Law Society news
Cladding update December 2019
Following Grenfell, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued guidance, earlier this year, on the use of cladding on high rise buildings in England & Wales. Although not applicable in Scotland the information contained within it is relevant in Scotland and the Scottish Government references the guidance on its own website.
Fifth Money Laundering Directive
On the 10 January 2020, the UK Money Laundering Regulations are being amended, to take account of changes imposed by the EU’s Fifth Money Laundering Directive.
Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament 2019/20
Teams through to next round of national debating tournament.
Law Society call for expert views on planning obligations
The Planning Law Sub-Committee is inviting Scottish solicitors and interested stakeholders to share their views on the subject of planning obligations under section 75 (Planning Obligations) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the Act’).
Give the gift of thanks this BaubleFest
The theme for this year's annual festive Lawscot Foundation fundraiser is 'thank you'. Buy a bauble for our Lawscot Foundation tree to say ‘thank you’ to someone who has made a difference in your life, with all the proceeds raised going to support more young people.
Ken Dalling nominated to become next Law Society of Scotland Vice President
Stirling solicitor Ken Dalling has been nominated to become the next Vice President of the Law Society of Scotland.
Tribute paid to past president Philip Dry
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to former president Philip Dry, who passed away on 24 November 2019.
Law Society staff raise £7708 for West Lothian Foodbank
Walking the Kiltwalk, running the Edinburgh marathon relay, and organising a staff ‘soup kitchen’, are just a few of the fundraising activities Law Society of Scotland staff have undertaken to raise a total of £7708 for West Lothian Foodbank in the last year.
SLCC annual report
Commenting on the publication of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) annual report for 2018/19, chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, Lorna Jack said, “We are pleased to see the SLCC’s improved performance and its progress in clearing the backlog of cases. However, it is clear much more needs to be done.
2019 Scottish legal award winner blog
Jill Sinclair, who recently won the Lawyer of the year award for 2019 gives an insight in to the factors which led to the award win.
Nine new solicitor advocates welcomed
Nine Scottish solicitors, admitted by our Council as solicitor advocates with extended rights of audience, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony on Tuesday 19 November 2019.
SNAILED IT… Law society takes a shine to ‘Pilgrimage to Paisley’ commemorations
Two commemorative plaques highlighting the importance of the ‘snail in a bottle case’ which laid the foundations of the modern law of negligence, have been refurbished and unveiled in Paisley today as part of the Law Society of Scotland’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
Journal online integration
There is nothing as constant as change and that is particularly true in the digital world. So later this month, you can expect to see a big change when you visit the Journal online.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month responding to proposed changes in the law. Recent highlights include the opportunity to comment on the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, responses to the International Trade Committee’s call for evidence on Trade and the Environment, and our Child and Family Law Committee’s response to the Law Commissions' joint consultation on building families through surrogacy.
Mooting? What's that?
Lauren Pennycook, final year law student at the University of Dundee and Vice President (External Competition) of the University of Dundee Mooting Society, discusses her experience of mooting and the benefits this has brought
2018 Law Awards of Scotland commendation blog
Andrew Robertson, Managing Director of McClure Solicitors tells us how his firms operating model will lead to planned growth in the future.
Annual frozen asset review
Every year the Treasury carries out a frozen asset review. All persons that hold or control funds or economic resources belonging to, owned, held, or controlled by a designated person are required to submit a report detailing these assets by Friday 11 October 2019.
Scottish solicitor Catherine Hart appointed as a LawCare champion
Catherine Hart, Partner at Digby Brown, is one of 14 new mental health and wellbeing advocates to have been appointed by legal mental health charity LawCare. She talks about her new role as a LawCare champion on World Mental Health Day.
Legal tech meets legal education
One of the challenges facing the world of legal technology is how best to engage with the lawyers of tomorrow, to promote knowledge and foster enthusiasm for change. Sam Moore, Innovation Manager with Burness Paull and Scotland’s first Accredited Legal Technologist, joined Nathan Corr, Legal Technology Rep at the University of Aberdeen’s student law society, to discuss over a cup of coffee.
Law Society comment on new jury research
The Society says new research which offers insight into the way juries reach their verdict in criminal trials will require careful consideration.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month responding to proposed changes in the law. Recent highlights include responses on the programme for government, legal aid, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, heritable securities and disclosure.
Starting your traineeship? What to expect...
David Phinn, trainee solicitor at Miller Samuel Hill Brown, discusses his experience of embarking on the traineeship and gives you his top tips for a successful beginning
65 new solicitors welcomed to profession
Our latest Admissions Ceremony took place at the Signet Library in Edinburgh this morning with 65 new solicitors being admitted to the profession.