Law Society news
Eight new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Eight solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by the Law Society of Scotland’s Council, have been introduced to the Court at a virtual ceremony on 19 February.
Inaugural AML supervisory report and Risk Appetite statement published
In February 2021, we published our inaugural annual anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory report, highlighting the breadth and range of AML initiatives that the Law Society of Scotland has recently undertaken, along with our first supervisory AML Risk Appetite statement.
Fraud alert - fake solicitor stamp and signature
We have been alerted to a scam involving the misuse of the name of a retired English-qualified solicitor as a witness to a signature on a Scottish residential lease.
Law Society calls for Scotland-wide high-rise cladding assessment following new funding announcement
We have welcomed the UK Government’s recent announcement on making further funding available for removing dangerous cladding on high rise buildings and called for a Scotland-wide assessment of high-rise buildings.
Court business reduction extended throughout March
The safety of court users remains of primary concern as the Lord President announces that the current reduction in court business will remain in place throughout March 2021.
Dewar Debate semi-finalists confirmed
Pupils from schools across Scotland debated the motion “This house would abolish the Olympic Games” to win a place in the semi-finals of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Payments to the Law Society
Members are reminded that all payments should be made via bank transfer or over the phone via credit or debit card. We are unable to process and bank cheques.
Scottish Government legal aid resilience fund open
We're encouraging legal aid firms to look closely at the criterial for the Coronavirus Resilience and Recovery Fund for legal aid and apply if they are eligible.
Public Policy update January 2021
Our policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law - read more about the key pieces of work they completed in January.
Racial Inclusion Group launches
The Law Society of Scotland’s new Racial Inclusion Group has officially launched, with Tatora Mukushi, a solicitor with Shelter Scotland, appointed as convener.
Traineeship numbers hit by pandemic
Our latest figures show that the number of traineeships offered by solicitors fell by more than a quarter in the last practice year, as the effect of the coronavirus pandemic took its toll.
Our priorities for the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections
The Law Society has set out its priorities for 2021 Scottish Parliament election
Call for reduction in complaints levy on solicitors
In response to the Scottish Legal Complaint Commission's 2021/22 budget and operating plan, Law Society President Amanda Millar calls for a proposed freeze on the levy to be changed to a reduction.
Women’s Access Network launches
The Law Society of Scotland has launched the Women’s Access Network to connect senior women in the legal profession with female solicitors and trainees looking to take the next steps in their careers.
Qualified one way cost shifting update
Delays to the commencement of Qualified One Way Costs Shifting (QOCS) rules have been brought about by the introduction of group proceedings rules, Brexit, Covid and resourcing pressures. The rules are now under active consideration by the relevant SCJC members and the anticipated commencement date, is around mid-June.
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.