Blogs & opinions

Inside view
How work experience at the Society convinced one young student that he wants to be a solicitor

Bonuses within bounds
Regulation is likely to be more workable than taxation

Compassion with dignity
Justice Secretary gives good account of himself with Lockerbie decision

Megrahi: decision time
Abandoning of appeal opens way for system to show a humane face

Opportunity knocks – US style
Scots and American lawyers in New York and Chicago are open to ideas for building links

Giving up the paper round
Research into lawyers' means of communication should throw up some interesting findings

Assisting assisted suicide
The Purdy appeal decision may help bring reform, but does not require legal change

Access advantage?
Recession pressures could make it more likely that those with the right connections win through

Bucking the "elitism" trend
Engaging with schools and universities enables the Society to widen access to the Scottish profession

The Parliament: a real difference
In its first 10 years, the Scottish Parliament has made a huge impact on Scots law

Hong Kong – a place to do business
Society's breakfast briefing shows the opportunities on offer

Climate change: kicking and screaming
Irrespective of global warming, are the measures in the Climate Change Bill not desirable in themselves?

Devolution: into the next decade
Calman report is material for serous debate

Debaters give us confidence – and a challenge
Quality of the Society's Donald Dewar competition final shows that Scotland has talent for the future – can the profession benefit?

The purpose of prison
Retiring Chief Inspector's report contains some home truths

Tackle prejudice in all its forms
We need to dispel the confusion that two-tier justice is being created by "hate crime" laws

Taking concerns seriously
The Society must be seen to be listening to, and working for, its members following the support shown at yesterday's AGM

Transparency at work
Society wins the budget vote, but has to promise clearer figures

Heads and hearts
We all like to pay less, but do the arguments for the Flint motion stand up?

Rights across the board
The contrasting human rights issues in the news this week should make us reflect

How far can we cut the PC fee?
Solicitors should consider the level of representation and service they want from the Society

Regulation, a blessing in disguise
After this week's news, no one should doubt the value of close supervision

Class event
60th anniversary conference lived up to its billing

Conference impressions
A successful reception at Edinburgh Castle yesterday was followed by a stirring start to the 60th anniversary conference from the two leading law officers