Law Society news
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100 days until the transition period ends
With 100 days to go until the end of the transition period, Michael Barnier, Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom, warns that ‘Nobody should underestimate the practical, economic and social consequences of a “no deal” scenario."
External wall systems update September 2020
Law Society of Scotland Property Law Committee member, Brian Smith, sits on a Ministerial Working Group set up to consider the issues with External Wall Systems and has written a discussion piece looking at some of the recent developments in this area.
Law Society letter to Justice Committee on post-pandemic courts
The Society's President Amanda Millar has written to the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee on developing solutions for the courts in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Law firms aim to drive diversity in trainee recruitment
Following a successful pilot, Morton Fraser and Dickson Minto have committed to using of the Law Society of Scotland’s contextualised recruitment scheme, in partnership with RARE, in their latest graduate recruitment rounds, helping to drive workplace diversity and social mobility.
Law Society report recommends change for Scottish planning process
Amendments should be made to the Scottish Government Planning Circular 3/2012, to improve the efficiency and transparency of the planning process, according to recommendations made by the Law Society of Scotland.
New guidance on client accounts for banks
The Joint Money Laundering Steering Group has issued new guidance for banks and financial institutions regarding client accounts’. The new guidance will mean that practice units can expect more contact from their client account holder about potential Anti-money Laundering risks.
Nominations open for new ‘third sector’ seat on Law Society Council
Nominations are being invited to four of the Law Society’s governing Council seats, including a new seat to represent the third sector.
Diploma 2020 Q&A published
Following an unprecedented number of applications to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice this year, the Law Society of Scotland has created a dedicated advice section for students who have not secured a place on the Diploma.
UK Government Economic Crime Levy Consultation
The UK Government is running a consultation on the proposed economic crime levy and we would strongly encourage members with an interest in the proposals, to submit your own responses by the 13 October deadline.
Lack of clarity in Hate Crime Bill could threaten freedom of expression
Plans to modernise hate crime laws in Scotland present a unique opportunity to enhance protections for those most vulnerable to prejudice in our society, however the Society has said flaws within the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill could prevent it from achieving its stated goals.
Taxation by teleconferencing
The Law Society’s Civil Working Group, following discussions with Scottish Courts and Tribunal Services (SCTS), has received confirmation that the Auditor of the Court of Session and the All Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court (ASSPIC) will now conduct taxations of judicial accounts by way of tele-conference.
LBTT threshold increase needs to happen sooner rather than later
We are calling on the Scottish Government to prioritise implementation of the increased threshold for Land and Building Transaction Tax for residential property transactions.
Simple procedure claims can be submitted online and in paper
After discusions with the Law Society, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service have confirmed that simple procedure claims can still be submitted by both paper and online.
Criminal law and legal aid round-up July 2020
A round-up of activity undertaken by the Criminal Law and Legal Aid Committees in response to the coronavirus outbreak so far, as well as a look ahead to what challenges they are focussing on next.
Client communication plan wins this year’s Innovation Cup
Great client communications can help strengthen solicitor-client relationships and minimise complaints. That’s the idea behind this year’s Innovation Cup winning entry.
Scottish Government guidance on moving home
The Scottish Government has issued guidance aimed at ensuring that moving home in Scotland can happen safely during the coronavirus outbreak.
Law Society comment on the Lord President's statement on the impact of Covid-19 on the justice system
Amanda Millar, President of the Law Society of Scotland, comments on the Lord President, Lord Carloway’s statement of Friday 19 June 2020.
Interim agreement supporting case progess in C19
Experienced Personal Injury practitioners have been working together to produce a ‘ways of working’ agreement to support progress in cases which might otherwise be stalled as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
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).