Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Opinions definition

What does Opinions mean? In legal practice, an EU opinion is a formal, non‑binding statement by an EU institution or body expressing its assessment or advice on a legal or policy issue and suggesting (but not imposing) a course of action. Article 288 TFEU provides that recommendations and opinions have no binding force. Opinions is addressed to Member States, EU institutions, businesses or individuals, and are commonly issued by the European Commission, the Council, the European Parliament or the European Central Bank. They are frequently cited as persuasive authority, can influence administrative and legislative choices, and may fulfil consultation or procedural requirements in EU...

English Law Loan Opinions: Drafting, Scope, Assumptions, Qualifications, Reliance and Lender Review, including Cross-border and Specialist Finance

Published by a LexisNexis Banking & Finance expert

Practice notes

Who are the parties to the

Legal opinions are a core documentary condition precedent in loan transactions. In this setting, a legal opinion is a letter issued by a law firm to the lender(s) that sets out conclusions on points of law only; it does not address factual matters.

The letter comprises the opinions themselves, together with a range of assumptions and qualifications, which often account for most of the document.

It is usual for the solicitors acting for the lender(s) to provide the legal opinion on finance transactions; however, this ultimately turns on what the parties agree, the law firms advising them, and which opinions are needed, such as:

capacity
due execution
enforceability (any one or more)

For further guidance, see Practice Note: Legal opinions—uses, scope and structure—What is a legal opinion? and When do you use a legal opinion?

Where the principal documents are governed by English law, an English law legal opinion will be required. If the transaction has a cross-border element, a local law legal opinion from each relevant jurisdiction will also be necessary...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...