Law Society news
Law Society urges SLCC to minimise costs on solicitors
In its response to the SLCC’s proposed budget for 2023/24, the Society has questioned proposals for a 9% rise to the levy paid by solicitors and has urged the complaints handling body to to minimise cost increases.
Refreshed AML Client and Matter Level Risk Assessment templates
The AML team has launched a new Client and Matter Level Risk Assessment (CMLRA) template and guidance for members to use. Our AML Risk Manager Dale Trahms explains how to use the templates and why CMLRAs are important to get right.
Immigration Law first as paralegal gains Law Society accreditation
An Edinburgh-based paralegal is the first to be awarded the Law Society of Scotland’s Accredited Paralegal status specialising in Immigration Law.
Fraud alert – email interception
We have been alerted to fraudsters intercepting emails between a solicitor and their clients in an attempt to scam clients out of significant funds.
Law Society of Scotland challenges progress of Illegal Migration Bill to second reading
The Law Society of Scotland has raised concerns that the UK Government is pressing ahead with legislation which may not be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, potentially contravening UK law and the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
Winners crowned in semi-final of Donald Dewar high school debate tournament
The four teams going through to this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament final have been decided, after a closely fought semi-final focused on the future of the monarchy
Fraud alert – scam WhatsApp messages ‘from Thorntons’
We have been alerted that Thorntons is the latest law firm to be imitated by fraudsters on WhatsApp in order to attempt to scam people out of money for pretend services.
Fraud alert - scam messages claiming to be Teneu Legal
We have been alerted to a scam where fraudsters pretending to be Teneu Legal are using Facebook and WhatsApp to falsely offer certificates of sponsorship to international care home workers.
New Council member for Glasgow and Strathkelvin solicitors
Glasgow-based solicitor Gordon Lennox has been elected to join the Society’s Council following a recent by-election.
New training a no-cost boost to legal sector mental health
The Law Society of Scotland is stepping up its support for mental health and wellbeing in the legal sector, with small firms in particular to benefit from a new free mental health first aid training course.
SLCC report underlines need for regulatory reform
A new report from the SLCC has underlined the need for substantial reform to the processes for handling legal complaints.
Minister praises legal sector and pledges collaboration at Law Society dinner
The Minister for Community Safety Elena Whitham has praised Scotland’s legal profession and committed to working constructively in a speech at the Law Society of Scotland’s annual dinner.
Law Society Council renews support for Ukraine over Russia’s invasion
The Council of the Law Society of Scotland has renewed its condemnation of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, passing a new resolution on the ongoing conflict.
Fraud alert – bogus solicitor
We have been alerted to a fake law firm called 'Dorfman, George & Partners LLP', claiming to have offices in Aberdeen and London.
Law Society comment on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Law Society President Murray Etherington comment on Scotland's longest serving First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, following her decision to stand down.
The Society tenders for the Journal Magazine contract
Opportunity for contract publishers with experience in professional services magazines.
New opportunities to help shape Scots Law and practice
Experts from the legal sector and beyond are being urged to get involved in work to shape Scots Law and legal practice.
Fraud alert - scam WhatsApp messages
We have been alerted to a scam involving WhatsApp messages that falsely claim to be from McGlashan MacKay Solicitors in relation to health and social care visas.
Law Society pays tribute to Professor Gerry Maher KC
The Society's Director of Law Reform Michael Clancy has paid tribute to Professor Gerry Maher, KC, Edinburgh Law School's Professor of Criminal Law, who passed away recently.
Law students sought for New Lawyers Reference Group
We are currently looking for LLB or DPLP students to join our New Lawyers Reference Group.
Long-term change to save legal aid must be fast-tracked
The Law Society of Scotland has described the Scottish Government’s confirmation of an additional £11 million for legal aid as ‘a step in the right direction’ but called for urgent progress on a formal review mechanism to ensure the sector remains sustainable.
Law Society Council by-election in Glasgow and Strathkelvin constituency
Solicitors have an opportunity to put themselves forward to represent members in the Glasgow and Strathkelvin constituency on the Law Society's Council in an upcoming by-election
Solicitors jailed for fraud
Iain Robertson, Alastair Blackwood and David Lyons were among a group of five men jailed for fraud following a nine-week trial.