Equality, diversity & inclusion
First but not last
Naeema Sajid shares a 2024 round up of what equality, diversity and inclusion has looked like in the profession.
Representation matters
In her interview with Michael Clancy, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC highlighted that representation is important, and it goes beyond gender.
The law and ADHD at work — rising claims and unclear rules
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasingly recognised as a condition that can substantially affect occupational functioning in various ways.
All change at the helm of Lawscot Foundation as co-founder Christine McLintock stands down
Lawscot Foundation co-founder Christine McLintock is stepping down after 10 years as inaugural Chair, with two experienced trustees to take over the charity’s leadership.
Lawscot Foundation applications open for law student support
The Lawscot Foundation has opened its 2026 round of applications offering financial and other forms of support to aspiring law students facing socioeconomic barriers.
Progress, perspective and purpose: Reflecting on International Women’s Day and the future of law in Scotland
More than half of Scotland’s solicitors are women. Despite this, the Lord President was very clear — this progress should not invite complacency.
Scottish legal leaders warn of ‘chilling effect’ as they weigh in on Trump's law firm sanction battle
The Law Society of Scotland has joined regulators and legal bodies from across Europe to support American law firms facing executive crackdown from Donald Trump's administration.
DEI in Orbit — Why fair and sustainable access to space is becoming a legal imperative
Space law is evolving fast, and Scotland is emerging as an influential voice in developing sustainable and inclusive legal approaches, reports Ellie Philpotts.
Photo gallery and full list of winners from BWS Women in Law Awards 2026
The winners of the 2026 BWS Women in Law Awards including Solicitor of the Year were announced at a 'powerful' event in Glasgow.
Embracing neurodiversity and why law firms are learning to support their staff
Making workplaces neuro-inclusive brings benefits for all members of staff and for businesses too, as Peter Ranscombe finds out.
Levelling the playing field – how can investors support women to access business growth funding?
Education, awareness and training all have roles to play in helping female founders to access investment, finds Peter Ranscombe.
Hear reflections from the Lord Advocate for International Women's Day
To mark the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day, you are invited you to an address by the Lord Advocate, Rt. Hon. Dorothy Bain KC.
This is your last chance to enter BWS Women in Law Awards
Time is running out to nominate yourself or a peer for these inaugural awards which celebrate women in the Scottish legal profession.
Baublefest — All we want for Christmas is to support the next generation of Scottish legal talent
The Lawscot Foundation has launched its annual Christmas campaign, Baublefest, to support future legal stars from less advantaged backgrounds.
How to avoid solicitors' hidden bias — practical techniques for everyday use
Anna Ziarkowska explains why recognising cognitive bias is a professional necessity, and shares practical tips for effective self-reflection.
Does Scots law help or hinder divorce?
University of Glasgow lecturers Rosemary Elliot and Nughmana Mirza explore divorce and separation in Scotland today, with a focus on the challenges faced by Muslim women.
Black History Month 2025 — Pioneers, changemakers and the challenges facing Black law professionals in Scotland
Black British journalist Sue Omar highlights the importance of Black History Month, and reflects on the racial disparities and systemic barriers faced by Black solicitors, partners and other legal professionals.
When Josh met Ben — new Law Society of Scotland CEO talks cultural change, adventure and ‘keyhole syndrome’
New Law Society of Scotland chief executive Ben Kemp on why work culture matters, how diversity can improve and what regulation looks like in the future.
Breaking Barriers – working towards a more inclusive Scottish legal profession
On 25 September, Disabling Barriers Scotland, in partnership with the Faculty of Advocates, hosted access to justice conference Breaking Barriers.
‘Menopause, death, and taxes’ – how lawyers help tackle the taboo surrounding one of life’s certainties
As World Menopause Awareness Month builds up to World Menopause Day on 18 October, Peter Ranscombe examines what lawyers can do to help people navigate the menopause.
Remembering pioneering 'First Lady of COPFS' who blazed trail for equal opportunities
Helen Ross, who died on 19 September aged 97, was a true pioneer. She was the first woman to be appointed as a Procurator Fiscal Depute in Scotland and blazed a trail for equal opportunities.
The Troubles, favelas and festivals — Why solicitors need to rethink criminalisation to ‘build safer communities’
Every day, legal professionals strive for justice, fairness, reducing harm and improving their clients’ position. But do practitioners need to rethink what that means for communities?
Breaking barriers — New partnership event to improve the legal profession for people with disabilities
Scotland's first and only charity established to support disabled students entering the Scottish legal profession is teaming up with the Faculty of Advocates.
Gender inequality and the 'uncomfortable truth' at the heart of legal profession
A new study, led by Next 100 Years, has shone a light on the prevalence of sex discrimination among the legal profession.