Blogs & opinions
Have a proper break this summer
In this blog Elizabeth Rimmer, Chief Executive of LawCare, reminds us to take a proper break this summer to benefit our mental health, which means trying to switch off completely from work.
Journal editorial July 2022: Rights at stake
Whatever changes happen in the UK Government, the Bill of Rights Bill is likely to continue; and lawyers should oppose its dangerous effects
AML and geographical risk
Our AML risk manager Jenni Rodgers looks at geography when considering anti-money laundering risk and the potential need for enhanced due diligence. In her blog she sets out some of the questions to ask when considering risks that may be associated with a jurisdiction.
The Register of Overseas Entities
John Sinclair, Convener of the Society’s Property Law Committee and Ann Stewart, a member of the Property Law Committee take a look at the Register of Overseas Entities and explain how this will affect solicitors and their clients
Returning to study – it's worth taking the plunge
Matt McPherson will soon be commencing his traineeship with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. He's shared his thoughts about the challenges and benefits of pursuing law as a mature-age student.
Some extra guidance for training managers
We recently launched two surveys aimed at better understanding the training process and where things could possibly be improved. This blog is a nod in the direction of travel.
The student summer switch-off
Olivia Moore, Careers & Wellbeing Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, reflects on how focusing on wellbeing during the summer break can be an essential career-development strategy for law students.
Chinese underground banking – Money laundering risks, and potential exploitation of legal services by organised crime
We recently published an updated Scottish sectoral AML risk assessment, which included information on clients and business matters with links to higher risk jurisdictions, which currently include China.
Journal editorial June 2022: The big freeze
The announced freeze on spending in the justice sector will worsen the existing crisis, and something will have to give
My experience of an in-house traineeship
Anastasia Morris is a trainee solicitor at the University of Glasgow. In her blog, she shares her experience of undertaking an in-house traineeship.
International trade deals post-Brexit: What opportunities do they present for the profession?
Our Head of International, Adam Marks, provides an update on international trade deals following the UK's exit from the EU and the opportunities these may present for the profession.
Alex Ruck Keene Congress, Capacity and QR codes
Alex Ruck Keene QC (Hon) shares his thoughts (and a QR code) in advance of his presentation at the World Congress on Adult Capacity in Edinburgh on Tuesday 7-Thursday 9 June 2022.
Treading your own path: trying to secure a summer placement
Third-year law student Harley Kirk shares her experience of the difficulties securing a summer placement, and reminds other students to not compare their experiences to others.
Journal editorial May 2022: Ball in their court
There could at last be public sympathy for action taken by legal aid lawyers in support of their campaign for adequate rates
Stuart Murdoch: What being a Rising Star Award winner means to me
Stuart Murdoch, now a Partner at DLA Piper, won the In-house Lawyers Committee’s first ever In-house Rising Star Award in 2013. We speak to him about what it meant to win the award, and why recognising talent in the legal profession has never been more important.
Why is the protection of Intellectual Property rights so important?
Gavin Davies, Secretary to the Law Society of Scotland Policy Intellectual Property Sub-Committee reflects on the importance of properly protecting Intellectual Property rights and explores the wide-ranging impacts of their infringement.
Managing your stress through mindfulness
In the final blog of our series for Stress Awareness Month, Ashleigh Halpin, HR and Mindfulness consultant, offers an insight into mindfulness and how it can help with stress.
Journal editorial April 2022: Wanted!
Competition in legal recruitment is creating issues for smaller firms, and increasing the pay gap between defence lawyers and the rest
When personal trauma meets workplace stress
In the second of our blogs to mark Stress Awareness Month, Laura Meldrum discusses how her traumatic personal circumstances also presented challenges at work.
Don't let your stress bucket overflow
To mark Stress Awareness Month this April, a number of our members will be sharing their wisdom and experiences of stress, including the causes and strategies to deal with it.
In the first of the series Catherine Hart, Partner at Digby Brown, explains how using the stress bucket metaphor has helped her manage it.
Being faith-friendly: an Employer's guide to Ramadhan
As we approach the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan, here's some suggestions on how employers should prepare to support employees who wish to observe it, and indeed religious festivals generally.
VAT on Disbursements
VAT is a complex and constantly changing tax and within the legal sector is one of the most challenging areas - VAT on disbursements. The team at the AAB Group clarify why confusion exists and the how to make the right decision when posting disbursements to your ledgers.
Fellows letter on legal aid
A group of the Law Society of Scotland Fellows have called for urgent action to address the crisis in Legal Aid.
Journal editorial March 2022: International order
The coordinated sanctions against the invasion of Ukraine offer some hope of influencing events without further escalating the use of force