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Stay curious - and stand for the Law Society Council
In her blog, Law Society Council member Arlene Gibbs explains how curiosity encouraged her to stand to represent solicitors in Aberdeenshire in 2023- and encourages members to consider standing for current vacancies in three local constituencies.
Law Society launches WIDEN network
Our Equality and Diversity Manager, Elaine MacGlone, provides an update on the recent launch of a new network to support best practice in equity, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Meet our new Head of AML: Gemma Turnbull
Gemma Turnbull joined the Law Society in January as our new Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML). In our Q&A, find out more about Gemma, what she thinks is the biggest risk facing the legal profession today and her one piece of advice on AML to all members.
Getting us all in the room where it happens
As we mark the Society's 75th anniversary, our Head of Diversity, Lindsay Jack, reflects on equity within the profession, why diversity is an overused word and how we get to a point where it’s no longer part of the conversation.
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.
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.
How technology can positively impact risk management
Steven Thomson from Morton Fraser MacRoberts and former winner of the Innovation Cup Competition discusses the changes to this year’s competition and why you should enter.
Setting the foundation: How we created a university course for paralegals
In the first of three blog posts, Head of Commercial Services at the Law Society, Jim McKay, shares how we went from an idea – a university course for paralegals – to working with Robert Gordon University to bring the concept to life.
Roundtable events dig below the surface of criminal justice reforms
In recent months we've organised two roundtable events to bring together a diverse range of views on the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.
A guide to climate lawyering: How you can use your day job to save the planet
In honour of our 75th anniversary and Earth Day, Hannah L Moneagle showcases how you can use your skills and knowledge as a solicitor to save the planet.
Bridging the gap from law student to solicitor
Amanjit Uppal and Patricia Taylor from the Scottish Young Lawyer's Association explain why the association exists and what it offers to university students studying Scots law.
Women and IP: Looking at the stats
This World IP Day, Law Society of Scotland Intellectual Property Committee member, Susan Ferguson-Snedden, reflects on the gender balance in IP law and what we can do to support progress.
Some employability tips for law students
Our Head of Education Rob Marrs has come up with his six top tips to help law students to kick start their legal careers.
An illegal invasion one year on – remaining steadfast
Our President Murray Etherington marks the solemn milestone of one year since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine began by pledging ongoing solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine and reflecting on the vital importance of the rule of law.
Supporting Ukrainian lawyers and forming friendships
Rob Marrs didn't know much about Ukraine when Russia's invasion began, but he's since helped build a sense of community for Ukrainian lawyers seeking sanctuary in Scotland and formed new friendships along the way.
Holocaust Memorial Day – remembrance and vigilance
On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember what the survivors have told us – what they remember. But we also remain vigilant to ensure human rights remain protected to honour the memory and sacrifice of those who died and respect those who survived.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diane McGiffen on International Women's Day
Our Chief Executive Diane McGiffen writes on International Women's Day about two new initiatives to help the Scottish legal profession #BreakTheBias