Law Society news
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Diversity data offers most complete picture of profession yet
Diversity data collected for the first time as part of the annual Practising Certificate renewal process offers a valuable insight into today’s Scottish legal profession.
Angus wins 2021 In-house Rising Star Award
In-house solicitor Angus Niven has been crowned as the Society's in-house rising star of 2021.
End of an era for Law Society as Chief Exec announces retiral
Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive Lorna Jack has today announced that she will retire from the organisation at the end of 2021 after 13 years in post.
Peebles High School wins national debating tournament for second year in a row
Thomas Dunmur and Laura Eggleton of Peebles High School have been crowned Scotland’s best young debaters, after winning the grand final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2020/21, organised by the Law Society of Scotland.
Legal aid trainee fund launches
The Scottish Government’s £1 million fund to support 40 legal aid traineeships in Scotland has opened to applicants.
Recommended trainee pay held for second year
The recommended rates of pay for trainee solicitors will not change for the second year in a row, due to the ongoing economic impact of coronavirus, the Society has confirmed.
Law Society makes UK Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces index
The Law Society of Scotland has been named one of the UK's Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces at the National Centre for Diversity's 2021 FREDIE Awards.
Scottish solicitor at heart of Malawi independence story receives Law Society lifetime honorary membership
An eminent Scottish solicitor, who was instrumental in establishing the independence of Malawi, will be awarded honorary life membership of the Law Society of Scotland later today.
New report confirms alarm of Scottish solicitors over discharges to care homes
A report published by the Mental Welfare Commission confirms concerns previously raised by the Law Society's Mental Health and Disability Committee about the circumstances in which the transfers of vulnerable people from hospital to care homes were carried out.
Statement on the nomination of Keith Brown as Cabinet Secretary for Justice
Keith Brown MSP has been nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice.
Joint statement in support of lawyers in China
Joint statement by the Law Societies of Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland.
Continued financial support for Scottish solicitors to support business recovery
Our Council has agreed a proposal, which will be considered at next month's AGM, for the practising certificate fee for all solicitors in 2021/22 to be 10% less than the pre-pandemic amount.
Any change of verdicts must be consistent with principles of Scottish justice system
As Scottish Parliament election candidates pledge to review the not proven verdict, Law Society President Amanda Millar warns that principles of Scottish criminal justice system must be maintained.
Law Society Council nomination period opens
From Lerwick to London, Scottish solicitors from across the country are being invited to stand for nomination to the Law Society of Scotland’s Council.
SLCC budget change must mark start of a change in approach
Law Society President Amanda Millar responds to SLCC announcement of budget and levy for 2021/22.
5% legal aid fee increase is a first step, not a fix
Today (22 March) marks the introduction of a 5% increase in legal aid fees, but Law Society President Amanda Millar warns that this is just the first step on a journey.
Scottish Legal Complaints Commission “costing more for doing less”
We have submitted the Law Society's response to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission's budget and levy proposals for 2021/22.
National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership report published
The report and recommendations set out a statutory framework for human rights, but Scotland's record on human rights should never be taken for granted.
LGBT+ History Month: Equality for all under the law
In a statement to mark the end of LGBT+ History Month, Law Society President, Amanda Millar confirms the Society's principles for equality for all under the law and our belief in the worth, value and inclusion of all trans people in the legal profession and wider society.
Maintaining respect for the rule of law in public debate
In public debate it is important to continue to respect the rule of law and our independent legal system, says Amanda Millar, President of the Society.
Eight new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Eight solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by the Law Society of Scotland’s Council, have been introduced to the Court at a virtual ceremony on 19 February.
Scottish Government legal aid resilience fund open
We're encouraging legal aid firms to look closely at the criterial for the Coronavirus Resilience and Recovery Fund for legal aid and apply if they are eligible.
Racial Inclusion Group launches
The Law Society of Scotland’s new Racial Inclusion Group has officially launched, with Tatora Mukushi, a solicitor with Shelter Scotland, appointed as convener.
Traineeship numbers hit by pandemic
Our latest figures show that the number of traineeships offered by solicitors fell by more than a quarter in the last practice year, as the effect of the coronavirus pandemic took its toll.