Blogs & opinions
Technology in the legal profession: Brodies and AI
In light of the Law Society’s new “Guide to generative AI”, Brodies IP associate and member of the Law Society’s Technology Law and Practice Committee, Ally Burr, gives an insight into how Brodies is approaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
Navigating AML Compliance: A Guide to Choosing the Right Digital Provider
Our Member Benefits partner, Amiqus, discuss their new guide which looks at some of the key factors that need to be considered when choosing a reliable compliance partner.
IMD 2024: The impact of a positive male role model
For 2024’s International Men’s Day, James McFarlane, Legal Counsel at The Royal Bank of Scotland and creator of the first Men’s Wellbeing Group in Scotland’s legal sector, shares the influence of positive male role models on his life and why it’s important to have them in the legal profession.
COP29: Five reasons solicitors should tackle climate change
As COP29 kicks off in Azerbaijan, our Member Engagement Manager and Secretary to the Law Society’s Sustainability Committee, Sara Czarny, highlights five reasons why the legal sector should tackle climate change.
Have your say on our 2026 election priorities
We want to hear about the issues facing our members and your views on the best way forward for access to justice, running a business, legislative reform and the justice system as a whole.
Stress: any progress on the common enemy?
Six years after the Scottish Young Lawyers Association (SYLA) revealed how solicitors viewed mental health in the workplace, the Law Society's Careers and Wellbeing Manager, Olivia Moore, puts it back under the microscope for Stress Awareness Week to understand how far we’ve come and what’s left to do.
New Trade Sanctions Enforcement: Implications for Business Compliance
Amiqus discusses the UK’s new sanctions enforcement regime, which gives the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) the power to issue significant penalties. It highlights the need for businesses to prioritise sanctions screening and comprehensive risk management, including PEPs and adverse media checks, to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
The importance of an independent legal profession
Former President of the Law Society of Scotland Ken Dalling, who was elected as Head of the UK Delegation to the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe in April this year, considers the importance of an independent legal profession and how separation from the state is intrinsically linked to the health of a democratic society on European Lawyers Day 2024.
How to be a menopause-friendly employer
For World Menopause Day on 18 October, Burness Paull's Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager, Emma Smith, explains what it means to them to be re-accredited as a 'Menopause Friendly' workplace and how every firm can support women through this stage of life.
The Legal Sustainability Alliance – working together to get to net zero faster
Ahead of our workshop with the Legal Sustainability Alliance (LSA), the LSA shares the main functions of the organisation, who it works with and how it can help firms of all sizes be climate conscious.
Law centres: from radical roots to advancing rights and equality
In the Law Society's 75th anniversary year, Amy McGilp, Communication Officer at the Legal Services Agency in Glasgow, explores the history of law centres in Scotland, from their radical roots to their present day achievements in advancing rights and addressing inequality.
Smaller firms – a mighty legal force that’s local
Law Society of Scotland Vice President Pat Thom reflects on her time working for a smaller firm in the Scottish Borders, along with the positives that such businesses bring for clients, solicitors and other staff.
Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming narratives
Lindsay Jack, the Law Society’s Head of Diversity, Careers, and Outreach, considers how best to promote allyship and engage meaningfully with colleagues, clients, friends and others during Black History Month, and beyond.
From nursing to law: How last year’s Paralegal of the Year found their dream job
A year after winning ‘Paralegal of the Year 2023’ at the Herald Scotland Law Awards and taking on the position of Convener of the Accredited Paralegal Committee, Sharon Connolly sits down to share her unlikely entrance into the legal sector and the importance of continuous career development.
The impact of becoming a Mental Health First Aider
After completing the Scottish Mental Health First Aid Training, Gordon Lennox reflects on how it developed his understanding of mental health, the importance of asking questions and how lawyers can adapt their skills in a mental health setting.
75th Conversations: Christine McLintock and Megan Allan
In the last of our series, 75th Anniversary Conversations, past President of the Law Society from 2015-2016, Christine McLintock, and Lawscot Foundation alumnus Megan Allan meet to discuss their paths to success, the creation of the Lawscot Foundation and what they hope for the future of the profession.
Accredited Paralegal roundup: Celebrations, updates and new opportunities
Laura McBain, Member Services Coordinator and Secretary to the Accredited Paralegal Committee, is back with an update on the Paralegal Practice course, important updates to practice competencies and new opportunities for you to get involved with the accreditation.
Building a kinder, accessible legal profession
As we mark the Society's 75th anniversary, Elizabeth Rose, Legal Director and Founder of L&M MediLaw and Scottish Legal Awards Lawyer of the Year 2023, reflects on the evolution of the profession’s approach to inclusivity and client engagement and her innovative approach to setting up and running a trauma-informed and accessible practice.
Sustainability: How your changes can make a difference
In light of sharing their top tips on how to become more climate conscious, Sustainability Committee members Lynsey Whelan, Anne Littlejohn and Peter Brash share how your changes can make a difference.
The Law Society at 75: Tracking the impact of paralegals
In celebration of the Law Society of Scotland’s 75th anniversary we sit down with two members of the Accredited Paralegal Committee, Laura McLaren and Sandra Reid, and Bruce Battersby, solicitor at BTO Solicitors, to track the influence of paralegals over the past 75 years and what they hope to see change going forward.
75th Conversations: John Macmillan and Ben Campbell
In the second instalment of 75th Conversations, Lawscot Foundation student Ben Campbell and Fellow John Macmillan discuss how the legal profession has evolved and their thoughts for the future of the sector.
CPD - from the lecture hall to laptop
Rachel Steer, Senior Manager of our CPD Research Team, considers how training for our members has moved from serving up bacon butties and lectures in conference halls, to delivering online training and specialist certification around the globe, ensuring that the Society's CPD content is dynamic, up-to-date and market leading.
Seven in 10 Wills ignore the issue of digital legacy
We live increasingly digital lives but how many of us have planned a good digital legacy? Seven in 10 of those making a Will leave no instructions about their online assets – or even a list of passwords – when they die. But both solicitors and financial advisers can help change that.
A profession driving change
In this retrospective piece, solicitor Adrian D. Ward MBE, a recognised international expert in adult incapacity law, reflects on the significant developments in legal practice over the years. Adrian discusses how the profession has adapted to societal changes and championing the rights of vulnerable individuals.