Law Society news
Practice Rule Changes
See our update on Practice Rule changes relating to client communications and firms' client relations managers which come into effect on 1 February 2020
Property Law Committee update
Our Property Law Committee consider the law and practice around conveyancing and provide information and guidance where appropriate for the benefit of the Scottish legal profession. The committee has a keen understanding of the the ongoing challenges that property solicitors face in practice, deals with a variety of issues and is keen to highlight some of their recent work.
Scottish Government legal aid fee review: your views
Ian Moir, convener of the Law Society of Scotland Legal Aid Committee, calls for practitioners' experiences of the impact of legal aid fees
The role of appropriate adults
We highlight some of the key features arising from the Appropriate Adults Scheme which has came into effect this month, including their engagement with solicitors in relation to interviewing vulnerable adults.
SETS upgrade phase two
In early 2020 some changes and new functionality will become available in the online tax collection system (SETS). These changes and new functionality are collectively described as ‘Phase two’ of the SETS Upgrade.
Legal aid fees court case
Members providing legal aid services will interested in the progress of a case at Edinburgh Sheriff court where a firm is seeking payment of interest on fees from the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB).
Scott Lindsay joins Law Society
Scott Lindsay has joined the Law Society of Scotland as Executive Director of Finance and Operations.
Tourist tax should have a national framework with local discretion
A tourist tax would be most practical and efficient if implemented as part of a national framework, with some built-in flexibility for local discretion.
Fifth Money Laundering Directive key changes document
The UK Money Laundering Regulations have been amended, to take account of changes imposed by the EU’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive with effect from 10 January 2020. The UK Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) have agreed an interim “Key Changes Document” to help firms comply with the new requirements.
Feedback from pilot scheme essential for new short-term lets licensing
The new licensing scheme for short-term lets announced by the Scottish Government will still benefit from the learning which can be achieved through a pilot scheme, the Convener of the Licensing Law Sub-Committee has cautioned.
A career outside a big firm - student roadshow!
Are you an LLB or DPLP student who's keen to find out about working in-house or for a high street firm? Our annual roadshow for students is bringing employers to you!
Cladding update December 2019
Following Grenfell, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued guidance, earlier this year, on the use of cladding on high rise buildings in England & Wales. Although not applicable in Scotland the information contained within it is relevant in Scotland and the Scottish Government references the guidance on its own website.
Fifth Money Laundering Directive
On the 10 January 2020, the UK Money Laundering Regulations are being amended, to take account of changes imposed by the EU’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive.
Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament 2019/20
Teams through to next round of national debating tournament.
Law Society call for expert views on planning obligations
The Planning Law Sub-Committee is inviting Scottish solicitors and interested stakeholders to share their views on the subject of planning obligations under section 75 (Planning Obligations) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the Act’).
Give the gift of thanks this BaubleFest
The theme for this year's annual festive Lawscot Foundation fundraiser is 'thank you'. Buy a bauble for our Lawscot Foundation tree to say ‘thank you’ to someone who has made a difference in your life, with all the proceeds raised going to support more young people.
Ken Dalling nominated to become next Law Society of Scotland Vice President
Stirling solicitor Ken Dalling has been nominated to become the next Vice President of the Law Society of Scotland.
Tribute paid to past president Philip Dry
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to former president Philip Dry, who passed away on 24 November 2019.
Law Society staff raise £7708 for West Lothian Foodbank
Walking the Kiltwalk, running the Edinburgh marathon relay, and organising a staff ‘soup kitchen’, are just a few of the fundraising activities Law Society of Scotland staff have undertaken to raise a total of £7708 for West Lothian Foodbank in the last year.
SLCC annual report
Commenting on the publication of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) annual report for 2018/19, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, Lorna Jack said, “We are pleased to see the SLCC’s improved performance and its progress in clearing the backlog of cases. However, it is clear much more needs to be done.
2019 Scottish legal award winner blog
Jill Sinclair, who recently won the Lawyer of the year award for 2019 gives an insight in to the factors which led to the award win.
Nine new solicitor advocates welcomed
Nine Scottish solicitors, admitted by our Council as solicitor advocates with extended rights of audience, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony on Tuesday 19 November 2019.
SNAILED IT… Law society takes a shine to ‘Pilgrimage to Paisley’ commemorations
Two commemorative plaques highlighting the importance of the ‘snail in a bottle case’ which laid the foundations of the modern law of negligence, have been refurbished and unveiled in Paisley today as part of the Law Society of Scotland’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
Journal online integration
There is nothing as constant as change and that is particularly true in the digital world. So later this month, you can expect to see a big change when you visit the Journal online.