Blogs & opinions
Accredited and Trainee Paralegals - Get more out of your CPD
Laura McBain, the Law Society's Member Services Coordinator and Secretary to the Accredited Paralegal Committee, highlights how trainee and Accredited Paralegals can get the most out of their CPD.
Journal editorial August 2023
We should be alive to the danger of letting dubious arguments for freedom prevent necessary measures against climate change
South Asian Heritage Month: Growing up with Punjabi culture
For South Asian Heritage Month, Simon Roudh, a solicitor at Morton Fraser LLP, shares how his family's Punjabi heritage has shaped his life.
Reflecting on Pride 2023
Our Equality and Diversity Manager, Elaine MacGlone, looks back on this year's packed Pride schedule.
South Asian Heritage Month: Memories of Eid
As part of South Asian Heritage Month's theme 'Stories to tell', Amna Ashraf, a senior associate at Burness Paull LLP and Law Society of Scotland Council member, shares her memories of Eid.
Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month
South Asian Heritage Month kicks off today, to commemorate and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities. Amerdeep Kaur, a solicitor at Drummond Miller LLP and member of the Law Society of Scotland's Equality and Diversity Committee, explains what celebrating the month means to her.
Adjudication enforcement – some recent decisions of the Scottish courts
As part of our collaboration with Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Kenneth Salmon MCIArb, looks at three recent cases in which the validity and enforcement of adjudicators’ awards was contested and considered.
Journal editorial July 2023
Troubles continue for Scots criminal defence lawyers, now added to by problems delivering custody accused to court in a system under strain
Experienced practitioner? Thinking of your next career step?
Becoming a Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialist is an excellent way to confirm your specialist status and showcase your skills and knowledge. Find out more about taking the next step to becoming accredited.
Unlock your career's potential with a mentor
Law Society of Scotland Careers and Outreach Coordinator Georgia Turnbull outlines how matching up with a mentor can help you find and navigate the career path that's right for you.
LSAG anti-money laundering guidance update: employee screening process
Our Member Benefit partner Amiqus explains the Legal Sector Affinity Group's latest anti-money laundering guidance update.
Why you should enter the Innovation Cup
Matthew Thomson from Lockton, the brokers for the Law Society’s professional indemnity insurance Master Policy, shares the benefits of putting innovation at the forefront of risk management and why you should enter the Innovation Cup.
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