Blogs & opinions
Journal editorial June 2023
The flaws coming to light in the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill suggest that those in charge of it have not fully grasped how the profession currently operates and is regulated
Taming the overtime monster for work-life balance
Andrew Laing, Solicitor and Health & Wellbeing Champion at COPFS and member of the Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group, talks about the motivation for moving away from a long-hours culture, in response to another question we received from our 2022 annual conference.
Getting the most out of our new AML templates
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has recently refreshed its AML Policies, Controls and Procedures (PCP) and Client and Matter Level Risk Assessment (CMLRA) templates to help practices better comply with their AML obligations. AML Risk Manager Dale Trahms explains how to make the most of the new templates.
My 10 top tips for thriving in your traineeship
Ahead of the summer when many future solicitors will start their traineeships Cara Low, Solicitor at Burness Paull, shares her best advice for success and making the most of the opportunity.
Journal editorial May 2023
For different reasons, the bills on regulation of legal services and on justice reform could each result in a trial of strength between the Society and the Scottish Government
Family law – a people person’s ideal specialism
Emma Somerville, shares her opinion on why Family Law is a great area to start your career.
Women and IP: Looking at the stats
This World IP Day, Law Society of Scotland Intellectual Property Committee member, Susan Ferguson-Snedden, reflects on the gender balance in IP law and what we can do to support progress.
Getting to know you: Law student survey 2023 launched
Find out why we are calling all LLB and Diploma students to take part in our survey, focusing on your career aspirations, views of the solicitor qualification process and your wellbeing. Closing date extended to midnight 14 May 2023.
Profile of the Profession: Why do we ask you about your wellbeing?
Ensuring a healthy, sustainable profession is at the heart of our work, making it vital we understand as much as we can about our members' wellbeing, explains our Careers and Wellbeing Manager Olivia Moore.
Wellbeing isn’t just for your office’s in-crowd
Catherine Hart, Partner at Digby Brown and member of the Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group, talks about what to do if you feel like your manager puts others' wellbeing above your own.
Journal editorial April 2023
Crowdfunded litigation is probably here to stay, and if properly organised has a legitimate role in holding Government and other large organisations to account
Stressed to impress - putting the legal sector on a healthier footing
Olivia Moore, Careers and Wellbeing Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, discusses how widespread stress is among lawyers and the key drivers that contribute to stress becoming unmanageable.
Hospitality and celebration – my Ramadan visit to Edinburgh Central Mosque
Our Vice President, Sheila Webster, writes about her visit to Edinburgh Central Mosque with Law Society colleagues and friends for the first fast-breaking of Ramadan.
Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land – Extension of Transitional Period
Our Property Law Committee provides an update on the register for those who have a controlled interest in land following an extension of the transitional period until 1 April 2024.
Some employability tips for law students
Our Head of Education Rob Marrs has come up with his six top tips to help law students to kick start their legal careers.
Journal editorial March 2023
The UK Government is regrettably showing disregard for lawyers and the rule of law through its Illegal Migration Bill and rhetoric with it
Six Diploma Tips
If you’re thinking about the next steps in your legal career and you’re coming to the end of your Scots Law LLB then the Diploma is probably on your mind. Our Outreach Development Officer, Milly Berndes-Cade, gives you her top six tips for applying to the Diploma this year.
The journey to becoming an Accredited Paralegal
Kirsty Dutch, an Accredited Paralegal in Wills, Trusts and Executries tells us about her journey to become an Accredited Paralegal.
An illegal invasion one year on – remaining steadfast
Our President Murray Etherington marks the solemn milestone of one year since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine began by pledging ongoing solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine and reflecting on the vital importance of the rule of law.
Supporting Ukrainian lawyers and forming friendships
Rob Marrs didn't know much about Ukraine when Russia's invasion began, but he's since helped build a sense of community for Ukrainian lawyers seeking sanctuary in Scotland and formed new friendships along the way.
From Kyiv to Glasgow – one lawyer's journey
Russia's invasion forced Larysa Zhdankina to leave her Kyiv home and work with the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to seek sanctuary for herself and her young daughter in Scotland. She shares her story of escape, and the work she's doing towards a brighter future for Ukraine.
Journal editorial February 2023
Widening access to the profession remains a desirable goal – but any form of exclusion is unfair