Practice
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?
October 2024 Public Policy highlights
Take a look at the Public Policy highlights from the Law Society policy committees for October 2024.
In conversation with the Advocate General for Scotland
Michael Clancy, Director of Law Reform at the Society, spoke to Baroness Smith of Cluny KC about her recent appointment, representation in the profession, advancing the rule of law and "directly reporting into the Prime Minister".
"Constantly overwhelmed with work", says Crown Office and SCTS staff
Rough Justice Report reveals extent of crisis in Scotland’s courts and prosecution services, with many overworked.
Climate change bill passed
Carbon budget approach to setting climate targets agreed. Legislation that will see Scotland move to using five-year carbon budgets to set climate targets has been passed.
The independence of the legal profession: A European perspective
Pierre-Dominique Schupp, President of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe dialled in from Paris to share his thoughts on the independence of the profession, advancing the rule of law, the use of AI, and international collaboration.
More help delivered and payments increase - but justice-wide collaboration needed to reform system
Today, Wednesday 6 November, the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) have published their annual report for 2023-24, illustrating that more help is being provided to those with civil and criminal problems.
The AI advantage: Is it time to say goodbye to repetitive work?
Ross McNairn, the CEO and Founder of Wordsmith AI, the main sponsor of the Society’s Annual Conference showcased how AI can save professionals time by streamlining and expediting tasks.
Scullion LAW expands as a result of surge in client demand
Scullion LAW is excited to announce the expansion of its Family Law department, driven by strong client demand for their specialist family law services.
Social mobility: surviving or thriving
In a thought-provoking presentation on Day 1 of the 2024 Annual Conference, Lindsay Jack, Head of Diversity, Careers, and Outreach at the Society, and Ayanda Ngobeni, a diploma student at the University of Edinburgh and an incoming trainee at CMS, discussed crucial topics related to social mobility within the legal profession.
Using AI to improve the administration of justice
'Using AI in the Justice System' was a well-received session on Day 2 of the Society’s 2024 Annual Conference.
Paul Mosson, Executive Director of Member Services & Engagement at the Society introduced Ellen Lefley, senior lawyer at JUSTICE, who provided an insightful overview of the complexities and implications of integrating AI into legal and judicial processes. The session outlined both opportunities and risks presented by AI, particularly in enhancing access to justice and the impartiality of decision-making.
Sustainability – opportunities and obstacles
Day 3 of the Society's 2024 Annual Conference had a focus on sustainability, with the theme of the day being titled, 'An Innovative and Sustainable Future'. One of the panel discussions titled "Sustainability Opportunities and Obstacles," saw various speakers from the legal profession, including Paul Gostelow, Alastair Morrison, Mark Cruikshank, and Kirsty Mitchell, share insights on the challenges and potential avenues for promoting sustainability within the legal industry.
Rule of law and independence of the profession
The Annual Conference saw an average of 450 delegates join online over the four days, and 230 in person on the final day. Experience the highlights through inspiring conversations, thought-provoking keynotes, and panel discussions, as shared by some of the delegates.