Law Society news
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Time to recharge debate around administrative justice
Our President Alison Atack has called for a recharge in the debate around administrative justice at a stakeholder event, Shaping the Future of Administrative Justice in Scotland; Where do we go from here? held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 27 March.
Review of mental health law a step in the right direction
We welcome the Ministerial announcement of an independent review of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Majority of solicitors say Law Society should continue to regulate the profession
93% of respondents in our Annual Members' Survey agree that the Law Society should continue to be responsible for representation, support and regulation of solicitors in Scotland, according to independent research by Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research and Survation.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Reform required to strengthen cohabitants’ rights
The laws on cohabitation in Scotland are problematic and disadvantageous to vulnerable and grieving people, according to a report by the Law Society of Scotland.
Role of ADR and pro bono in legal services provision to be examined
Access to Justice consultations open to better understand the use of alternative dispute resolution and pro bono work
International solutions required to protect privacy rights
Our response to the UK Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into whether new safeguards are required to regulate the use of personal data by private companies.
2019 financial health check for Scottish law firms launched
The 2019 financial health check for Scottish law firms opens - watch for your firm's email about this year's survey
Public awareness crucial to proposed organ donation system
Our comments on proposals to move to an “opt-out” system for organ donation in Scotland.
Have your say on in-house traineeships
Our new survey aims to provide a better understanding of the in-house traineeship market - let us know your views.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Be Prepared...
With people tucking into their Christmas dinners not knowing what will come of Brexit in the new year, our Head of International, Katie Hay, urges people to think about how Brexit might impact us all.
The Scottish budget: at a glance
Caroline Colliston, member of our Tax Law Sub-Committee and LBTT working group, summarises the Scottish Government’s spending and tax plans for 2018/19.
Survey shows improving gender equality in legal profession
Almost 80% of Scottish solicitors and accredited paralegals feel that gender equality has improved in the legal profession over the past five years.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
What is vulnerability?
Research executive Nicola Johnstone asks what is vulnerability and how does it affect the experiences of vulnerable people in our criminal justice system? She also discusses a roundtable event being held by the Criminal Justice Committee and our research team to gather examples of best practice.
The law of succession - what next?
John Kerrigan, member of our Trusts and Succession Law Sub-Committee, summarises the Scottish Government's response to the consultation on the law of succession.
Law Society launches rights of cohabitants consultation
We are asking the legal profession and interested stakeholders for their views on the law providing rights for cohabitants.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Children’s Act review must ensure child-centred approach remains
The Society has said the rights of children in Scotland should be strengthened to ensure their views are heard in its response to the Children's Act review.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Widening access to the legal profession
Read our comments on the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee report on widening access to the legal profession
Financial health check of Scottish legal sector indicates revenue boost for larger law firms
A financial health check of Scottish law firms has indicated that increasing work volumes have boosted revenue, although sole principal solicitor firms are shown to be struggling.