilli

    In exclusive footage obtained by “True Crime News,””Christopher Austin admits to investigators that he helped his relative, Robert Baker, fatally stab Fabio Sementilli in his Los Angeles-area home. Austin pleaded guilty to charges and will testify on behalf of the prosecution at Sementilli’s wife’s trial. Officials allege Sementilli’s wife, Monica Sementilli, orchestrated a plot to kill her husband and collect his insurance money.

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Las Vegas man allegedly fatally shot dad because 'aliens' told him to

    LAS VEGAS (TCN) — A 35-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of fatally shooting his father last week after he “felt like he was on a different planet.”

    According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, on Feb. 5 at 6:18 p.m., paramedics responded to a call about a man deceased at a home on Caprock Canyon Avenue. Upon arrival, they initially believed his death was natural. Police officers then arrived on the scene and deemed it suspicious, so they contacted the homicide section.

    Homicide detectives determined the victim, who KLAS-TV identified as 73-year-old Eun Jin La, had been shot. Detectives allege Eun Jin La’s son, Timothy La, shot him while they were home, then fled the scene. Timothy La was arrested when he returned home. Eun Jin La reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the back of his head.

    An arrest report cited by KLAS says Timothy La’s mother told police her son has a medical condition, though the specifics were redacted. While speaking with investigators, La allegedly claimed he “was saving someone, a ‘worker,’ from being tortured.” He believed the “worker” was “wearing the skin of his father’s face.”

    He also reportedly said aliens “had told him to kill his father and that he felt like he was on a different planet.”

    Court records show La has been charged with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon. He was denied bail.

    MORE:

    • Man Arrested After Killing His Father – Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
    • Las Vegas man claims ‘aliens told him’ to kill his father, report says – KLAS
    • State of Nevada vs. Timothy La

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Neb. man accused of killing ex-fiancée 1 day after he bonded out for domestic violence

    SEWARD, Neb. (TCN) — A 54-year-old man is accused of fatally shooting his ex-fiancée and turning the gun on himself in an attempted murder-suicide one day after he bonded out of jail for domestic violence.

    According to the Nebraska State Patrol, on Saturday, Feb. 8, the Seward County dispatch received a call about a disturbance on the 600 block of North 2nd Street, and when officers arrived, they found Casey Kindt walking out with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers went inside and discovered 36-year-old Jamie Hagen deceased with multiple gunshot wounds. Police also spoke with a juvenile inside the home who called 911. They were reportedly not harmed during the incident.

    Medics transported Kindt to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries before he was transferred to another facility in Omaha.

    Nebraska State Patrol said Kindt and Hagen used to be in a relationship, and Hagen had a protective order against him.

    Court records cited by KOLN-TV say Kindt forced his way into Hagen’s house on the night of the shooting. In December, he reportedly threatened to kill Hagen and her daughter, and assaulted his ex. He was arrested at the time for terroristic threats, third-degree domestic assault resulting in injuries, and child abuse. He was released from jail after posting bond, but then went back when he reportedly violated the protective order by texting Hagen and telling her to drop the charges.

    Kindt posted bond for witness tampering, but he reportedly remained in custody due to the domestic violence charges. A judge set his bond at $75,000 even though prosecutors asked them to revoke it. Kindt got out Friday, Feb. 7.

    Nebraska State Patrol said Kindt remains in the custody of state troopers during his treatment at the hospital.

    MORE:

    • Seward Homicide Investigation – Nebraska State Patrol
    • Warrant details Seward woman’s killing, suspect’s apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound – KOLN

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Trainee solicitor barred from profession over ‘inappropriate’ behaviour at firm social

    Lasting impact on female colleague

    A former trainee solicitor has been barred from working in the legal profession after engaging in “inappropriate” conduct towards a colleague during a work social event.

    James Chisholm, whose last known address was in Redcar, North Yorkshire, was employed at Newcastle outfit KK & Co Solicitors between March 2021 and October 2023.

    At a firm-funded event organised by staff in October 2022, he was found to have “touched a colleague in an inappropriate and/or unwanted and/or sexually motivated manner without consent, causing them distress”.

    The SRA found that his behaviour has had “a lasting impact” on the colleague.

    Following an investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), Chisholm was issued a section 43 order, restricting him from working in an SRA-regulated law firm without prior approval from the regulator.

    The regulator concluded that it was undesirable for him to be involved in legal practice, citing the need to maintain trust in the profession.

    The former trainee has also been ordered to pay £1,350 towards the SRA’s investigation costs.

    Chisholm should not be confused with another solicitor of the same name who qualified nearly 30 years ago and is unrelated to this regulatory finding.

    The post Trainee solicitor barred from profession over ‘inappropriate’ behaviour at firm social appeared first on Legal Cheek.

    Source: Legal Cheek

  • The cryptic note and DNA that led to a college student’s suspected killer

    College student Faith Hedgepeth was found beaten to death in her apartment in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after a night out with her friends. Investigators recovered evidence and a cryptic note at the scene that prompted even more questions about the events leading up to that fateful night. Faith’s killing remained unsolved for several years, until a traffic stop changed everything.

    Source: True Crime Daily