Law Society news
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New rules provide greater clarity for Scottish solicitors
Changes to Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules will provide Scottish solicitors with greater clarity on what is expected of them in their interactions with the Society and their duty to comply with the 2017 Anti-Money Laundering Regulations.
Proposed SLCC budget risks increased costs for consumers
We have criticised the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission's plans for a third consecutive above-inflation levy on solicitors which risks rising costs for legal services consumers.
Minimising risks in a high risk area
The legal sector’s provision of Trust or Company services as an inherently high risk area of business and one which will provide the focus for our next phase of AML supervisory activity.
Consultation on proposed practice rule changes
The Society is consulting on proposed rule changes in advance of the 2019 AGM on 30 May.
AML Certificate, where are we now?
The AML landscape is changing and coming under ever growing scrutiny at national and international level. As the AML supervisor for law firms across Scotland it is vital that the Law Society of Scotland continues to deliver a robust regulatory regime which benefits both our members and members of the public.
Law Society of Scotland launches reporting concerns line
Individuals with concerns that members of the legal community are involved with financial improprieties or money laundering, can now anonymously report their concerns to the professional body for Scottish solicitors.
SLCC budget rise risks higher costs for consumers
The proposed budget, which includes a 9.2% rise in income funded by a levy on solicitors and advocates, comes on the back of a series of double digit percentage rises over recent years.
Former Citizens Advice director set to lead Society's regulatory work
Craig Cathcart, senior lecturer at Queen Margaret University’s Business School, has been appointed convener of the Law Society’s Regulatory Committee.
AML Certificate... According to Fraser
Earlier this year, firms covered by the scope of the 2017 Regulations completed the AML registration process and as the next major step as a Professional Body Supervisor, those same firms are required to complete a compulsory questionnaire, the AML Certificate. Fraser Sinclair, our AML Auditor, explains how he came to be involved and why it's so important.
Future of legal services regulation
Carole Ford, lay convener of the Regulatory Committee, writes about the need for reform of legal services regulation which ensures robust public protections.
Christine McLintock: Independence of legal profession under threat
Christine McLintock, former General Counsel of Pinsent Masons and member of the Roberton review panel, discusses Esther Roberton's report on the regulation of legal services.
New anti-money laundering certificate to be introduced for law firms
A new AML Certificate is to be introduced for law firms to strengthen AML procedures and meet the requirements of the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations.
New Online Process for ongoing AML registration
We have launched a new online service for ongoing AML registration for solicitors joining, leaving or changing roles within their firm.
New Incidental Financial Business rules and guidance
Legal services consumers are set to benefit from new practice rules for Scottish solicitors on Incidental Financial Business.
AML risk asessment review
Has your firm completed an AML risk assessment? It's an essential part of law firms' anti-money laundering activity
Money laundering and the professions – what next?
Graham Barrow, anti-money laundering consultant and writer about financial crime, discusses the UK Government’s recent announcement regarding the professions and money launderers.
HM Treasury annual frozen assets review
HM Treasury frozen asset annual review - reporting period ends on 13 October.
Regulation – in everyone’s interest
Our Regulatory Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing our regulatory functions. Carole Ford, the lay convener to the committee, discusses some of its recent work and decisions
Opportunities for influence and development on our committees
Solicitors and non-solicitors have the opportunity to get involved with the work of the Law Society of Scotland, influencing decisions affecting the Scottish legal profession and helping to shape good law.
Judicial Factor appointed to Glasgow law firm
The Law Society has successfully petitioned the Court of Session to appoint a Judicial Factor to a Glasgow law firm
GDPR - what now?
Tim Musson, Convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Privacy Law Committee, discusses General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance in the post-enforcement world.
Our support for Scottish Government's Consumer Scotland
We have expressed our support for the Scottish Government’s plans to establish a single consumer body, Consumer Scotland.
Countdown to AML registration deadline for Scotland’s law firms
Law firms in Scotland are urged to complete the new, compulsory anti money laundering (AML) registration process before 26 June 2018.
Legal aid mandates guidance
A reminder from our Civil Legal Aid Quality Assurance Sub-Committee that all firms should keep a fully completed and signed legal aid mandate on their legal aid client files.