Blogs & opinions
Risks to mental health in the workplace
As World Mental Health Day approaches on 10 October Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO of LawCare, delves into the topic of psychosocial risks, telling us what they are and offering some practical steps to mitigate risks in the workplace.
Countdown to the conference - an insight into the upcoming RSA panel session
Andrea Steer, Head of Operations & Proposition at RSA Risk Consulting gives an insight into what to expect from a panel session led by RSA at the Law Society Annual Conference 2023. With a handpicked panel of guest speakers specialising in mental health, the panel will share their insights, experience and knowledge of these key issues facing the workforce in today’s legal profession. This is one not to miss.
Journal editorial September 2023
Perceptions are said to be important in considering whether conflicts of interest exist in regulation of the legal profession, but these differ widely in submissions on the bill
The power of connection in the legal profession
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, our Careers and Wellbeing Manager Lou Murphy considers how connecting with colleagues can help you, others, and the profession as a whole.
From trainee Accredited Paralegal to Committee member – how I upskilled with the Society’s accreditation.
Susan Handyside, Governance Manager at Lothian Pensions Fund and recent member of the Accredited Paralegal Committee discusses her journey to accreditation and her first few months as a committee member.
Can in-house lawyers use their ESG powers to save the world?
Chris Knudsen, Global Legal Counsel at Too Good To Go (TGTG) and the winner of 2023's In-House Rising Star Award, shares his story on joining a BCorp and how lawyers can advocate for an Environmental, Social, and Governance-positive business model (ESG).
Four reasons why you should say yes as a Law Student!
Ava Hopkins, fourth year LLB student at the University of Strathclyde tells us why saying yes to opportunities can set you up for success in your legal career.
South Asian Heritage Month: Embracing dual identity in modern Scotland
In the last of our blogs for this year's South Asian Heritage Month and its theme 'Stories to tell', Anoop Joshi, VP, Legal & Platform Integrity at Trustpilot, shares what it's like to balance and weave together two cultural heritages and identities.
A right to review: the role of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2023
Alison McNab, a solicitor and legal officer at the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, in preparation for an upcoming webinar highlights the role of the Commission and some of its recent casework.
Accredited and Trainee Paralegals - Get more out of your CPD
Laura McBain, the Law Society's Member Services Coordinator and Secretary to the Accredited Paralegal Committee, highlights how trainee and Accredited Paralegals can get the most out of their CPD.
Journal editorial August 2023
We should be alive to the danger of letting dubious arguments for freedom prevent necessary measures against climate change
South Asian Heritage Month: Growing up with Punjabi culture
For South Asian Heritage Month, Simon Roudh, a solicitor at Morton Fraser LLP, shares how his family's Punjabi heritage has shaped his life.
Reflecting on Pride 2023
Our Equality and Diversity Manager, Elaine MacGlone, looks back on this year's packed Pride schedule.
South Asian Heritage Month: Memories of Eid
As part of South Asian Heritage Month's theme 'Stories to tell', Amna Ashraf, a senior associate at Burness Paull LLP and Law Society of Scotland Council member, shares her memories of Eid.
Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month
South Asian Heritage Month kicks off today, to commemorate and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities. Amerdeep Kaur, a solicitor at Drummond Miller LLP and member of the Law Society of Scotland's Equality and Diversity Committee, explains what celebrating the month means to her.
Adjudication enforcement – some recent decisions of the Scottish courts
As part of our collaboration with Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Kenneth Salmon MCIArb, looks at three recent cases in which the validity and enforcement of adjudicators’ awards was contested and considered.
Journal editorial July 2023
Troubles continue for Scots criminal defence lawyers, now added to by problems delivering custody accused to court in a system under strain
Experienced practitioner? Thinking of your next career step?
Becoming a Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialist is an excellent way to confirm your specialist status and showcase your skills and knowledge. Find out more about taking the next step to becoming accredited.
Unlock your career's potential with a mentor
Law Society of Scotland Careers and Outreach Coordinator Georgia Turnbull outlines how matching up with a mentor can help you find and navigate the career path that's right for you.
LSAG anti-money laundering guidance update: employee screening process
Our Member Benefit partner Amiqus explains the Legal Sector Affinity Group's latest anti-money laundering guidance update.
Why you should enter the Innovation Cup
Matthew Thomson from Lockton, the brokers for the Law Society’s professional indemnity insurance Master Policy, shares the benefits of putting innovation at the forefront of risk management and why you should enter the Innovation Cup.
Journal editorial June 2023
The flaws coming to light in the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill suggest that those in charge of it have not fully grasped how the profession currently operates and is regulated
Taming the overtime monster for work-life balance
Andrew Laing, Solicitor and Health & Wellbeing Champion at COPFS and member of the Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group, talks about the motivation for moving away from a long-hours culture, in response to another question we received from our 2022 annual conference.