Law Society news
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Qualified one way cost shifting update
Delays to the commencement of Qualified One Way Costs Shifting (QOCS) rules have been brought about by the introduction of group proceedings rules, Brexit, Covid and resourcing pressures. The rules are now under active consideration by the relevant SCJC members and the anticipated commencement date, is around mid-June.
Potential industrial action by Procurators Fiscal
An indicative ballot of FDA members in the Crown Office showed that 90% of respondents were in favour of strike action. Law Society, President Amanda Millar says that this shows how significant these solicitors' concerns have become.
Legal aid support package a positive step forward
The Scottish Government has confirmed details of a revised package of legal aid support. Our President, Amanda Millar, has welcomed the package as a positive step forward.
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Law Society pays tribute to Professor Robert Rennie
The Society's president Amanda Millar has paid tribute to Emeritus Professor Robert Rennie who has died recently after a short illness.
Revised National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
HM Treasury has published an updated UK National Risk Assessment (NRA) of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. Find out the key risks and actions required.
Response to Lord President statement on court business
Even with reduced court business from 12 January 2021 announced by the Lord President, more work must be done to ensure all of Scotland's court estate is safe for users.
Climate change and the Scottish legal profession
Our COP26 and climate change working group surveyed members about what the profession thinks are the key climate change issues.
Workloads increasing but law firm finances yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels
Our recent survey highlights that while workloads for Scottish legal firms have increased since the early part of lockdown, turnover has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Social media updated guidance
The Technology Law and Practice Committee has developed a refreshed set of tips and tricks to help you gain the most out of social media opportunities, while at the same time helping keep you cyber-secure, navigating the safer online path, and avoiding the hidden social media platform pitfalls. As an introduction, check out their golden rules of thumb to avoid potentially serious issues, embrace a clear online strategy, and benefit from social media as a legal professional.
First fully virtual Dewar Debate kicks off
The first fully virtual Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, organised by the Law Society of Scotland, has kicked off, with pupils from across Scotland taking part online in the opening round of the contest.
FinTech Scotland, ScotlandIS and LawscotTech to build strong digital economy through collaborative clusters initiative
FinTech Scotland, ScotlandIS and LawscotTech are to take a collaborative cluster approach to building strong digital economy in Scotland
Court protests show ‘clear and understandable’ frustration among solicitors
Commenting on today’s protest action by court solicitors, President of the Law Society of Scotland, Amanda Millar said, “The frustration being felt by the profession across Scotland is clear and completely understandable. Over recent days, I have seen some legal aid solicitors in tears, fearful of the future and angry at a system which does not seem to care.
Murray Etherington sole nominee to become Law Society President in 2022
Dundee-based solicitor Murray Etherington has been nominated as a future President of the Law Society of Scotland at today's meeting of the Council.
Evidence required to show lockdown hospital discharges were lawful
We have called on the Scottish Government to release data showing the legal basis for moving hospital patients to care homes at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, due to the lack of information in a recent Public Health Scotland report.
Price transparency guidance to come into effect in January 2021
Guidance for Scottish solicitors on publishing pricing aims to help consumers better understand the cost of legal advice and services is due to come into effect in January 2021.
Law Society of Scotland calls for action to reform crofting law
We have published recommendations in relation to the law of crofting and urged the Scottish Government to take prompt action to reform the law.
AML Certificate results 2019
Our Anti-Money Laundering Risk Manager, Fraser Sinclair provides an update on the key insights and analysis from the data you provided in this year's AML Certificate.
Human rights lawyer appointed to Law Society Council
The co-founder of a human rights and equality charity is the first to be appointed to a brand new seat on the Law Society of Scotland Council to represent third sector solicitors. Kirsty Thomson, partner and director of JustRight Scotland, will take up the new role when she joins the Society’s Council next month. Her appointment was confirmed today, Friday 16 October.
Menopause resource launched to support Scottish legal profession
The Law Society of Scotland, in partnership with Peppy Health, has launched a comprehensive menopause support resource, designed to help individuals and firms access the support that they need.
Change of responsibility for intimation of defence petitions
There will be a change in responsibility for intimation of defence petitions to recover sensitive records in sheriff court criminal proceedings from Monday 12 October 2020.
Senior lawyers to Pass the Badge on World Mental Health Day
A group of senior figures from Scotland’s legal profession are to ‘Pass the Badge’ to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Law Society publishes new guide on setting up in-house
The Society has published a helpful new guide on setting up an in-house team for the first time in an organisation