Practice
Net zero and the next steps for the legal profession - practical guidance
The climate emergency we face has led many nations to take steps to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental protection and integrity. Scotland is no different. In view of the drive towards “net zero”, we consider some of the practical risk management considerations for lawyers in this age of environmental conscience and sustainable drafting.
Parenthood lacuna revealed as trans man required to adopt own children
Caroline Smith looks at transgender parenthood within the current legal framework
AI and the Virtues of the Lawyer
Dr Corsino San Miguel explores Aristotelian virtues as a way of understanding what must endure if legal practice is to excel rather than erode.
Six-step 'roadmap to justice' revealed by Law Society of Scotland ahead of Scottish election
The Law Society of Scotland has published its priorities ahead of the upcoming Scottish Parliament election, focusing on six key areas to boost prosperity and provide for fairness and justice for all.
Fighting fake Scotch — How solicitors protect Scotland’s national drink around the globe
Peter Ranscombe visits the Scotch Whisky Association to learn how the trade body’s team defends the amber nectar at home and abroad.
'Need has never been greater' — Huge £3.9 million grant scheme for legal advice organisations announced
The Access to Justice Foundation has announced a new £3.9 million grants programme that will support advice organisations in Scotland, Wales, the Southeast of England, and London.
When an invoice is not a contract — Offer, acceptance and commercial reality in Scots law
Ahsan Mustafa explores a common commercial litigation dispute through the lens of a recent sheriff court case.
Devil in the detail – Everything solicitors need to know about Scottish Budget from mansion tax to legal aid
Finance Secretary Shona Robison’s final Scottish Budget goes under the microscope, as Peter Ranscombe explores the reaction.
Scottish Law Commission unveils blueprint for mandatory Tenement Owners’ Associations
The Scottish Law Commission (SLC) has now published its Report on Tenement Law: Compulsory Owners’ Associations (Scot Law Com No. 270), alongside a draft Tenements (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.
The arguability test explained — Key lessons from Scottish tribunal appeals
Applications for permission to appeal (PTA) to the Upper Tribunal for Scotland frequently raise questions about the boundary between fact and law and the scope of the arguability test.
Looking ahead to key Scottish regulatory developments due in 2026
The team at Dentons explore crucial regulatory developments in Scots law in 2026 including employment, tax, energy and real estate.
From coding to courtrooms — Danae Shell’s mission to empower workers with Valla
Peter Ranscombe goes behind the scenes at Valla to learn how the lawtech start-up is helping employees to represent themselves in employment tribunals.
From not proven to ABS and a new CEO — Scotland’s 2025 legal year in review
Peter Ranscombe examines some of the biggest stories making the headlines in the Scottish legal profession over the past 12 months.
Why power of attorney registration is in a jam in Scotland — and what is being done to fix it
An update from the Office of the Public Guardian on the PoA wait time position.
12 laws of Christmas – Yuletide cases and customs that shaped Scotland
Peter Ranscombe squeezes back into his Santa suit to explore some of the Scots law cases and Acts that have festive connections.
Possible new treaty to resolve concurrent court proceedings — Hague Conference consultation
Solicitors are being given the opportunity to join a Ministry of Justice session with practitioners across the UK to learn more about a global consultation on cross-border concurrent court proceedings.
The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 — what they mean in practice
The Scottish Government has introduced a major reform of charity accounting rules through The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/341). Ahsan Mustafa examines the key changes.
'Tis the Season — What to look out for in Scottish licensing law in 2026
Scottish licensing specialist Caroline Loudon reflects on recent events affecting the hospitality sector and considers what lies ahead in licensing.
From boardrooms to turbines — What I wish I’d known before leaving private practice for an in-house role
Jennifer Malcolm, vice-convener of the Society’s In-house Lawyers Committee, reflects on a career in-house.
In-house 101 — What happens when your colleagues become your clients
Peter Ranscombe discovers why so many of Scotland’s lawyers are choosing to work in-house rather than in private practice.
In-house pressure cooker — Why general counsel face higher burnout risks and how to avoid it
Gordon Cairns talks to Network Rail’s Roddy MacDougall and workplace wellbeing expert Professor Sir Cary Cooper about the pressures of in-house roles.
What the future holds for in-house solicitors — trends, challenges and opportunities in 2026 and beyond
As the Scottish legal profession faces a new era of risk, resilience and tech adoption, Ellie Philpotts investigates how in-house legal teams are redefining their roles and what the future holds in 2026.
From 'quick questions' to 'FOR ACTION' — Delving into a general counsel's inbox
Joshua King hears from in-house solicitors from across Scotland about what's filling up their inboxes from the good, to the bad and the plain ugly.
'It's a boring 9-5 job' — Myths and misconceptions about the work of Scotland's in-house solicitors
Whether it's about long lunches and early finishes, or a lifetime of rinse and repeat NDAs, the legal profession at large is guilty of misunderstanding just what general counsel does.