Practice
Is aviation law set for automatic take-off?
Recent breakthroughs in aviation have seen the development of innovative autonomous and highly automated systems and vehicles, such as drones, advanced air mobility vehicles and vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOLs) which can provide short journeys for a small number of people.
The immigration landscape is changing
On the 31st December 2024, the immigration landscape in the UK will undergo one of the most
major changes in recent history.
How does the workplace impact productivity?
In 2016, the Stoddart Review was the first major analysis of the impact of the workplace on productivity. In the legal industry, where every minute counts, understanding how workplace changes impact productivity and client interactions is crucial.
Society’s rise continues in Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers list
The Society's commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognised with an improved ranking in the Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index for 2024.
Research to better support smaller firms is commissioned
The Society has commissioned a new research project to ensure it can best support smaller firms and the essential services they provide.
60 seconds with… a Sustainability Committee member
Sophie McIvor sat down with Kirsty MacArthur to discuss how she started her own environmental consultancy with her husband, her love of Scotland and what she hopes solicitors will learn from climate change being put back on a global stage.
Concerns on basic human rights in Highlands and Islands
The Scottish Human Rights Commission uncovers challenges with accessing human rights to health, housing, and food across the Highlands and Islands.
A grown-up approach
We speak to Glen Gilson – chairman and managing partner of Gilson Gray – about the firm’s UK-wide growth and how realism is at the heart of its work culture.
Serena Sutherland nominated as Society incoming president-elect
Orkney solicitor Serena Sutherland, who has represented solicitors from Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain, and Wick on the Society’s Council since her election in July 2018, has been nominated as president-elect for 2026-27.
Deprivation of liberty orders and Anglo- Scottish child law issues
At a recent seminar organised by Resolution, Justin Gray of Trinity Chambers shared his thoughts on matters related to this. Susan Oswald, Partner at SKO Family Law Specialists shares her thoughts.
Society's Chief Executive to step down
The Society announced last week that Chief Executive Diane McGiffen will step down in April 2025 after more than three years in the role. During her tenure, Diane has been instrumental in advancing the Society’s efforts to support a modern and thriving solicitor profession.
A shift is coming
For those who believed the legal profession could remain insulated from the transformative force of new technologies, the swift and widespread adoption of generative AI among UK lawyers has decisively proven them wrong, says Dr Corsino San Miguel PhD.
Scottish Human Rights Commission 2023-24 report
The Scottish Human Rights Commission has laid its Annual Report for 2023-24 before the Scottish Parliament.
Rough justice, Society responds
In case you missed it, a few weeks ago the Journal covered the publication of the Rough Justice report. Over the course of the past few years the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has consistently heard from their members about the workload pressures facing them in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS).
The Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill published
Today, legislation to ensure prisons continue to function safely and effectively following a significant increase in the prison population over the past year has been published.
Scotland's Migration Service expanded
Scotland’s Migration Service, which provides information and advice for people, employers and investors, has been expanded to offer support to a wider range of individuals.
Putting victim/survivors at the heart of civil law protections
As part of the Scottish Law Commission’s review of the legal protection available for victim/survivors of domestic abuse in the civil context, the Commission has recently published its report. Share your views by 22 January 2025.
The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024 winners
Members of the profession gathered on Friday, 15 November in Glasgow to hear the winners of The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024 be announced.
Double success for Macleod & MacCallum
Last week proved to be a double award-winning week for Macleod & MacCallum, Solicitors, Estate Agents and Lettings Agents, based in Inverness and Portree.
An immigration perspective
Following the American election, the profession saw a wave of enquiries from US citizens, especially those with existing links to the UK. Jacqueline Moore (immigration partner at Thorntons) shares the three key issues she believes will help solicitors across the sector support US citizens at this historical juncture.
Your current tech can do more
At the Society’s Annual Conference, Fiona Chute discussed strategies for maximising the potential of your existing tech stack.
Lockton - late court settlements
Lockton share its latest article on the topic of managing risks in eleventh-hour settlements.
A momentous occasion for The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen
One of Aberdeen’s oldest professional organisations celebrated its 250th year of incorporation at Aberdeen Town House, where they were presented with a full achievement of armorial bearings.
Breaking the taboo – one family lawyer, two clients
We aren’t talking mediation, maybe collaboration, but could this approach be part of the future of family law in Scotland?