Law Society news
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Record-breaking trend continues for new solicitor traineeships
The Scottish legal sector is currently on track to record its highest ever number of solicitor traineeships in a year, maintaining the momentum from a record-breaking 2021.
Solicitor Accounts Rules consultation launched
The Law Society of Scotland is seeking law firm cashroom managers'/solicitors’ views on proposals to update its current Accounts Rules.
The proposed changes aim to modernise the rules and where possible, simplify requirements placed on members while ensuring continued high professional standards and robust protection for the public.
Scottish Government must address unregulated deprivations of liberty
The Scottish Government’s continued failure to ensure deprivations of liberty are appropriately regulated must be addressed as a matter of priority, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society highlight deep concerns in responses to Scottish Government's Not Proven Consultation
Stuart Munro, Convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Criminal Law Committee has responded to the Scottish Government's publication and analysis of responses to its Not Proven Consultation and highlighted some deep concerns from those with the greatest understanding of our justice system.
New report demonstrates consensus on the need to reform legal services regulation in Scotland
The Scottish Government has published its analysis of responses to its recent consultation on reforming the regulation of legal services. We welcome the high level of agreement from respondents on improving regulatory processes.
The 2022 In-House Rising Star winner announced
Mariel Kaney, Deputy Legal Secretary to the Lord President’s Private Office has been named the winner of the Law Society of Scotland’s In-House Rising Star Award 2022.
Law Society comment on the First Minister's plans for a second Scottish independence referendum
Murray Etherington, President of the Law Society of Scotland has commented on the First Minister's statement today on the Scottish Government's plans for a second Scottish independence referendum.
Human rights must not be diminished by Bill of Rights
The Law Society of Scotland has said that existing rights of those living in the UK must not be diminished by the the Bill of Rights Bill introduced by the UK Government.
Vienna Declaration standing for the Rule of Law in Europe
The Law Society of Scotland has joined its legal peers across Europe in signing the Vienna Declaration in Support of the Rule of Law.
Expression of interest: Child interview rights practitioners
The Scottish Government intends to create and maintain a register of child interview rights practitioner (ChIRPs) and are inviting expressions of interest for children’s solicitors to support children in investigative interviews.
Two Shortlisted for the In-House Rising Star Award 2022
The annual Law Society of Scotland In-House Rising Star Award is back, and two Scottish solicitors have been shortlisted for this year’s award from six nominations.
Search is on for most innovative risk management idea
We have launched our search for the latest bright idea in risk management within the Scottish legal profession today, Monday, 13 June
Fortrose Academy wins Dewar Debate final at Scottish Parliament
Scotland’s best young debaters have been crowned, with pupils from Fortrose Academy winning the grand final of this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Nominations open for Aberdeenshire Council member
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society's Council, representing members in the Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven constituency.
Reform must ensure that law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness
The Law Society of Scotland has called for legal reforms to ensure that the law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness.
Law Society leads the way with Investors in Diversity accreditation
The Law Society of Scotland has been awarded a prestigious Investors in Diversity accreditation, underlining its record of leading workplace best practice for the Scottish legal profession.
Law Society of Scotland celebrates Pride Month
We wish a Happy Pride to all LGBTQ+ plus people working in the legal profession and beyond. During the month we'll be hosting an inclusion event and supporting members and others attending Pride events across the country.
New Law Society President brings chambers perspective to role
Murray Etherington will formally take over the role of President from Ken Dalling at a meeting of the Society’s governing Council today.
Scottish solicitors approve uplift to practising certificate fee
Solicitors approved an increase to the practising certificate fee at the Society's AGM on 26 May 2022. The PC fee had been substantially discounted over the previous two years, as part of a £2.2 million financial package designed to support the profession through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moveable Transactions Bill
Long awaited new legislation aimed at reforming the law of moveable transactions has been published in draft today. Moveable transactions reform is intended to enable smaller businesses to use their assets as security against lower cost loans, and so such reform is a welcome development, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Human rights must be at the core of proposals for law reform around advance choices and medical decision-making
Deficiencies in Scots law around advance choices, and medical decision-making in intensive care situations, put human rights in jeopardy, according to a Law Society of Scotland report.
Supporting International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Our office bearers have an important message, standing up for gender diversity and freedom on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Law Society Council proposes PC fee lower than pre-pandemic in real terms
Following a two-year financial support package for Scottish solicitors to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Society's Council is proposing a practising certificate fee of £585, which is 8% lower in real terms compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Solicitor advocate first celebrated with new senators
The Law Society of Scotland has congratulated John Scott as he today takes the precedent-setting step from solicitor advocate to senator of the College of Justice.