Law Society news
The Society and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators announce new collaboration
The Society is working in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to help promote the use of arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution
New and familiar faces returned the Law Society of Scotland Council
New and familiar faces returned to the Society's Council to represent solicitors in Glasgow & Strathkelvin, Perth, Greenock, Kilmarnock & Paisley, and Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy.
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.
Legal tech specialist awarded Accredited Legal Technologist status
Legal technology specialist Jonathan Bowker has been awarded Accredited Legal Technologist status by the Law Society of Scotland.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 – programme of events
Explore our full programme of events for Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, which runs from 9-13 May. We are running daily lunchtime sessions, each on a different theme from psychological safety to mindfulness and the impact loneliness has on our mental health and resilience.
New guidance on Law Society Style Success Fee Agreement
The Law Society has published new guidance on its style for success fee agreements. The new guidance comes into effect on 1 May 2022.
Nominations open for In-house Rising Star Award 2022
Nominations are now open for the Law Society of Scotland In-house Rising Star Award 2022. The award recognises the outstanding achievement of a newly qualified Scottish solicitor or trainee who is working in-house.
Standing in solidarity with Ukraine
We encourage the Scottish legal profession to take an active role in assisting Ukraine against the ongoing illegal invasion by Russia where they have the skills, experience and capacity to do so.
Applications open for less-advantaged aspiring Scottish solicitors
The Lawscot Foundation has opened applications for this year’s round of grants for academically talented students from less-advantaged backgrounds in Scotland to study law.
Law Society invites nominations for Council members
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing the Glasgow & Strathkelvin, Perth, Greenock, Kilmarnock & Paisley, and Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy constituencies.
Environmental topic decides Dewar Debate 2022 finalists
Four high school teams are heading to the Scottish Parliament for the final of this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament, after a round of thrilling semi-finals focused on the topical subject of environmental activism.
The Law Society of Scotland is proud to endorse the Mindful Business Charter
We've launched part four in our video series on the Mindful Business Charter, a community of businesses committed to removing unnecessary sources of stress and promoting better mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Refreshed Sectoral AML Risk Assessment
We have carried out a new, refreshed and far more detailed assessment of AML risks, tailored to the circumstances, demographic and context of the Scottish profession. The Money Laundering Regulations require that our members use this information when carrying out their own money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessments.
Legal profession concerned by Scottish Legal Complaints Commission draft budget
We have called on the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission to focus more on its core role in handling legal complaints and go further in controlling its costs.
Removal of the not proven verdict risks an increase in miscarriages of justice
The Law Society of Scotland has stated its opposition to plans to abolish the not proven verdict in Scottish criminal cases, arguing that the change risks an increase in miscarriages of justice.
England and Wales funding boost underlines Scottish legal aid crisis
Responding to the UK Government Ministry of Justice proposals for £135m additional funding per year for criminal legal aid in England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland has criticised the lack of progress on resolving the legal aid crisis in Scotland.
Tell us about your experience of remote online notarisation
We are keen to learn about our members' experience of remote online notarisation - take part in our short survey by 9 April.
Support for trainees and training managers
We are issuing a reminder about support, guidance and obligations for trainees and training managers, along with the steps we're taking to see whether we can better support the training process.
Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land
The Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land (RCI) will come into force on 1 April 2022, with a grace period of one year for specified offences.
Eight solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Eight solicitors have been granted extended rights of audience by the Society's Council to become solicitor advocates, joining seven colleagues introduced to court last week.
Resolution on Ukraine and international rule of law
The Society's Council passed a resolution on Ukraine and international rule of law when it met today. Friday, 4 March 2022, which condemned the ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
The Law Society of Scotland emphasises the active role the legal profession must play in sanctions against Russia
The Scottish legal sector must be alert to the implications of the current crisis and has a shared responsibility to comply with UK Government sanctions and present a united front against Russia’s violations of international law.
University of Edinburgh duo win Elaine Tyre Client Consultation Competition
Two University of Edinburgh students have won this year's Elaine Tyre Client Consultation Competition, giving them a chance to go on and win the International Client Consultation Competition later in 2022.
Law Society of Scotland statement on Ukraine
The Law Society of Scotland condemns the use of force by Russia against Ukraine. International Law is clear that such actions are both legally and morally reprehensible. The invasion of Ukraine is an egregious breach of the rule of law and we support lawful action that will help bring this terrible conflict to an end as swiftly as possible.