Influence
We hold a special and privileged place in civic Scotland and beyond. Our reputation as a fair, balanced and non-partisan organisation has been built over 70 years. Here’s how we will INFLUENCE the creation of a fairer and more just society by being an international centre of excellence in thought leadership between 1 November 2018 and 31 October 2019.
4.1 UK withdrawal from the European Union
We will continue to provide a leading, non-partisan voice as the UK moves towards leaving the European Union in March 2019, ensuring the interests of the profession and the public are properly considered by political decision makers.
4.2 Legal aid
We will advocate for a realistic level of legal aid funding and for fee rates consistent with reasonable remuneration, working with the Scottish Government to build on the independent review of legal aid ahead of new legislation in the current term of the Scottish Parliament. We will push for additional funding for Scotland’s legal aid system and work with the Scottish Government as legislation is developed to implement recommendations from the independent review of legal aid.
4.3 Social mobility
We will take forward our action plan in response to the Fair Access to the Legal Profession report, expanding our Street Law programme, encouraging the fair and open recruitment processes and supporting the Lawscot Foundation.
4.4 International Trade in Legal Services
We will to seek to ensure that, post-Brexit, our members maintain access to international clients and markets and have access to resources devoted to promoting legal services internationally.
4.5 Public Policy committee priorities
We will undertake new proactive policy projects on reform of co-habitants’ rights and improvements to the treatment of vulnerable people in the criminal justice system
Annual plan 2018 - 19
Our annual plan for 1 November 2018 – 31 October 2019 includes 31 ambitious and exciting projects to help us to deliver our five strategic goals to ASSURE, SERVE, EXCEL, INFLUENCE and GROW.