Law Society news
Budgets, relationships and ethics
Ahead of our annual conference on Friday 26 October, leadership and governance consultant Ciarán Fenton previews his conference session for in-house lawyers.
Law Society President pays tribute to Murray Sinclair
The Society's president Alison Atack pays tribute to our Council member Murray Sinclair who has passed away.
The PEAT 2 review and how to make the most of yours
Eilidh Smith, a second year trainee at Brodies talks about the PEAT 2 review process and how to make the most of yours
Children’s Act review must ensure child-centred approach remains
The Society has said the rights of children in Scotland should be strengthened to ensure their views are heard in its response to the Children's Act review.
AML risk asessment review
Has your firm completed an AML risk assessment? It's an essential part of law firms' anti-money laundering activity
What have I learned in four years? Where do I start...
John Brannigan, of Russells Gibson McCaffrey, explains why, after only four years in post, he's only too aware of how rewarding a career as a solicitor can be
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.
Money laundering and the professions – what next?
Graham Barrow, anti-money laundering consultant and writer about financial crime, discusses the UK Government’s recent announcement regarding the professions and money launderers.
New SLCC policy on levy for upheld complaints
The SLCC has revised its policy on the levy it can impose for upheld and partly upheld complaints
Life’s a breach – the harsh cost of a data breach for law firms post-GDPR
Paula Fagan from IT Governance, sponsors of our GDPR Guide, highlights the importance of keeping GDPR at the forefront of risk management.
HM Treasury annual frozen assets review
HM Treasury frozen asset annual review - reporting period ends on 13 October.
In-house team flies high
Carolyn Jameson, Chief Legal Officer at Skyscanner, reflects on the work of her team that led her to being named ‘Senior In-house Lawyer of the Year’ at the Law Awards 2017.
Widening access to the legal profession
Read our comments on the Scottish Parliament Justice Committee report on widening access to the legal profession
Trainees and legal aid
We are working on a joint project with the Scottish Legal Aid Board to gain a better understanding of the number of trainees involved in criminal and mixed practice.
Innovation as a performance indicator
Innovation isn't just about inventing new things, it's about improving how things are done and introducing solutions that have worked elsewhere. Legal management consultant Richard Stock blogs on the importance of innovation to in-house legal departments.
Financial health check of Scottish legal sector indicates revenue boost for larger law firms
A financial health check of Scottish law firms has indicated that increasing work volumes have boosted revenue, although sole principal solicitor firms are shown to be struggling.
Seven new solicitor advocates welcomed
Seven Scottish solicitors have been admitted by our Council as solicitor advocates with extended rights of audience at a ceremony on Tuesday 18 September 2018.
Third of solicitors are victims of violence or threats, according to survey
A third of solicitors who took part in a recent survey have been victims of violence or threatening behaviour.
Regulation – in everyone’s interest
Our Regulatory Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing our regulatory functions. Carole Ford, the lay convener to the committee, discusses some of its recent work and decisions
Why you should consider the Brussels secondment: beer, chocolate and bureaucracy
Eugene McQuaid, a dual qualified lawyer, currently working as an EU Regulatory and Public Affairs Consultant in Brussels explains (from personal experience) why trainees and supervising solicitors should think seriously about the six month trainee secondment in Brussels.
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.
Mental health first aid, a simple question?
Mental health first aider, Lyndsey Thomson explains what's involved in the mental health first aid training and what it has meant to her personally.
GDPR – What was all the fuss about?
A few months on from the enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Laura Irvine, partner at BTO solicitors, looks at the changes introduced and what they mean for individuals and organisations.
What is commercial awareness?
Andrew Todd, group director & company secretary of Springfield Properties plc, reflects on how being commercially aware can be particularly important (and challenging) for in-house lawyers.