Blogs & opinions
AML Spotlight: Regulation 39 - Reliance
AML Risk Manager Dale Trahms examines when it's appropriate to rely on another professional’s client due diligence (CDD), the risks faced in doing so, and why a bank’s CDD is not an ideal solution.
Reflecting on World IP Conference 2025...
Mark Cruickshank and Roisin Higgins KC reflect on the Faculty of Advocates' Annual World IP Day conference on Friday 17 April.
Stress: listening for lightbulb moments
In light of Stress Awareness Month, Olivia Moore, our Careers and Wellbeing Manager, reflects on the implications of stress and the conversations which have helped put this into perspective.
Kicking off Street Law: Preparing to train the next generation of lawyers
As part of our series to mark Street Law's 10th anniversary, Madeleine Kelly, a final year LLB student at the University of Edinburgh, reflects on completing our annual Street Law training last year, which aims to bring a legal education into schools.
Law Society launches WIDEN network
Our Equality and Diversity Manager, Elaine MacGlone, provides an update on the recent launch of a new network to support best practice in equity, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Women in Law Scotland is back!
Women in Law Scotland, a group aimed at promoting gender equity in the Scottish legal profession, has recently relaunched. Co-chair Laura Meldrum, a senior associate at Harper Macleod, discusses what the group aims to achieve and the challenges that need tackled.
Supporting employees through hidden struggles: Why addiction awareness in the workplace matters
Steve McCann, Director of MCG Consulting, brings over 20 years of experience in the legal industry and professional development to open up the conversation on addiction in the workplace and what practical changes every business can make to ensure colleagues feel safe and supported.
Supporting your staff through a crisis: Why forward planning matters
The Law Society of Scotland’s Outreach and Engagement Manager, Amber Shadle, shares a real time example of how prioritising staff wellbeing has been integral to managing a crisis and why forward planning is crucial to putting your colleagues first.
2024’s In-house Rising Star: My legal journey and why I chose a career in-house
Last year’s winner of the In-house Rising Star Award, Cameron Ramage, returns to look back on his career and what attracted him to working in-house in light of nominations opening for 2025’s award.
Wellbeing skills for line managers: Sign up for our free four-part Lawscot Wellbeing series
Olivia Moore, the Law Society’s Careers & Wellbeing Manager, shares our new Lawscot Wellbeing training series, which targets managers with essential skills in supporting teams and developing yourself.
What’s it really like to work in law in Scotland?
LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, highlights why it’s important we know what working in law in Scotland is really like and how individuals and businesses can shape the future of the profession.
Why Scottish law firms should consider digital client onboarding in 2025
Our Member Benefits partner, Amiqus, discuss why Scottish law firms should embrace digital tools for vetting and onboarding new clients in 2025.
Meet our new Head of AML: Gemma Turnbull
Gemma Turnbull joined the Law Society in January as our new Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML). In our Q&A, find out more about Gemma, what she thinks is the biggest risk facing the legal profession today and her one piece of advice on AML to all members.
Change the culture: our 2025 focus
Our Equality and Diversity Manager, Elaine MacGlone, explains our theme for 2025 of 'change the culture' and why it's so important to businesses.
Member forums: Legal aid, recruitment and what’s next
Half way through our Lawscot Member Forums for the year, we catch-up with Member Engagement Manager, Sara Czarny, to reflect on the key points of discussion and what we’ve done with your feedback.
It's never too late: How changing careers at 50 transformed my life
In light of winning Paralegal of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards in November 2024, Nikki Scott, Paralegal Manager at Blackadders LLP, shares how it’s never too late to find a career you love.
AML Spotlight: Regulation 21 internal controls
Regulation 21 internal controls are the focus of our latest anti-money laundering (AML) blog. AML Risk Manager Dale Trahms discusses the benefits of internal controls, appointing a Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLCO), independent audits and employee screening.
Five tips on attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in the legal sector
As an influx of Gen Z enter the workforce and workplace practices continue to develop, what can you do to improve recruitment and retention? The CEO of Kara Connect, Tobba Vigfusdottir, highlights the positives of prioritising work-life balance and mental wellbeing to the success of your business.
Accredited Paralegal roundup: Reflecting on the year and what’s next
Laura McBain, Member Services Coordinator and Secretary to the Accredited Paralegal Committee, returns for her final check-in before we ring in the New Year to share her highlights, what’s left of 2024 and what you can look forward to in 2025.
Human Rights Day: The legislation challenge
For Human Rights Day, Claire Methven O’Brien, Reader in Law in the School of Law, University of Dundee, and member of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, examines the current challenges of human rights legislation and nations' efforts to implement increasingly complex requirements.
Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dhana McIver, Private Client Solicitor at Balfour+Manson and Non-Executive Board Member of Disabling Barriers Scotland, discusses the importance of disability inclusion in all aspects of life and how we can create equal opportunities for everyone.
Law Then & Now: 75th Anniversary Special
As we conclude our 75th anniversary year, we are thrilled to introduce the 'Law Then & Now: 75th Anniversary Special' series. This series features conversations with members at various stages of their legal careers, alongside Scotland's Advocate General.