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AML Roundup June 2020
It is particularly important in these difficult times, that we maintain a clear focus on our AML measures and requirements and with that in mind, we wanted to bring you a round up of AML news and events.
Peebles High pupils win Dewar Debate final
Two pupils from Peebles High School have won the grand final of this year’s national Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Prospective students and universities warned of challenging times ahead for traineeships
With a record high number of students applying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice this year, the Law Society has written to accredited providers and provided guidance to prospective students about the difficulties there may be in finding a traineeship next summer.
Unified tribunal essential in creating a person-centred approach to mental health law
The creation of a new, unified tribunal empowered to look at a full range of remedies under mental health law would enable individuals’ cases to be dealt with in a prompt, holistic and person-centred way.
New Law Society President ready for challenges ahead
Leading the profession as we come out of the Coronavirus lockdown, promoting the principles of equality and diversity, the value of a viable, strong legal profession to civil society and pressing for a robust, modern regulatory system will be key issues in the year ahead, according to the new President of the Law Society of Scotland.
Solicitors approve reduction to cost of practising, in support of Society’s £2.2m financial support package
A reduction to the practising certificate fee for 2020-21 was approved by solicitors today, at the Law Society of Scotland’s first ever virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Gender equality roundtables findings published
The findings of roundtables examining key gender equality issues and attended by people from across the legal profession have been published today by the Law Society of Scotland.
Philip Yelland retires after 30 years at Law Society
Our Executive Director of Regulation, Philip Yelland, retires after 30 years at the Society
New and familiar faces returned to Law Society Council
New Council members will represent all constituencies involved in this year's elections to the Law Society of Scotland's Council, with familiar faces also returning.
Extension to the ADS reclaim period
Isobel d’Inverno, Convener of our Tax Law Sub-committee discusses legislative changes to the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) and Revenue Scotland’s operations arising from Covid-19
British Business Bank Future Fund
A new Future Fund to support innovative UK companies through the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will open for online applications on Wednesday 20 May.
Covid-19 testing for the Scottish legal profession
The Scottish Government has expanded the testing programme in Scotland and we are keen to ensure that our members understand what is available, where and how to find out if they are eligible.
Rachel joins Law Society top team
Rachel Wood joins the Law Society of Scotland next week as our new Executive Director of Regulation.
£2.2 million package of financial support for Scottish solicitors
The Law Society of Scotland has announced an "unprecedented" package of financial support for members in recognition of the critical situation which faces individuals and firms.
Registers of Scotland digital submission service
We have updated our property guidance in light of the launch of Registers of Scotland's digital submission service, which will enable Scottish solicitors to submit scanned deeds for registration with effect from Monday 27 April 2020.
Gradual extension of court business is positive development for access to justice
The staggered reopening of the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) for civil business will have a positive impact on access to justice for the vulnerable families, individuals and businesses served by the Scottish legal profession, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Newest legal technology specialist accredited by the Law Society
Legal technology specialist Andre Boyle has been awarded Accredited Legal Technologist status by the Law Society of Scotland.
Update on civil business
Our chief executive, Lorna Jack, has now written to the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service with feedback on their urgent civil business protocol gathered from members of our Civil Justice Committee.
Jury trials should continue with safety measures in place
Feedback from a working group led by the Law Society has been submitted to the Scottish Government in response to their discussion paper on options for criminal jury trials during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Opportunities now open to join Law Society Council
The annual elections to the Law Society’s Council are to go ahead, and Scottish solicitors across the country are being invited to stand for nomination. There are eleven seats available across four constituencies.
Scottish business community calls for clarity, consistency and cooperation in Covid-19 response
The Society has joined a number of organisations within Scotland's business community to call for clarity, consistency and cooperation in Covid-19 response.
Statement on efforts to produce guidance for property sales
Guidance has now been agreed and published to enable interim measures introduced by Registers of Scotland to allow some urgent property transactions to settle this week. Ahead of that guidance Law Society President John Mulholland talked about the work which went into preparing it.
Stakeholder talks following suspension of the Applications Record
Following the Prime Minister's statement on Monday 23, Registers of Scotland suspended the Applications Record of the Land Register which means that they are no longer accepting applications for registration of titles. The Law Society is in talks with RoS to scope out possible ways forward.
Homeworking hacks: our starter for 10
What do you need to think about as a colleague, manager or leader to help manage stress, increase mood and motivation when you’re working from home? Here's our starter for 10.