Ethics & professional responsibility

Master Policy coverage: What you need to know including coverage, exclusions and limits of indemnity
Anne Kentish, partner and professional negligence specialist at Kennedys Law, takes us through some of the key features of the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy.

Law in the crosshairs and why ransomware gangs are now targeting 'low-hanging fruit' firms
For law firms big and small, the possibility of a cyber-attack is always looming on the horizon. Dr Ilia Kolochenko looks as the current state of cybersecurity in the legal world, and highlights the key factors to consider when it comes to protecting your firm and your clients.

SLCC vindicated over 'privilege' question in decision to refer Michelle Mone firm solicitor
The Inner House of the Court of Session has dismissed an appeal from the firm which previously represented Baroness Michelle Mone over a Scottish Legal Complaints Commissions.

Why your law firm probably needs to improve price transparency right now
Remarkably, more than two thirds of Scottish law firms reviewed by the Law Society of Scotland do not include pricing information on their websites.
'Complaints are difficult' — now SLCC has launched helpline to support you
If you’re not sure where to turn when facing a complaint, there is help available thanks to a new helpline run by the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.
SSDT Decision: Patrick Ian Campbell
The latest SSDT decision covers a complaint made by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Patrick Ian Campbell.
The expert report is dead, long live the expert report
Professional indemnity specialists Lindsay Ogunyemi and Iain Franklin comment on expert evidence in claims against Scottish solicitors and share their experience of instructing solicitor experts.
What is the Master Policy? The insurance every Scottish law student and trainee needs to know about
Starting a legal career in Scotland? Let's take a look at the Master Policy insurance for Scottish law firms and Lockton’s role as your broker.
Eight key moments from the 2025 Law Society of Scotland AGM including new Practising Certificate Fee
A raft of resolutions including a hike in practice certificate fees were agreed at the Law Society of Scotland’s 2025 AGM.
Make complaints process better now, SLCC warns Faculty of Advocates
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission has urged Scotland's Faculty of Advocates to finally implement improvements to its complaints procedure.
Loudly Quitting — 41% of Scotland's solicitors considering ditching legal aid services
Stark research has revealed 41% of solicitors are considering stopping their legal aid services, something which would have a devastating impact on the ability of people in Scotland to access justice.
SSDT Decision: Martine Germaine Bisiaux
The latest SSDT decision covers a complaint made by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Martine Germaine Bisiaux.
Scottish Legal Awards nominees in full — all 98 nominations ahead of glitzy ceremony
The judges have whittled down scores of entries to the 2025 Scottish Legal Awards to reveal a shortlist.
'Red Flags' — Risk management reflections on the Prescription (Scotland) Act 2018 and what you need to know
Master Policy broker Lockton highlights the key provisions of the long-awaited Act, which came into force in full on 28 February 2025.
Anti-Money Laundering Guide — 10 reasons strong leadership is essential from a former managing partner
When it comes to anti-money laundering (AML), a strong compliance culture within a law firm is unquestionably a good thing. The consequences of a failure to comply can be catastrophic to the firm and the individual lawyers responsible – legally, financially and reputationally.
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill approved by Parliament after decade of work
One of the longest legislative processes in Scottish parliamentary history has concluded with new powers which regulators say will better protect clients and the wider legal sector.
SSDT Decision: Steven John Docherty
The latest SSDT decision covers a complaint made by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Steven John Docherty.
Her colleagues and client were tortured and killed — but Janice Muchemi is not afraid to stand against abuse of power
When Janice Muchemi's colleagues were murdered by police, this Kenyan attorney embarked on a journey to defend human rights and stand up for victims in the justice system.
Great Expectations — Five steps to managing legal client work in a realistic and achievable way
"We have all had those clients – the ones who are on the phone each day (or even several times a day) for an update, demanding you move mountains to achieve their goal"
Solicitors at Breaking Point — How the Scottish legal profession is responding to a mental health crisis
Nearly two in three people working in Scotland’s legal profession have experienced mental health challenges in recent years - Kanika Phillip investigates the response.
Increased trainee pay 'imperative' for future of legal sector - here are new recommended rates
The President of the Law Society of Scotland has warned it is "imperative" trainee pay rises in response to wage growth and inflation for the sake of the whole legal profession.
'Bigotry', the Supreme Court and what this week taught us about judicial independence
When an MSP branded the Supreme Court’s decision in For Women Scotland vs The Scottish Ministers "bigotry, prejudice and hatred”, the legal profession struck back. But what has this past week revealed about threats to judicial independence?
How a new toolkit could shape the way judges write to children at the centre of proceedings
New guidelines are encouraging judges to write to the children and young people at the centre of family court proceedings, to help them understand the decisions made about their welfare and future.
Scottish legal aid desert is growing — and failing Scots in 'traumatic' situations
Legal aid deserts continue to grow as solicitors working on civil matters abandon the system, the Law Society of Scotland has warned a parliamentary inquiry.