Practice
AI and the legal profession review
In 2024, AI ceased to be a distant abstraction for the legal profession and is now an undeniable presence at every level of practice.
New version - Scottish Standard Clauses
A new version of the Scottish Standard Clauses has been released by the Scottish Conveyancers Forum.
Justice for children
In 2024 there were some significant policy and legal changes which aim to better protect children’s rights in Scotland and reflect a commitment to creating a Scotland where children’s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.
Is reform needed?
Katy Sharpe looks at the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players alongside the impact of the Bosman ruling.
Legal technology horizon scanning
Christina Blacklaws discusses the dominant trends emerging in the lawtech sector in 2025.
SPONSORED: CPD from Edinburgh Law Seminars January 2025
Gretton, Reid and Steven’s Conveyancing roadshow starting soon. Don’t forget to register.
Festive phishing
Law firms are not immune to cybercrime, fraud and deepfakes. In fact security experts advise that they are a favourite target for cyber criminals due to the amount of data held.
A review of law reform in 2024
The Scottish Law Commission has had another busy year progressing its Eleventh Programme of Law Reform. As 2024 comes to a close, there are many highlights and achievements to reflect upon.
Strategic lawsuits against public participation legislation
Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation legislation – what is the position in Scotland?
Dispensing justice
The intersection of IP and competition law is interesting, and embedded in a complex relationship. A recent case has lead Michael Vaughan of Morton Fraser MacRobert’s to provide an update on whether post-expiry royalty payments are anti-competitive.
The Children (Scotland) Act and private client matters
As a Private Client professional in Scotland you might be thinking, but why is the 1995 Act important to me in my role? But it is…
Careless talk costs employers?
Although the vast majority of employees will respect workplace privacy, covert recordings can pose a distinct threat to employers.
It’s been quite the year
Robert Holland, Head of Employment Law at Aberdein Considine, provides the Journal with a look back at what was a momentous year for employment law and highlights what is on the horizon for 2025.
The end of an era
The abolition of the UK’s non-dom regime is in situ from 6 April 2025, but what does the replacement look like?
COP29 - now what?
COP29 produced outcomes of significance to global climate communities. However, given how it operates currently, the actual effectiveness of the COP process and its legal utility is open to question. This is the first in a series of climate law and justice articles from Navraj Singh Ghaleigh, Senior Lecturer in Climate Law at Edinburgh University.
Virtual reality and AI in Scottish healthcare
Artificial intelligence and virtual reality might be carving out a place for themselves in Scottish healthcare, but they bring their own challenges. From ethics to accuracy, there’s much to consider…
Baublefest 2024
Help launch talented legal careers this Christmas with the Society’s Baublefest campaign, raising funds for the Lawscot Foundation.
Society welcomes judicial factors law
The Society says finalised legislation to modernise the law around judicial factors provides for significant improvements when such arrangements are needed to safeguard money and other assets.
Legal regulation amendments must remove political control of lawyers
New amendments lodged in the Scottish Parliament this week must deliver on a government promise to reverse proposed political controls over the way lawyers work, the Society has said.
The missing consideration of legal certainty
Examining the missing consideration of legal certainty in Lord Advocate’s Reference [2024] HCJAC 43.
SPONSORED: Transforming legal practice
For modern law firms, efficiency counts. Firms are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens and enhance client service. One of the most effective strategies to achieve these goals is the adoption of integrated software solutions. At LawWare, we understand the unique challenges faced by legal professionals and offer innovative software designed to meet them.
Improve the lives of the living
The Journal sat down with Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP to discuss the assisted dying bill, and why we need to be supporting those living with disabilities. Better care, support and fundamentally improving the way society views and values the disabled is essential for change.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
At the end of November 2024, Westminster MPs backed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proposed by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater as a private member's bill. If passed, this bill would cover England & Wales, with a separate discussion already underway for Scotland.
Trainee numbers show legal sector’s record growth continues
Unprecedented growth for the Scottish legal sector has been maintained for a fourth consecutive year, with 764 new solicitor traineeships commencing in the past 12 months to the end of October 2024.