Industry updates
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.
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?
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…
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?
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.
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.
Report on damages for personal injury published
Following a detailed review and consultation, the Scottish Law Commission has today published a Report recommending changes to the law on damages in Scotland.
The Damages (Scotland) Bill
The recently published Scottish Law Commission Report on Damages for Personal Injury contains important proposed reforms, intended to modernise Scots law and resolve certain difficulties.
Court questions mechanisms to address non-compliance with SLCC requests
Court raises concerns about tools to deal with practitioners not complying with the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) requests.
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.
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.
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.
Scottish Human Rights Commission 2023-24 report
The Scottish Human Rights Commission has laid its Annual Report for 2023-24 before the Scottish Parliament.