Blogs & opinions

Lesson from a much valued status
The Society hopes to strengthen the links with members abroad, who still value their "brand"

Talking up the market?
How much of a revival in housing can we expect to see?

Fine tuning
Inspectorate's report on fiscal fines answers some but not all questions

Shutting the stable door
Proposed financial services supervision is partial restoration of common sense

Staff have needs too
Legal firms are adopting pragmatic responses to the present economic difficulties, but these should focus as much on the needs of staff as on the structure of the business

Choosing the ground
Any review of solicitor advocates and rights of audience has to be seen to be impartial

Plenty of meat in this one
Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill gives Holyrood something to chew over

Claiming from the needy
How much should the Government be able to reclaim when benefit errors are made?

The price of extended rights
Solicitor advocates right to support call for review

Free speech needs consistency
Why ban Geert Wilders when his film is still being screened?

Four heads better than one
UK and Irish law societies sharing ideas to help members through recession

Judicious language
Sheriff's reported remarks would have been good test for new law

Time to move on
Debate about business models should be "how" rather than "whether"

"Double jeopardy" looks safe for now
Despite the fuss, the ancient principle has plenty of life

Another step forward with the new chief
Lorna Jack appointment should help break down barriers

This paper could have the right mix
Bureaucracy under control in regulation proposals

Impressions of a Homecomer
First thoughts of the Society's new Chief Executive, Lorna Jack

Time for positive thoughts
Welcome to a year with more to keep us guessing than most

Crunch turns the tables
No recovery until lenders get their act together

Can we legislate to keep people out of jail?
How far can the Scottish Government go beyond what is already the law?

Legal aid savings should be reinvested
Readers of the Scottish Legal Aid Board's annual report should look beyond the headline figures

Quiet life at 60
UN Declaration anniversary has been surprisingly low key

Trust thy neighbour
What will be the safeguards against abuse of the relaxed planning regime for domestic alterations?

High Street Conference feedback
Event to boost smaller firms provided a "positive view of the future"