Law Society news
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month responding to proposed changes in the law. Recent highlights include the opportunity to comment on the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, responses to the International Trade Committee’s call for evidence on Trade and the Environment, and our Child and Family Law Committee’s response to the Law Commissions' joint consultation on building families through surrogacy.
Mooting? What's that?
Lauren Pennycook, final year law student at the University of Dundee and Vice President (External Competition) of the University of Dundee Mooting Society, discusses her experience of mooting and the benefits this has brought
2018 Law Awards of Scotland commendation blog
Andrew Robertson, Managing Director of McClure Solicitors tells us how his firms operating model will lead to planned growth in the future.
Annual frozen asset review
Every year the Treasury carries out a frozen asset review. All persons that hold or control funds or economic resources belonging to, owned, held, or controlled by a designated person are required to submit a report detailing these assets by Friday 11 October 2019.
Scottish solicitor Catherine Hart appointed as a LawCare champion
Catherine Hart, Partner at Digby Brown, is one of 14 new mental health and wellbeing advocates to have been appointed by legal mental health charity LawCare. She talks about her new role as a LawCare champion on World Mental Health Day.
Legal tech meets legal education
One of the challenges facing the world of legal technology is how best to engage with the lawyers of tomorrow, to promote knowledge and foster enthusiasm for change. Sam Moore, Innovation Manager with Burness Paull and Scotland’s first Accredited Legal Technologist, joined Nathan Corr, Legal Technology Rep at the University of Aberdeen’s student law society, to discuss over a cup of coffee.
Law Society comment on new jury research
The Society says new research which offers insight into the way juries reach their verdict in criminal trials will require careful consideration.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month responding to proposed changes in the law. Recent highlights include responses on the programme for government, legal aid, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, heritable securities and disclosure.
Starting your traineeship? What to expect...
David Phinn, trainee solicitor at Miller Samuel Hill Brown, discusses his experience of embarking on the traineeship and gives you his top tips for a successful beginning
65 new solicitors welcomed to profession
Our latest Admissions Ceremony took place at the Signet Library in Edinburgh this morning with 65 new solicitors being admitted to the profession.
Law Society of Scotland says education is essential next step for new smacking ban
New legislation banning the smacking of children needs to be supported by a comprehensive public education and awareness campaign.
Unpacking the American Dream
Poppy Mulligan tells us about her experiences of studying abroad, undertaking the New York Bar and the challenges she faced during her time in America
IFB rules changes and why we need them
Our Head of International, Katie Hay, explains the incidental financial business rules changes and why we are holding a SGM on 24 October
2019 Scottish legal award winner blogs
Alastair Shepherd, partner at Coulters reflects on yet another success for the growing Edinburgh Law Firm.
"Law School 101”: getting off to a good start this semester
Daniel Cormack, Law Student at the University of Strathclyde, discusses his top tips for incoming first year students to ensure academic success this coming semester
UK and Belgian bars sign up to post-Brexit cooperation
Positive relationships between legal professionals in the UK and Belgium are set to continue post-Brexit with the signing of a first of its kind document by legal organisations in each of the nations.
Concerns remain over drop in legal aid spend
We have commented on a further drop in legal aid spend following publication of the Scottish Legal Aid Board annual report.
Law Society launches new accreditation for legal technologists
Solicitors and Accredited Paralegals who have specialist technology roles could be awarded a new accreditation in recognition of their expertise.
Working as a government solicitor
Holly Dyce, newly qualified solicitor at GLSS, discusses the realities of applying for and undertaking a traineeship with the Government
Millennials and Generation Z as customer and client: changing trade for next generation businesses
Carolyn Thurston Smith, one of our policy executives, will be moderating a panel at next month’s World Trade Organisation’s Public Forum : Millennials and Generation Z as customer and client: changing trade for next generation businesses
Law Society and Faculty comment on importance of independent judiciary and legal profession
Law Society President John Mulholland and Dean of the Faculty of Advocates Gordon Jackson QC jointly comment in advance of the Supreme Court judgment on the UK Government’s prorogation of Parliament.
Law Society responds to consultation on Legal Aid reform
The Law Society of Scotland has highlighted the importance of making the legal aid system easier to navigate for members of the public and solicitors, and reiterated concerns about the sustainability of funding for the service as part of the response to a Scottish Government consultation on legal aid reform.
Strategic partnership with Braemar Finance announced
The Society has announced its strategic partnership with Braemar Finance, one of the premier finance providers for the professions in the UK.