Law Society news
Law Society letter to Justice Committee on post-pandemic courts
The Society's President Amanda Millar has written to the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee on developing solutions for the courts in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Law firms aim to drive diversity in trainee recruitment
Following a successful pilot, Morton Fraser and Dickson Minto have committed to using of the Law Society of Scotland’s contextualised recruitment scheme, in partnership with RARE, in their latest graduate recruitment rounds, helping to drive workplace diversity and social mobility.
Law Society report recommends change for Scottish planning process
Amendments should be made to the Scottish Government Planning Circular 3/2012, to improve the efficiency and transparency of the planning process, according to recommendations made by the Law Society of Scotland.
New guidance on client accounts for banks
The Joint Money Laundering Steering Group has issued new guidance for banks and financial institutions regarding client accounts’. The new guidance will mean that practice units can expect more contact from their client account holder about potential Anti-money Laundering risks.
Nominations open for new ‘third sector’ seat on Law Society Council
Nominations are being invited to four of the Law Society’s governing Council seats, including a new seat to represent the third sector.
Law Society of Scotland condemns Home Office video
The Law Society has condemned a UK Home Office video which describes legal professionals acting on behalf of migrants as ‘activist lawyers’ and called for it to be withdrawn.
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.
Consulting with legal profession is key
Consulting with the legal profession is key to delivering post-pandemic courts which are effective and fair for all.
Diploma 2020 Q&A published
Following an unprecedented number of applications to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice this year, the Law Society of Scotland has created a dedicated advice section for students who have not secured a place on the Diploma.
Response to courts COVID-19 recovery plan
President of the Law Society, Amanda Millar, says it's vital that an open dialogue with the legal profession is part of the court service recovery plan.
Roll out of High Court Jury Centres welcomed
The Law Society has welcomed news that jury trials in solemn cases will make use of remote centres to ensure cases can go ahead while preserving physical distancing.
UK Government Economic Crime Levy Consultation
The UK Government is running a consultation on the proposed economic crime levy and we would strongly encourage members with an interest in the proposals, to submit your own responses by the 13 October deadline.
New working group for COP26
A new working group is leading on the Society's work to support policy development and law reform relating to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) due to take place in Glasgow in November 2021.
Fraud alert - fake law firm
Fraud alert - we have been made aware of a fake law firm, Denton and Gardner, claiming to be based in Aberdeen
Nominations open for In-house Rising Star Award 2020
Nominations for this year's In-house Rising Star Award are now open! The award recognises the outstanding achievement of a newly qualified Scottish solicitor or trainee working in-house so let us know about your in-house rising stars of 2020.
Virtual custody courts pilot raises concerns among solicitors
The findings from a recent survey carried out by the Society on pilot virtual custody court hearings has highlighted significant issues faced by solicitors and their clients.
Lack of clarity in Hate Crime Bill could threaten freedom of expression
Plans to modernise hate crime laws in Scotland present a unique opportunity to enhance protections for those most vulnerable to prejudice in our society, however the Society has said flaws within the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill could prevent it from achieving its stated goals.
Fraudulent OPBAS email
We have been informed that members of the public have recently received emails fraudulently claiming to be from OPBAS.
Taxation by teleconferencing
The Law Society’s Civil Working Group, following discussions with Scottish Courts and Tribunal Services (SCTS), has received confirmation that the Auditor of the Court of Session and the All Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court (ASSPIC) will now conduct taxations of judicial accounts by way of tele-conference.
Law Society President congratulates new Dean of the Faculty of Advocates
Law Society President Amanda Millar congratulates the new Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Roddy Dunlop QC
LBTT threshold increase needs to happen sooner rather than later
We are calling on the Scottish Government to prioritise implementation of the increased threshold for Land and Building Transaction Tax for residential property transactions.
Simple procedure claims can be submitted online and in paper
After discusions with the Law Society, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service have confirmed that simple procedure claims can still be submitted by both paper and online.
Criminal law and legal aid round-up July 2020
A round-up of activity undertaken by the Criminal Law and Legal Aid Committees in response to the coronavirus outbreak so far, as well as a look ahead to what challenges they are focussing on next.
Revenue Scotland update allows online ADS reclaim
Revenue Scotland has introduced new functionality to the Scottish Electronic Tax System (SETS) that allows taxpayers to claim repayment of Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) entirely online.