Practice
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.
“I want to keep the social ‘handle’”
From toasters to second homes, cars to pensions, the financial arrangements following a separation have been somewhat straight forward (albeit not the negotiations necessarily) following the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985.
SPONSORED: The highlight of 2024 at the Society’s Annual Conference
YourCashier share their experiences of proudly sponsoring the much-loved headshot photobooth and how they turned a professional networking staple into a celebration of community, connection, and compassion.
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.
Sensibility and harm reduction
Blaming young people for unregulated drugs use and sale highlights how low we do go in relation to criminality, says Janine Ewen, Early Career scholar and Harm Reduction Specialist.
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.
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.