Law Society news
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Law Society invites nominations for Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Council member
Nominations are now invited for solicitors aspiring to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing their colleagues in the Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy constituency.
Feedback invited on external walls assessment form
Scottish solicitors are invited to comment on the Scottish Government’s first iteration of an external wall appraisal form.
Urgent need for justice sector reform highlighted by Scottish Parliament report
The Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee report into reforming the criminal justice sector is an important recognition of critical issues facing the sector and the urgency required for solutions.
Simple free checklist wins this year’s Innovation Cup
A comprehensive and cost-free checklist to check a property’s title when buying a domestic property is the winner of this year’s Innovation Cup.
Conveyancing Direct FAQs
Conveyancing Direct has ceased to practice. The Law Society has been appointed to access all of the files, documentation and the client account and have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Law Society comment on Human Rights Act Reform
In response to the UK Government’s publication of proposals to reform the UK Human Rights Act, the Law Society of Scotland has said while it is reassuring that the proposed Bill of Rights will retain substantive rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), it will be vital to ensure that some existing rights are not diminished.
Sheila Webster confirmed as 2023/24 president elect of the Law Society of Scotland
Edinburgh commercial litigation solicitor, Sheila Webster has been confirmed as the Law Society of Scotland’s 2023-24 president elect, today, Friday 10 December 2021.
Sheila will assume her new role in May 2022 succeeding current Vice President, Murray Etherington when he takes up the reins from current President of the Law Society of Scotland, Ken Dalling.
Solicitors protest reform of a system at breaking point
Our President, Ken Dalling, reiterates that the Scottish Government must take action on legal aid.
Paisley Greenock and Kilmarnock by-election to be held for Law Society Council
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing the Greenock, Kilmarnock and Paisley constituency. The previous Council member, Waqqas Ashraf, resigned his seat after setting up his own practice in the Glasgow constituency.
Public trust in Scottish solicitors remains high
New figures showing over 90% client satisfaction with Scottish solicitors represent a ‘huge vote of confidence’ in the profession.
Nominations for 2023/24 president elect
Philip Lafferty, Susan Murray and Sheila Webster have been nominated as 2023/24 president elect of the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society says proposed court rules are premature and lack solid evidence base
The Scottish Civil Justice Committee’s (SCJC) consultation on rules covering the mode of attendance at court hearings is premature and without a solid evidence base to inform the proposed rules, according to our response.
Updated SCTS Court Guidance
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has provided an update on Court Guidance, for the Supreme Courts, Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts, effective from Monday 15 November.
Diane McGiffen announced as next CEO
Diane McGiffen will be appointed as our new chief executive. She succeeds Lorna Jack, who will leave after 13 years at the professional body of Scottish solicitors.
Law Society of Scotland calls for an explanation for weekend court incident
Our President, Ken Dalling, calls for an explanation after reports of a solicitor being removed from Edinburgh Sheriff Court
Declining to appear in custody cases update
Our Director of Professional Practice, Fiona Robb clarifies the implications of declining to appear in custody cases with reference to our rules and guidance.
AML annual report 2021
We have updated our AML Supervisory Annual Report building on the interim version published in February 2021.
With a foreword from our CEO, Lorna Jack, the report highlights the work we have undertaken between April 2020 and April 2021 in fulfilling our supervisory obligations as per the requirements of the Money Laundering Regulations 2019.
AML Certificate results 2020
Our Anti-Money Laundering Risk Manager, Bob Clark provides an update on the key insights and analysis from the data you provided in this year's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate.
Law Society of Scotland achieves AML levy exemption for majority of Scottish law firms
In a positive response to pressure applied by the Law Society of Scotland, plans to introduce a new economic crime levy will see 97% of Scottish law firms exempted.
Law Society of Scotland shortlisted for UK Covid Response Award
We have been shortlisted for a national UK award for our work to support our members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Five new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Five Scottish solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by our Council to become solicitor advocates, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony at Parliament House.
Full implications of change must be considered as solicitors show strong support for the not proven verdict
Results of a recent survey of the profession on the Not Proven verdict show support for not proven to be retained.
Court business plan in level 0
Law Society President, Ken Dalling, responds to the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service's briefing on court business once Scotland moves into level 0.