Industry updates
Not just a big day for employment lawyers
Thursday, 10th October 2024 – hailed by many employment lawyers as their “Christmas morning” – marked the publication of the Employment Rights Bill. The UK Government has called it the most significant overhaul of employment law in a generation. While the Bill does propose sweeping changes, it falls short of some of the more ambitious reforms outlined in Labour’s manifesto.
OPG fees
As a quick reminder, the fees payable to the Public Guardian are set to increase on 1 November.
Decade-old provisions still light the sky
SPICe has published an updated briefing outlining the legislative framework in relation to the supply, sale, use, storage and possession of fireworks.
September 2024 Public Policy highlights
Take a look at the Public Policy highlights from the various Society committees for September 2024.
A night to remember
The profession was celebrated at the Scottish Legal Awards last week, showcasing excellence and innovation across the sector.
A fresh chapter commences
The 2024-25 Scottish legal year opened with Lord Carloway’s final address. The event, livestreamed for the first time, saw 18 new King’s Counsel welcomed.
Sporting impact
Will football follow rugby from the pitch to the court when it comes to brain injuries? Football’s Bill Gates, the 1970s Middlesborough defensive stalwart, may not be as well-known as his Microsoft co-founder’s namesake, but in common with him, his legacy could have a profound and lasting impact.
The latest UNCRC update
Statutory guidance for Part 3 has been published, addressing those with responsibilities in listed public authorities and providing information on creating child-friendly reports.
Regulation or resilience?
The next In-house Sustainability Toolkit event, taking place this month, will explore supply chains scrutiny.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rules and policies
With the concurrence of the Lord President, the SSDT has redrafted its procedural rules. These come into force on 1 September 2024 and will apply to all Complaints, Appeals and Applications lodged on or after that date.
Shining a light on sustainability
Members of the in-house community have come together to create a free toolkit to help you navigate sustainability principles.