Law Society news
The Law Society of Scotland emphasises the active role the legal profession must play in sanctions against Russia
The Scottish legal sector must be alert to the implications of the current crisis and has a shared responsibility to comply with UK Government sanctions and present a united front against Russia’s violations of international law.
University of Edinburgh duo win Elaine Tyre Client Consultation Competition
Two University of Edinburgh students have won this year's Elaine Tyre Client Consultation Competition, giving them a chance to go on and win the International Client Consultation Competition later in 2022.
Law Society of Scotland statement on Ukraine
The Law Society of Scotland condemns the use of force by Russia against Ukraine. International Law is clear that such actions are both legally and morally reprehensible. The invasion of Ukraine is an egregious breach of the rule of law and we support lawful action that will help bring this terrible conflict to an end as swiftly as possible.
Engaging with the complaints process
Let's talk about complaints. No one likes to be complained about, but we highlight the importance of engaging in the process as part of a solicitor's professional obligations - and seeking support if needbe.
16 teams through to Dewar Debate semi-final
Pupils from 16 schools across Scotland have progressed into the semi-finals of the Society's Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament. The second-round heats of the annual debating competition in January saw 32 teams debate the motion ‘This house would introduce university fees in Scotland’.
What do you want from your Journal?
We need to know what you need and want from the Journal, what you find most interesting, how you like to receive your news and what’s missing.
Law Society questions whether the SLCC is going far enough to control costs and provide value for money
Responding to the SLCC's proposed reduction in the levy for solicitors, Ken Dalling, President of the Law Society of Scotland has welcomed the reduction but said that it will still leave the SLCC with a record budget to spend, despite forecasting fewer complaints.
Criminal extended rights of audience applications open
Applications for criminal extended rights of audience are now open and will close on Monday, 21 February 2022.
Report into racial inclusion in the Scottish legal profession published
Our report into racial inclusion within the Scottish legal profession has found an increasingly diverse and progressive sector that wants to do more, but is hampered by slow progress, lack of visible minority roles models and experiences of bias.
Changes to IHT reporting requirements
Changes to inheritance tax (IHT) reporting for non-taxpaying estates came into effect on 1 January 2022.
Irreparable damage to access to justice without immediate action
The Scottish Government’s historic and continued neglect of the Scottish Legal Aid system will result in people who cannot afford legal advice being denied access to justice, according to a letter from the Law Society of Scotland President to the Scottish Government.
Law Society renews partnership with Amiqus
We have renewed our strategic partnership with Amiqus to support Scottish solicitors in meeting anti-money laundering compliance requirements through use of technology, while the Leith-based tech company also engages in research and development to improve access to legal services.
Law Society invites nominations for Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Council member
Nominations are now invited for solicitors aspiring to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing their colleagues in the Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy constituency.
Feedback invited on external walls assessment form
Scottish solicitors are invited to comment on the Scottish Government’s first iteration of an external wall appraisal form.
Urgent need for justice sector reform highlighted by Scottish Parliament report
The Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee report into reforming the criminal justice sector is an important recognition of critical issues facing the sector and the urgency required for solutions.
Collaboration and understanding of increased pressures needed during rise in Covid cases
The Society's President has written to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) encouraging continued collaboration and the need to acknowledge and show understanding of the increasing pressures on the profession during a period of rising Covid-19 cases.
Authorisation marks significant step towards alternative legal businesses in Scotland
The Society has been authorised as a regulator of Licensed Legal Services Providers in Scotland, marking a further step towards solicitors and non-solicitors being able to set up businesses together to provide legal and other business services to consumers in Scotland.
Law Society cautions against change which could risk higher legal bills for consumers
While we want to see major reforms to the way legal services are regulated, we have cautioned against measures which could damage the competitiveness of Scottish law firms and increase the cost of legal advice for consumers.
Read more about our response to the Scottish Government consultation on legal services regulation reform.
Legal aid spending drop highlights funding crisis in the sector
Following publication of the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s annual report, which shows a fall in legal aid spending from £130.9m in 2020 to £99.1m in 2020-21, we have said the drop in funding emphasises the urgent need for a long term funding plan for the sector to ensure those in need can access legal advice and services.
Saltcoats solicitor for Law Society Council
A local Saltcoats solicitor has been appointed to the Law Society of Scotland’s governing Council.
Simple free checklist wins this year’s Innovation Cup
A comprehensive and cost-free checklist to check a property’s title when buying a domestic property is the winner of this year’s Innovation Cup.
Conveyancing Direct FAQs
Conveyancing Direct has ceased to practice. The Law Society has been appointed to access all of the files, documentation and the client account and have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Law Society virtual fundraising efforts raise over £9000 for Camphill Blair Drummond
Virtual team walks from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, step challenges, online bake sales and through the keyhole competitions have been just a few of the virtual fundraising efforts of Law Society staff throughout the pandemic, raising money for their charity partner of the year, Camphill Blair Drummond.
Law Society comment on Human Rights Act Reform
In response to the UK Government’s publication of proposals to reform the UK Human Rights Act, the Law Society of Scotland has said while it is reassuring that the proposed Bill of Rights will retain substantive rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), it will be vital to ensure that some existing rights are not diminished.