Law Society news
Victims Bill amendments needed to safeguard criminal justice system
The Law Society of Scotland has urged MSPs to make further changes to proposed criminal justice legislation because of the risk of miscarriages of justice.
Stuart Munro, the Convener of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee, has appeared before the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee to provide Stage 2 evidence on the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.
Law Society’s rise continues in Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers list
The Law Society of Scotland’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognised with an improved ranking in the Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index for 2024. The professional body for Scottish solicitors has been ranked 76th in the 2024 list from the National Centre for Diversity, up from 84th place last year.
New research to support future needs of smaller firms
The Law Society of Scotland has commissioned a new research project to ensure it can best support smaller firms and the essential services they provide.
New system to support junior solicitors wins 2024 Innovation Cup
An online system to assist trainees and junior solicitors in drafting legal correspondence has won the Law Society of Scotland’s 2024 Innovation Cup.
Serena Sutherland nominated as Law Society president-elect 2026-27
Orkney solicitor Serena Sutherland has been nominated as president-elect 2026-27 of the Law Society of Scotland.
The future of zoos decides first round of debating tournament
The first round of a national school debating tournament has kicked off, with students across Scotland debating whether zoos should remain open.
Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive to step down in 2025
Diane McGiffen, our Chief Executive, will step down in April 2025 after over three years in the role. She joined in January 2022, focusing on supporting the solicitor profession and acting in the public interest.
Double admissions ceremony breaks record for new Scottish solicitors
A new record has been set for the number of Scottish solicitors formally admitted to the profession in a single day.
Social mobility champion and property law pioneer awarded honorary membership
A champion for social mobility within Scotland’s legal profession and a moderniser of Scottish conveyancing have been awarded honorary membership of the professional body for Scottish solicitors.
New career heights reached for Law Society members
A select number of the Law Society of Scotland's members have achieved new heights in their careers as they have been accredited in their chosen fields.
SLAB report confirms that legal aid remains in crisis
Newly released data from the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) suggests that demand for legal aid support is no longer able to be met by the shrinking pool of solicitors working in the scheme.
Law Society and Faculty jointly intervene in UK Supreme Court case
The Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates have jointly intervened in relation to an important principle in Scottish criminal law that is central to a United Kingdom Supreme Court case.
Six inspiring winners of inaugural Legal Pioneer Award
Six inspiring members of the Scottish legal sector have been announced as the inaugural winners of the Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Pioneers Award, which was launched to mark the Society's 75th anniversary.
Rule of law and independence of the legal profession key themes at Annual Conference
The critical importance of the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession were among the key themes considered at the Law Society of Scotland’s Annual Conference. The final day of the keynote event for the professional body for Scottish solicitors was held as a hybrid event in Edinburgh on Thursday, 31 October.
Restricting Complaints Guidance in practice
Following the introduction of new Law Society of Scotland Guidance on restricting complaints, Convener of the Society's Professional Practice Committee, Austin Lafferty has commented on how this will apply to solicitors in practice.
AML annual supervisory report 2024
The Law Society of Scotland’s annual anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory report highlights the range of AML initiatives undertaken between April 2023 and April 2024.
Law Society welcomes scrapping of juryless trials proposal
The Law Society of Scotland says the Scottish Government has made the correct decision in scrapping its plans for juryless trials for sexual offences.
Solicitors concerned at court’s ruling on corroboration
The Law Society of Scotland says that a judgement from the High Court of Justiciary marks a significant change to the longstanding rules around corroboration in criminal cases that will likely have far-reaching consequences.
Scottish firms’ AML-related work nears £700m
Almost £700 million of gross fees across Scottish legal firms in 2023 related to work falling under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, analysis of the latest AML Certificate has shown.
New guide navigates AI challenges for Scottish solicitors
A new guide has been launched to help Scottish solicitors navigate the growing range of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) products while avoiding potential risks posed to their businesses and clients.
Concerns raised over AML Certificate data accuracy
The anti-money laundering (AML) sub-committee has called on Scottish legal practices to improve the accuracy of their AML Certificate data or risk disciplinary action.
Law Society members achieve career milestones
Congratulations are in order for 27 members of the Law Society of Scotland who have been recognised in their areas of practice.
Law Society of Scotland pays tribute to Iain Doran
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to Scottish solicitor and committee member Iain Doran who recently passed away.
Tribute to former Law Society President Norman Stewart
Susan Murray, President of the Law Society of Scotland, has paid tribute to Norman Stewart, President of the Society in 1985/86.