Practice
From metal behemoths to agentic AI - what Scotland's legal sector can learn from bridging innovation
Dr Corsino San Miguel PhD, LLB - a member of the AI Research Group and the Public Sector AI Task Force at the Scottish Government Legal Directorate - considers Scotland's innovation past and what the profession can learn for the future.
Late conclusion of missives and conveyancing delays
As solicitors who work in residential conveyancing will no doubt be aware, it is not uncommon for missives to be concluded very close to the date of settlement, if not on the same day.
A year in employment law and hospitality
Looking through the lens of the hospitality sector, Thorntons’ Jillian McLaughlan and Debbie Fellows reflect on last year’s changes in employment law.
Master Policy brokerage tender
Are you aware of the opportunity to tender for the Law Society of Scotland brokerage and administration of the Master Policy 2027-2031?
Asylum and immigration in 2024
With practitioners already experiencing sector changes in 2025, it is beneficial to reflect on a selection of the multitude of immigration law and policy developments of 2024.
Intellectual Property - 2024 in review
The ongoing challenge of IP law, reconciling proprietary rights with the imperatives of free expression, innovation, and competition, manifested prominently in 2024, influencing everything from AI data ethics to retail supply chains.
2024: A look-back on data protection
Loretta Maxfield and Cara Collins review the major data protection changes in 2024, including new laws, ICO decisions, marketing, cookies, biometrics, and AI.
Neonatal care leave
The UK Government has made a new right to neonatal care leave and pay effective from 6 April 2025 and is expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents.
Risk management resolutions
Here are five suggestions for risk management resolutions for law firms in 2025, provided by Lockton.
Legal Aid Matters
Scotland’s legal aid system is under threat, and with access to justice being the cornerstone of a fair society something needs to be done. The Society are running a #LegalAidMatters campaign and you can show your support by adding your name to the ledger.
Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill, the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, and two consultations
The public policy update provides a look back to November and December and the work of the many Society committees. This round-up features the Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill, the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, as well as the Making Work Pay consultation and the Scottish Building Safety Levy Consultation.
A year of growth, connection, and impact
LawCare support solicitors across Scotland with a variety of initiatives, programmes, training and their helpline. Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO, shares a round up.
SPONSORED: The importance of effective practice management software in ensuring compliance
LawWare's head of operations, Melissa Blackwood, examines how your software can ensure your firm is compliant.
"There must be a better way"
The 2024 Shared Parenting Scotland annual ‘user survey’ of clients reveals the eyewatering costs in seeking childcare arrangements.
Reform needed for workers exposed to silica dust
Kathleen-Erin Lawson discusses the current position for workers potentially exposed to inhalation of silica dust and what more needs to be done.
A look ahead to immigration in 2025
With the UK Home Office maintaining its focus on enforcing immigration laws, ensuring compliance, and reducing net migration, 2025 is set to be another busy year for both immigration lawyers and their clients. Ashley Fleming takes us through some of the likely changes to immigration rules and guidance.
Collaboration and innovation are key to progress
Each year, legal aid supports an extensive network of committed providers to deliver help across Scotland to thousands of people facing a wide range of problems. But that does not mean that all needs are being met, or that the system operates as smoothly as it could.
A tale of two debtors
Why are individuals reaching for help when businesses are suffering in silence?
OPG launch new Power of Attorney Case Management System
OPG launch new Power of Attorney Case Management System
2025 - Global mobility and immigration
2024 was, as some might say, a landmark year of changes for immigration law. So what does this mean for the legal profession?
Safeguarding construction finances: the future of cash retentions
David Christie and Charles Mak explore how you can safeguard construction finances following the recent collapse of ISG.
Pilot that saw improved experiences for complainers rolled out
A pilot which saw improved experiences for complainers and witnesses in five courts is to be rolled out to all sheriff courts in Scotland by the end of this year.
Government amendments removed from the Legal Services Regulation Bill
Government proposals for new levels of direct government control and involvement in how Scottish solicitors work are to be removed from the Legal Services Regulation Bill, which the Society says preserves supremacy of the rule of law.