Law Society news
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.
Creative solutions needed to ensure court business continues
Debbie Wilson, Convener of the Law Society of Scotland Criminal Law Committee comments on the latest update from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service on the work being done to ensure court business goes ahead and the need to continue to look for solutions.
New UK AML guidance for the legal sector
The Legal Sector Affinity Group has completed an extensive revision and redraft of the UK AML guidance for the legal sector.
Nominations sought for Law Society honorary membership
The Law Society of Scotland is inviting nominations for honorary membership for outstanding service for the public good by a Scottish solicitor.
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.
Public Policy highlights – December 2020
Our policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law - read more about the key pieces of work they completed in December.
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.
Participating in remote jury trials
Guidance for practitioners appearing in remote court hearings.
Fraud alert - fake solicitor
Latest fraud alert - we have been informed that a person calling themselves David Moreno has claimed to be a Scottish-qualified practising solicitor.
Declining to appear in custody cases
Can a defence agent decline to appear in custody cases? Our Director of Professional Practice, Fiona Robb answers.
Concerns raised about attending court during Covid lockdown
Law Society President Amanda Millar responds to concerns raised about attending court during the current Covid-19 lockdown.
Complaints reform “a significant and positive step forward”
The Scottish Government has published a new consultation to improve the current 'complicated and cumbersome' legal complaints system.
Response to legal aid fee increase
Law Society President Amanda Millar responds to the Scottish Government's announcement of a 10% increase in legal aid fees across the board over the next two years.
Wrong to target high street law firms with economic crime levy
The Law Society of Scotland has said that small, high street law firms should not be hit with an additional economic crime levy.
New mortgage chief for Aberdein Considine
Greig Brown heads up business across 19 offices
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.
Public policy highlights November 2020
Recent areas of work for our policy committees have included the UK Withdrawal from the EU (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill, UK Internal Market Bill and responding to consultations on artificial intelligence and Capital Gains Tax. We have also responded to a survey on coronavirus guidance in the context of criminal law.