Law Society news
Gillespie Macandrew joins contextualised recruitment pilot
Gillespie Macandrew is the third firm to join a pilot scheme to incorporate contextualised recruitment into their next trainee hiring round. A partnership between Rare Recruitment and the Law Society, the aim is to increase fair access to the profession.
Solicitor advocate introductory course
Bookings are now open for the March introductory course for potential solicitor advocates. Anyone looking to apply to become a solicitor advocate will need to complete an introductory course before making an application.
The value of legal aid
Legal aid plays an important role in Scottish society. John Mulholland, President of the Society pays tribute to our member solicitors who work on this basis to provide the very best quality advice and representation to some of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our communities.
Law Society speaker at Holocaust Memorial event
Our Policy Executive, Gillian Mawdsley was invited to speak at a Holocaust Memorial Day event for the Scottish civil service, on the deceptively normal legal and policy processes which helped create concentration camps and facilitated mass murder.
Congratulations to new Vice Dean
Our President John Mulholland has congratulated Roddy Dunlop QC on his election as the new Vice Dean of Faculty.
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.
Ken Dalling confirmed as Law Society President for 2021
Stirling solicitor Ken Dalling will become the Society's next Vice President in May 2020
Brexit - what's next?
The UK's Withdrawal from the EU - where are we now, what's next and what are our priorities for the negotiations to come?
New guidance aims to improve price transparency in legal services
New guidance for Scottish solicitors on publishing pricing aims to help consumers better understand the cost of legal advice and services.
Getting ready to complete your AML Certificate
In advance of the AML Certificate submission period opening on 10 February, AML Analyst, Fraser Sinclair provides some useful information to help you prepare.
Be part of our new lawyers reference group
Applications are open for anyone wanting to join our new lawyers reference group. The group meets bi-annually in Edinburgh to discuss issues affecting new lawyers and contribute to our strategy in related areas.
Thank you to Vice Dean of Faculty of Advocates
Tribute to Angela Grahame QC following the announcement that she is stepping down as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Advocates.
A quick guide to the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019
Provisions of the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 came into effect today (Monday 20 January 2020), including a presumption in favour of pre-recording the evidence of child witnesses in certain types of cases. We are working with Scottish Government officials to develop training in this area, and in the meantime have highlighted some of the changes.
Practice Rule Changes
See our update on Practice Rule changes relating to client communications and firms' client relations managers which come into effect on 1 February 2020
Property Law Committee update
Our Property Law Committee consider the law and practice around conveyancing and provide information and guidance where appropriate for the benefit of the Scottish legal profession. The committee has a keen understanding of the the ongoing challenges that property solicitors face in practice, deals with a variety of issues and is keen to highlight some of their recent work.
Scottish Government legal aid fee review: your views
Ian Moir, convener of the Law Society of Scotland Legal Aid Committee, calls for practitioners' experiences of the impact of legal aid fees
The role of appropriate adults
We highlight some of the key features arising from the Appropriate Adults Scheme which has came into effect this month, including their engagement with solicitors in relation to interviewing vulnerable adults.
SETS upgrade phase two
In early 2020 some changes and new functionality will become available in the online tax collection system (SETS). These changes and new functionality are collectively described as ‘Phase two’ of the SETS Upgrade.
Legal aid fees court case
Members providing legal aid services will interested in the progress of a case at Edinburgh Sheriff court where a firm is seeking payment of interest on fees from the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB).
Scott Lindsay joins Law Society
Scott Lindsay has joined the Law Society of Scotland as Executive Director of Finance and Operations.
Tourist tax should have a national framework with local discretion
A tourist tax would be most practical and efficient if implemented as part of a national framework, with some built-in flexibility for local discretion.
Fifth Money Laundering Directive key changes document
The UK Money Laundering Regulations have been amended, to take account of changes imposed by the EU’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive with effect from 10 January 2020. The UK Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) have agreed an interim “Key Changes Document” to help firms comply with the new requirements.
Feedback from pilot scheme essential for new short-term lets licensing
The new licensing scheme for short-term lets announced by the Scottish Government will still benefit from the learning which can be achieved through a pilot scheme, the Convener of the Licensing Law Sub-Committee has cautioned.
A career outside a big firm - student roadshow!
Are you an LLB or DPLP student who's keen to find out about working in-house or for a high street firm? Our annual roadshow for students is bringing employers to you!