Practice
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.
'More in-demand than Beyoncé tickets' — Everything that happened at the Scottish Public Law Group conference
The Scottish Public Law Group (SPLG) hosted its 2025 annual conference last month, attracting a sell-out crowd from the public law sector for a day of insights and updates.
The Court of Session as a ‘fairy godmother’ in company law and A Petitioners (2024 SLT 796)
David Sellar from the Faculty of Advocates provides an in-depth analysis of the decision in A Petitioners (2024 SLT 796), examining the role of the Court of Session’s unique power, nobile officium, and potential pitfalls in the interplay between company articles and company law.
How a Scottish firm won world-first football case for brother of former Chelsea boss
A Scottish firm is celebrating a triumphant win in a groundbreaking unlawful termination case after a ruling by football’s governing body.
Experienced in court? This is your invitation to shape how Civil Online works
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service have announced an initiative that will let solicitors raise and defend cases in both the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts through Civil Online.
The angel’s share — AI and the risk to legal intelligence
As the legal world integrates generative and agentic AI into its drafting, reviewing and decision-making processes, AI systems begin to learn not just how we work but what we think.
SPONSORED: Ford Group Emissions Group Proceedings
The group proceedings relate to claims arising in Scotland from the diesel NOx emissions issues affecting certain Ford vehicles with diesel engines manufactured to Euro 5 or Euro 6 emissions standards (excluding Euro 6d and Euro 6d Temp).
60 seconds with… Peter Walsh, co-convener of the Legal Aid Committee
Peter Walsh, the Law Society’s Council member for Greenock, Kilmarnock and Paisley, has recently taken up the position of co-convener of the Legal Aid Committee.
New temporary Sheriff Principal appointed to Grampian, Highland and Islands
Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald has been appointed as Temporary Sheriff Principal for Grampian, Highland and Islands until a permanent replacement is named.
'A Fundamental Shift' — Inheritance tax changes are biggest for a generation and clients are not ready, survey reveals
As few as one in 10 people have properly spoken to their families about their inheritance plans, startling new figures have revealed.
New procedure for special measures for vulnerable witnesses
A new, simplified procedure for notifying courts of the intention to use standard special measures when certain vulnerable witnesses are giving evidence comes into force on 27 June 2025.
'Sink or Swim' — Legal technology now a defining choice for Scotland's smaller firms
The message at the Law Society of Scotland's legal technology conference was clear that the future of smaller legal firms depends on embracing change.
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.
What the 'onslaught' of immigration legislation means for Scottish solicitors
Immigration law practitioners still suffering fatigue from the onslaught of immigration acts seen over the past few years are yet to be given respite.
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.
Everything you need to know about imminent changes to Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Act 2024
An update on the key Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Act 2024 changes coming into force this month.
'Help, pioneers needed' — Inside legal aid and immigration crisis in the north-east of Scotland
Tomás Pizarro-Escuti from the Grampian Regional Equality Council calls on migration law firms and solicitors to bring crucial services and support to Aberdeen’s international community.
SPONSORED: Five Questions to Ask Before You Trust Anyone with Your Client Money
In the Scottish legal sector, the handling of client money is governed by stringent regulations, reflecting its importance. Whether managed internally or through an outsourced provider, ensuring the utmost protection and compliance is non-negotiable.
Legal aid is staring into an abyss and this week proved the depth of the crisis
Solicitors staffing a 24-hour legal aid hotline advising Scots in custody are threatening to strike.
A unicorn in waiting? Why $100m value of Scottish legaltech firm Wordsmith AI matters
A huge cash injection into a Scottish legaltech firm is a watershed moment — is the future of AI in law firms finally clear?
Undefended evictions, barriers to justice and the worrying impact of legal aid crisis in housing
Is a shortage of legal aid solicitors adding to Scotland’s homelessness crisis? Focusing on eviction cases, the University of Glasgow’s Fiona McPhail presents a snapshot of recent data and highlights the true value of this work.