Law Society news
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England and Wales funding boost underlines Scottish legal aid crisis
Responding to the UK Government Ministry of Justice proposals for £135m additional funding per year for criminal legal aid in England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland has criticised the lack of progress on resolving the legal aid crisis in Scotland.
Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land
The Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land (RCI) will come into force on 1 April 2022, with a grace period of one year for specified offences.
Resolution on Ukraine and international rule of law
The Society's Council passed a resolution on Ukraine and international rule of law when it met today. Friday, 4 March 2022, which condemned the ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
The Law Society of Scotland emphasises the active role the legal profession must play in sanctions against Russia
The Scottish legal sector must be alert to the implications of the current crisis and has a shared responsibility to comply with UK Government sanctions and present a united front against Russia’s violations of international law.
Law Society of Scotland statement on Ukraine
The Law Society of Scotland condemns the use of force by Russia against Ukraine. International Law is clear that such actions are both legally and morally reprehensible. The invasion of Ukraine is an egregious breach of the rule of law and we support lawful action that will help bring this terrible conflict to an end as swiftly as possible.
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Law Society questions whether the SLCC is going far enough to control costs and provide value for money
Responding to the SLCC's proposed reduction in the levy for solicitors, Ken Dalling, President of the Law Society of Scotland has welcomed the reduction but said that it will still leave the SLCC with a record budget to spend, despite forecasting fewer complaints.
Report into racial inclusion in the Scottish legal profession published
Our report into racial inclusion within the Scottish legal profession has found an increasingly diverse and progressive sector that wants to do more, but is hampered by slow progress, lack of visible minority roles models and experiences of bias.
Irreparable damage to access to justice without immediate action
The Scottish Government’s historic and continued neglect of the Scottish Legal Aid system will result in people who cannot afford legal advice being denied access to justice, according to a letter from the Law Society of Scotland President to the Scottish Government.
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