Blogs & opinions
2022 Debate Champions Reflections Blog
Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament champions, Aimee Ross and Orla McMichael of Fortrose Academy share how their interest in debating started.
Ransomware Payments and GDPR
Read our blog following advice from the ICO on ransomware attacks and the risks that paying a ransom can create through incentivising further harmful behaviour rather than guaranteeing the safe return of data.
Journal editorial December 2022
Many solicitors are feeling cost of living pressures too, adding to workplace stress, and now is the time to ensure a supportive workplace
Working towards a more accessible and equitable profession
Ahead of International Day of People with Disabilities on 3 December, we spoke with trainee solicitors Fraser Mackay and Thomas McGovern to find out more about their plans and progress in setting up a group to support disabled solicitors and law students.
I’m dreaming of a mindful Christmas...
Christmas is a special time of year for a lot of people but for a lot of us, it can also be a very stressful time. Ashleigh Halpin, offers an insight into mindfulness and how it can help with stress.
No man is an island – it’s time to talk
Ahead of International Men’s Day on 19 November, 2022, Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group member Gordon Lennox reflects on the benefits of men having a safe place to talk about mental health.
Helping firms while protecting clients - a committee champion
Paul Faris is a member of the Client Protection Sub-Committee and was previously a Claims Manager at Scottish Provident.
Journal editorial November 2022
The squeeze on public spending is likely to mean difficult times ahead for the justice budget, with potential impact on the profession
Why leading by example matters for wellbeing
Olivia Moore, Careers & Wellbeing Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, kicks off our blog series tackling some of the questions we received during our recent annual conference session on wellbeing, by discussing the importance of leading by example.
Journal editorial October 2022: Changed spots?
With or without the British Bill of Rights Bill, the profession should look out for acts by the Truss Government that may limit human rights
Reflections on the link between mindfulness and community, to mark World Mental Health Day 2022
Ashleigh Halpin, a HR and Mindfulness consultant who recently hosted a session for Lawscot Wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week, reminds us of the importance of mindful interaction for World Mental Health Day.
First year trainee roadshows are back
Olivia Moore, Careers & Wellbeing Manager, talks about the events we're running for new first year trainees in October and why you should sign up (or encourage your trainees to sign up!) and come along.
The Call of Duty: Are you ready to step up and serve on a committee?
Gillian Harkness-McKinlay, member of the Charity Law Sub-Committee at the Society and Director in the Public and Third Sector Team at Anderson Strathern.
Shaping Employment Law | My Committee Experience
Katie Russell – a member of the Employment Law Committee at the Law Society of Scotland and Partner at Burges Salmon LLP – offers some insight into the Employment Law Committee and why she decided to join.
What you need to know about law fairs in 2022
Olivia Moore, Careers & Wellbeing Manager at the Law Society, talks about how students can prepare for a law fair, covers a few things to avoid and gives you all the key dates for your calendar.
Journal editorial September 2022: Tribute to HM The Queen
A tribute to Her late Majesty the Queen, and to "the incomparable power of her example"
Have you thought about your future, should you lose capacity to make your own decisions?
How much thought have you given to your future and what might happen if at some point you lose capacity to make decisions for yourself? Jennifer Paton reflects on the three main pieces of mental health and capacity legislation, their short comings and our comments and contributions in the context of the Mental Health Law Review.
Journal editorial August 2022: Crisis beyond cost?
The scale of the looming cost of living crisis due to energy price rises and other pressures could overwhelm the societal fabric on which many of our rights depend, without radical action
Mindfulness for busy professionals
Ashleigh Halpin – a HR and Mindfulness consultant who recently hosted a session for Lawscot Wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week – offers some further insight into mindfulness and how it can help with stress.
Insider tips for traineeship success – in-house and beyond
Arlene Gibbs, a Vice Convener of the In-house Lawyers Committee and solicitor at Aberdeenshire Council, asked a group of public sector NQ and trainee solicitors what they wish they’d known before starting their in-house traineeships.
Register of Overseas Entities opens
The Society's Property Law Committee Convener John Sinclair provides some guidance on the new Register of Overseas Entities which opened on Monday, 1 August.
Cyber and data security – five legal obligations not to ignore
A short reminder of the measures firms must take to remain compliant and protect their clients.
From diploma to trainee – career break not brake
The road from Diploma to traineeship isn’t always short or straight but, as TC Young solicitor and Scotland hockey play Sarah Jamieson explains in her blog, using the gap between to pursue other interests can have major benefits, both personally and professionally.