Six-step 'roadmap to justice' revealed by Law Society of Scotland ahead of Scottish election

The Law Society of Scotland has revealed six priorities on its 'roadmap to justice and prosperity' ahead of this year's Scottish parliamentary election.

Key asks of the parties contesting seats at Holyrood in 2026 include the championing of human rights, the making of good laws, and using justice as a catalyst for economic growth.

Scotland will go to the polls in May, with analysts predicting a significant number of Reform MSPs being returned and a strong chance of another SNP-led government.

The Law Society, the professional body representing solicitors in Scotland, has published a document urging candidates from all parties to commit to their priorities.

What are the priorities?

• Respecting the rule of law and championing human rights
• Making good laws through clear and workable legislation
• Delivering access to justice to all who need it
• Modernising our justice system for the future
• Broadening Scotland’s legal talent pipeline
• Making justice and the law a catalyst for economic growth

Scroll down for in-depth detail of each of these six issues

What has the Law Society of Scotland leadership said?

Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom said: “We are living in an increasingly challenging and uncertain world, and Scotland is facing rising political, economic and social turbulence. Our legal and justice systems have a vital role to play in responding to these challenges.
 
“The six priorities that we have identified for the next Scottish Government and all MSPs are focused on ensuring fairness and justice for all and on ensuring the legal sector is best placed to boost prosperity for all people living in Scotland.
 
“Respect for the rule of law and a commitment to good law making are essential features of any effective government. It is vital that MSPs speak up to defend our democracy and the independence of our courts and judiciary, and that legislative processes are transparent and evidence based.
 
“Political inaction has driven the ever-worsening crisis in access to justice in Scotland. The next Scottish Parliament must take strong action to reform legal aid and ensure there is a mechanism for sustainable legal aid fees.
 
“We will be seeking political engagement as we implement generational changes to the regulation of legal services in Scotland, and support to continue broadening access to legal careers and to ensure the legal professions are maximising economic growth.”

1) Respecting the rule of law and championing human rights

This current parliamentary term has seen politicians of different ilks, both north and south of the border, comment on the judiciary.

The Society is calling on lawmakers to 'actively' defend democracy and the independence of the courts as well as incorproated key UN Human Rights Conventions into Scots law.

Human Rights law, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights, has become a lightning rod in discussions around immigration, and Reform have been particularly critical.

Key ask

Political parties to make clear in their manifestos that they will commit to respect and adhere to the rule of law, and recognise the independence of Scotland’s judiciary; Scottish Government introduction of a Human Rights Bill; and reinstated Adults with Incapacity Amendment Bill.

2) Making good laws through clear and workable legislation

The writing and delivering of clear, workable legislation is a topic dear to the professional hearts of solicitors across Scotland.

This year, the Society is calling on parliamentarians to make robust scrutiny of policy a priority.

Key ask

Strong pre- and post-legislative scrutiny and improved committee effectiveness in Holyrood.

3) Delivering access to justice to all who need it

Legal aid is rarely far from the headlines, and the refrain 'legal aid matters' rings as true now as it ever has.

Of course it comes down to money - but will there be any more available? The recent Scottish budget, the final of the current parliament, did not suggest so.

Key ask

Scottish Government introduction of a Legal Aid Bill and commitment to adequately resourcing the legal aid system.

4) Modernising our justice system for the future

Integrating new technologies, being more trauma-informed in practice, and strengthening accountability are considered key policy initiatives over the next five years.

Key ask

Scottish Government support and close collaboration with the Law Society of Scotland to implement the new regulatory responsibilities from the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025; and a Scottish Government-led examination of new and emerging technologies' use and impact on Scotland's justice system.

5) Broadening Scotland's legal talent pipeline

Record numbers of new solicitors are entering the Scottish profession, and have been for several years now, but is this new cohort truly reflective of Scotland's diverse population?

Widening access to legal careers is essential not just for those entering the profession, but for society at large. This applies both to solicitors and the judiciary.

Key ask

Scottish Government support for public education on Scotland's legal system; the expansion of graduate apprenticeships to include solicitors and bursaries to support less advantaged individuals to enter the legal profession' and a commitment to the continuation of the legal aid traineeship fund every two years.

6) Making justice and the law a catalyst for economic growth

Finally, something a little different - the economy. The rule of law, the Society says, is 'essential' to economic success, with solicitors a crucial part of a strong and stable market. This applies both to large commercial firms operating across borders and to smaller and rural firms helping local communities.

Key ask

Scottish Government introduction of an annual Scottish Finance Bill