Industry updates
Why template agreements will increase confidence in carbon unit sales
In a bid to support the voluntary carbon market and aid the UK’s journey to net zero, new free-to-access template agreements and guidance aims to streamline the carbon unit sales process.
How a new toolkit could shape the way judges write to children at the centre of proceedings
New guidelines are encouraging judges to write to the children and young people at the centre of family court proceedings, to help them understand the decisions made about their welfare and future.
Scottish legal aid desert is growing — and failing Scots in 'traumatic' situations
Legal aid deserts continue to grow as solicitors working on civil matters abandon the system, the Law Society of Scotland has warned a parliamentary inquiry.
Thorntons merger with Macnabs takes prominent independent firm to record headcount
Leading independent Scottish law firm Thorntons has significantly strengthened its market presence and share following the completion of its strategic merger with Macnabs, achieving a record headcount of more than 640 people including 77 partners.
What the Supreme Court's decision in For Women Scotland's appeal means
Front page news rarely does statutory interpretation make, writes Joshua King, but the case of For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers was different.
Public Policy Highlights February and March 2025 including Covid, Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Throughout the year, the Law Society Policy team and its network of committee volunteers respond to a variety of consultations and comment on a range of Bills, helping to shape good law for the benefit of its members and in the public interest.
Second court established for the National Personal Injury Court
A second court has been established for the National Personal Injury Court (NPIC) based at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Why the modernisation matters and what's in Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023
Coming into force in April, the Moveable Transactions (Scotland) Act 2023 brings modernisation to moveable transactions, says Ahsan Mustafa.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Risk management – a look back
Lockton reflects on its engagement with the profession in 2024 and share some notable take-aways.
Lord Pentland to serve as head of Scotland’s judiciary
First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the appointment of Scotland’s new Lord President by His Majesty the King.
A balancing act
Thomas Mitchell discusses the legal landscape of dashcams in Scotland and what’s next for them in terms of protection and privacy.
PCPs and HPs
Between 2017 and 2019 the UK witnessed one of the biggest advertising campaigns related to mis-sold financial productions. Now, the profession prepares for what could be another major compensation scheme for mis-selling practices in relation to PCPs and HPs.