Practice
Cybersecurity is front and centre
The ICO and NCA have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining how they will be tackling cybercrime and cybersecurity together.
60 seconds with Head of Policy
Sophie McIvor sat down with Jennifer Paton a year after taking on the role at the Society. Read about what the next year might look like and her team aspirations.
Assisted dying, long-term prisoner release and public finances
The Society’s committee’s policy updates this month cover, like always, a broad mix of topics.
Including the committee view that there are a number of deficiencies in the Assisted Dying Bill linked to its competence in relation to the European Convention on Human Rights and mental health and capacity legislation.
Navigating greenwashing
Greenwashing has gained more scrutiny within organisations in recent years as recognition of an increasing requirement for environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility grows.
So what is it and how does it impact the legal landscape?
Service standards and risk management (part 2)
Better understand the importance of ensuring compliance with the Law Society’s Service Standard, in the final instalment of these articles.
On the case
We speak to renowned criminologist Professor David Wilson about why you should never trust a serial killer, the five serial killer victim types, the state of the sector, and training the next generation.
We also explore the rise of the armchair detective and why ultimately “The police can’t have it both ways. They can’t ask for the help of the public on one hand and then criticise armchair detectives on the other.”
Five Scottish Legal Walks return
The Access to Justice Foundation Scotland committee is looking forward to its planned autumn 2024 events, raising money for much-needed legal advice services in Scotland.
Private lets at a premium
Let's take a look at a recent Housing and Property Chamber decision involving payments to reserve properties, which reflects on the nuances within the relevant regime.
Do you know a legal pioneer?
As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, the Society has launched a new accolade designed to honour those who have made significant contributions to Scotland’s legal sector.
Victims highlight gender abuse complexities
A new report has been published by the Scottish Sentencing Council examining how victim-survivors of domestic abuse view sentencing.
Service standards and risk management
Understand the importance of ensuring compliance with the Law Society’s Service Standard, in the first of two articles with Lockton.
Are you ready for ArbFest2024?
This event is taking place at the start of September, with keynote talks and a wealth of panel discussions covering the latest themes in arbitration.
A time to right historical wrongs
Is now the time for justice for the victims of the Infected Blood Scandal? After decades of campaigning by victims and their families, new regulations are published later this month which will formally appoint the Infected Blood Compensation Authority as the operator of the UK’s compensation scheme for all those affected.
A contract consultation
It has been six years since the SLC Review on Contract Law Report was published. This consultation seeks to establish whether the landscape around this area of the law has changed, and, if yes, then whether the changes are material to the recommendations contained in the report.
Navigating asylum law
On his inaugural day as prime minister, Keir Starmer scrapped the Conservative government’s controversial plan to send refugees and migrants who had entered the UK in breach of immigration law to Rwanda. This article gives an update on the development of asylum law and policy since then and the challenges the new government faces.
Rethinking IP in a generative era
Discussion of the opportunities, challenges and questions around generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been an inescapable part of the discourse about the future of business and working life since its more mainstream introduction a couple of years ago (despite its inception in the 1960s). Its impact on the legal landscape is no exception. Where the AI system generates new content or outputs, what are the IP law implications of this?
Bringing the heat
Energy performance, heating systems, energy efficiency improvements… these are probably not things that we conveyancing solicitors spend a great deal of time thinking about at the moment. This is likely to change soon.
What has been the impact?
Work has progressed with the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, with hearings on the impact of the pandemic in Scotland on health and social care concluding at the end of June. With powerful testimony shared about the impact of the virus from those affected.
King’s Speech, elections and charging claims
The latest policy update (covering July) from the committees covers many topics including the Transfer of Undertakings (protection of employment) regulations and the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill.
60 seconds with... Sustainability Committee member
Sophie McIvor spoke with Peter Brash about the development of the committee over the last year and how smaller firms can take action.
Will they be fit for purpose?
The Scottish Sentencing Council is seeking views on draft sentencing guidelines for rape offences.
Celebrating 75 years
The 31 July is an important date. It’s the Society’s 75th birthday. CEO Diane McGiffen shares her thoughts on this significant milestone, and why access to justice is just as important today, as it was in 1949.
The importance of GO Justice
Discover how Glasgow University is supporting a rights-based project that focuses on building legal capability in the community and hoping to empower marginalised groups through public legal education.
Anonymity in reporting child homicide victims
Family members have told the Scottish Government that they would welcome enhanced reporting and publication restrictions, including anonymity for children who have died as a result of a criminal act.