Practice
Everything you need to know about the 21st Century Bar Conference 2025
This year’s 21st Century Bar Conference is set to take place on Friday 5 December, at the Mackenzie Building of the Faculty of Advocates.
Martyn’s Law – Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and new legal duties for Scottish premises
The incoming Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 calls for improved security measures and emergency response procedures. Caroline Loudon highlights what it means for Scottish venues and events.
Behind the Blockchain — How far should the law go to unmask crypto crime?
In the complex world of cryptoassets, how do we balance a right to privacy with measures to target the criminals exploiting the tech, writes Louis Fairweather?
Climate law in Scotland — Has the nation lost its Net Zero nerve?
It is a lively and exciting time for climate law in Scotland. The stakes are high, and much hangs in the balance, writes Dr Thomas L Muinzer, co-founder of the Scottish Climate Emergency Legal Network.
Sir Stephen Fry, why solicitors don't need to dig canals, and bionic lawyers — Legal Geek Conference 2025 Report
The Legal Geek 2025 Conference at London's Old Truman Brewery was dominated by discussion of how lawyers use, regulate and craft AI and other legal tech and included a special appearance from Sir Stephen Fry.
Just look at the Horizon Scandal — Why the Law Society of Scotland backs calls for ending death penalty worldwide
The Law Society of Scotland has added its voice to calls from humanitarian organisations and legal communities across the globe, declaring unequivocal opposition to capital punishment, on World Day against the Death Penalty, Friday 10 October.
'Why what we do matters' — Law Society of Scotland Annual Conference 2025 Report
AI, mental health and wellbeing, and the ethical principles which underpin the entire legal profession dominated the four days of the 2025 Law Society of Conference Annual Conference.
New world order – why Scottish businesses must navigate uncertainty at home and overseas
Artificial intelligence, generation Z and threats to democracy were all on the agenda at CMS Scotland’s annual business conference, writes Peter Ranscombe.
Analysis — Robert Jenrick’s ‘dangerous’ rhetoric undermines rule of law and solicitors across the land
Rewind nine years and the UK was outraged when senior judges were branded ‘ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE’ by a national newspaper. Look how far we’ve fallen, writes Joshua King.
Scotland's Visitor Levy divides city and countryside as reform calls grow
As the half-term school holidays get underway, Peter Ranscombe examines how Scotland’s councils are approaching the visitor levy.
Legal 500 2026 rankings for Scotland revealed including 700 Hall of Fame names
The new edition of the Legal 500 UK rankings is live for solicitors to explore following months of research earlier this year.
Choosing an AML tech provider — the questions that will keep your clients safe
Compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) expert Harriet Holmes gives a masterclass in quizzing potential AML providers – so you can make the right choice for you, and your clients.
SPONSORED: Want to know the real reasons why firms suffer disastrous cyber breaches?
No, this is not an article about technology. It’s a high-level summary of the underlying circumstances which, in our experience, allow cyber-attacks to succeed, writes Mitigo CEO Lindsay Hill.
Wicked no more — Inside the making of a modern law of homicide for Scotland
Bringing Scots homicide law into the 21st century: the Scottish Law Commission publishes its recommendations for reform following a thorough review.
Lord President highlights the importance of the rule of law during Opening of the Legal Year
Scotland’s most senior judge has highlighted the importance of the rule of law and judicial independence during a speech at the annual Opening of the Legal Year ceremony.
Cohabitants, wills and the six-month clock — untangling Section 29
Dylan Mitchell and Donde Thiam, senior solicitors at Blackadders LLP, explore challenges to wills and how they interact with a cohabitant’s claim for financial provision on intestacy.
From three verdicts to two — How the Scottish legal profession reacted to the 'untested' abolition of not proven
Scotland’s third verdict was branded controversial during efforts to reform the criminal justice system, writes Joshua King, and proposals to ditch it altogether ‘untested’. Now Parliament has voted to abolish ‘not proven’, how have solicitors reacted?
When ships crash at sea — Maritime law and a collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate
Dr Leon Moller, expert in maritime law, examines the legal issues arising from the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate.
The Employment Rights Bill — where are we now?
The Employment Rights Bill, which contains the UK Government’s flagship employment law reforms, has been subject to significant amendments. We summarise the current position ahead of Royal Assent expected later this year.
Beyond retirement — How succession planning is reshaping the future of high-street legal firms
Peter Ranscombe looks at the factors that high-street law firms need to consider when it comes to succession planning.
Why becoming an LLP is just the start for Scotland's largest high-street law firm
Peter Ranscombe gets geeky over corporate structures with managing partner Jacqueline Law and asks what’s next for her and Aberdein Considine.
Five reasons why Scotland's high-street law firms still matter
From accessibility to affordability, high-street law firms have much to offer their communities, writes Sue Omar
Justice denied? Rural clients and high-street firms squeezed by failing legal aid
With fees stagnating, funding decreasing and law firms reluctant to take on cases, legal aid is reaching tipping point, as Gordon Cairns explains.
Vanishing law firms in the Highlands — when justice becomes a journey
As small high street law firms close their doors, people across the Highlands, Islands, and beyond are struggling to find legal help. For many, justice now feels further away than ever, considers Victoria Goldiee.