Practice
Why tech-savvy solicitors have the edge — and how a new course can help you get ahead
Ally Thomson, director of Hey Legal, introduces the Society’s Legal Technology Certification course – an unprecedented opportunity for lawyers to shape their future with technology.
Think before you gift — inheritance tax and importance of seeking legal advice
Beware the inheritance tax risks on gifted deposits, say Scullion LAW’s Ailidh Ballantyne and Gemma Miller.
Why Scotland's criminal appeal court going live is a big deal for justice
The Criminal Appeal Court is to become the first criminal court in Scotland with a regular livestreaming service, allowing hearings to be viewed online by the public.
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.
Trump’s ‘beautiful’ tariffs – helping clients navigate ‘The Donald’s’ brand of diplomacy
Peter Ranscombe finds out how Scotland’s corporate lawyers are adapting their advice to cope with Trump 2.0.
Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders criminal court holidays 2026 confirmed
The Sheriff Principal of Lothian and Borders, Nigel Ross, has confirmed the dates of criminal court holidays for 2026.
Dreyfus, Oscar Slater and Modern Miscarriages of Justice - Donald Findlay KC and a dramatic re-enactment
The Franco-British Lawyer's Society is hosting its Annual Colloque in person in Edinburgh — and the event will include a dramatic re-enactment of the Oscar Slater trial by Donald Findlay KC, in the same courtroom as the original trial.
Overprovision No More — All change in Edinburgh's licensed trade landscape
With the Edinburgh Licensing Board scrapping its overprovision policy, is it all change in the capital’s licensed trade landscape? Scottish licensing specialist Caroline Loudon provides an expert’s view.
How to Fund Litigation — Practical insights series (Part three: Maximising your chances)
Having already looked at the cost of litigation and what information you need to apply for funding, litigation expert Jack Bradley-Seddon now tackles the question, how can I maximise the chances of securing litigation funding?
Free Speech at Stake — Is it time for stronger protection against SLAPPs in Scotland?
Why do we need a law preventing the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and how do other countries approach this legislation?
From Niche to Necessity — Why Scotland's solicitors are embracing a legal tech revolution
The Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Technology Conference 2025 marked a milestone in the evolution of our country’s adoption of legal tech, says the event’s co-chair Aleks Tomczyk.
When Spider-Man came to Glasgow — Friendly neighbourhood advice on workplace safety
Last week Scots were treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filming of the latest Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
How to Fund Litigation — Practical insights series (Part Two: What you need to apply)
In the second instalment of the series, litigation expert Jack Bradley-Seddon explains what information is needed when applying for litigation funding.
Public Policy Highlights June 2025 including Gender Recognition Certificates
Throughout the year, the Law Society Policy team and its network of committee volunteers respond to a variety of consultations and comment on a range of Bills, helping to shape good law for the benefit of its members and in the public interest.
Meet new sheriffs on Scotland’s Sentencing Council working on rape offence guidelines and wildlife crime
The Scottish Sentencing Council has announced the appointment of three new members to fill vacant positions.
‘Threat or game-changer?’ — Lawyers worldwide to have say on future of AI in the profession
The International Bar Association (IBA) has launched the next phase of a survey to help lawyers around the world respond to the challenges of artificial intelligence.
How to Fund Litigation — Practical insights series (Part One: What will it cost?)
In the first of a new series, litigation funding expert Jack Bradley-Seddon offers advice on answering a client's inevitable first question: "what will this cost?"
Six key cases behind Burness Paull’s £93.5m turnover this year
One of Scotland’s leading commercial law firms has posted strong results after a year which included work for Dobbies and the Scottish Football Association.
Wills, Wealth and Who Gets What: A fight to modernise Scotland's succession law
Zia Akhtar explores the legal rights of forced heirship and movable and immovable property in Scots Law.
Orders at Dawn – Why Scots Law can sometimes be surprising
Section 1 Orders and why, in civil disputes, the outcome of court proceedings will often hinge on key evidence that is in the possession of the respondent party.
Inside Scotland's youth violence, drugs and gang culture epidemic with a leading a criminologist
Criminologist Ross Deuchar presents insights from his research into Scottish gang culture, and makes the case for the courts to apply supportive, problem-solving approaches to the teenagers and young adults affected.
The Barrister Bismarcks, Irn-Bru and the Rule of Law — A Satire
Two failed barristers. One delusion. Absolute legal mayhem. A satirical look at the state of Scots Law.
Public Policy Highlights May 2025 including Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and making non-fatal strangulation a standalone offence
May was busy with members of the Law Society Policy team and committee volunteers appearing at the Scottish Parliament.
Your feedback is needed — SCTS wants to speed up raising Ordinary Actions and needs your help
Get involved - the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is now able to start exploring a service for raising Ordinary Actions in the Sheriff Court and ASSPIC and needs your feedback.