Blogs & opinions

Referendum 2: requisitionists' case for voting no
The formal statement from the Scottish solicitors who requistioned the Law Society of Scotland's second referendum

Positive vibes from our MSPs
Legal Services Bill stage 1 debate recognised the Society's positive contribution to the process

Proceed with caution
Final shape of Legal Services Bill still up for negotiation

No choice but to keep trying
SGM vote only shows need to keep searching for solution

The resumed SGM: who said what
Main points from the reconvened Special General Meeting on 21 April

United Society for a united profession
Law Society of Scotland can represent interests of all sectors of the solicitors' profession

President's interview on the adjourned SGM
Ian Smart explains the change of date and the state of talks with the Law Agents

Ah, the artist in us
"Is law a creative profession?" posts make good reading

Correspondence on change to adjourned SGM date
SLAS letter alleging impropriety in procedure and the Society's reply

McGrigors to propose amendment at adjourned Society SGM
Richard Masters explains the thinking behind his compromise proposal

Trust must be earned
The Society's reaction to the referendum result suggests it still misjudges the strength of feeling against ABS

It's good to talk
Result means only way forward on ABS is to find common ground

Ian Smart on the ABS referendum result
President insists that Council policy will be informed by both referendum and SGM

Hopes and fears on ABS
Is it taking the plunge or jumping off a cliff?

The SGM: who said what
Main points from today's debate

All quiet on the western front?
SGM adjourns for talks: could we see consensus yet?

How to tighten up the bill
Issues on which the Society intends to press for amendments to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

“March on Murrayfield”: Anderson replies
Further comments on business ownership and professional independence

The Master Policy: a question for the profession
Whether and how far to bring licensed providers under the Master Policy is being carefully considered by the Society – views are invited

Regulation, new style
The solicitors who work in ABS would be subject to exactly the same professional rules and standards as all solicitors are now

"March on Murrayfield": D&W response
A response to Gilbert Anderson's comments on what was said at public meetings

Polling runs from today
The referendum is open for voting from 23 March until 7 April. Members should receive instructions today

ABS roadshow presentations online
Edinburgh event available to view

External ownership: can we really regulate?
A contrary view to the first three articles posted, based on the difficulties in making regulation work