Law Society news
Nationality and Borders Bill creates threat of two-tier asylum system
The Nationality and Borders Bill could result in more unsafe and perilous journeys to the UK and put those who attempt to save the lives of asylum seekers at sea at risk of facing criminal charges for their action.
Digital Evidence Sharing - Update from COPFS
A new way to collect and share digital evidence is planned for the Scottish criminal justice sector. Read the update from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on how this will affect criminal defence practitioners.
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.
Sign up for free mental health training
To mark World Mental Health Day 2021 on Sunday, 10 October, we're encouraging all members of the profession to undertake See Me's free, comprehensive mental health training, to help build a positive working culture where people feel able to talk openly about their mental health.
Regulatory reforms must not increase costs for consumers
While reform of legal services regulation is long overdue, we have cautioned against against changes which could increase costs for consumers and damage the competitiveness of Scottish law firms.
Legal challenge to nightclub vaccine passports
Industry body opposes Sturgeon plan
Law Society of Scotland achieves AML levy exemption for majority of Scottish law firms
In a positive response to pressure applied by the Law Society of Scotland, plans to introduce a new economic crime levy will see 97% of Scottish law firms exempted.
2021 Law student events and careers talks
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual careers talks and events, aimed at helping law students on their way to entering the legal profession.
Fraud alert
We have been informed of scam emails being sent to law firms claiming to be from Skipton's Conveyancing Panel.
Sir Charles Fraser Essay Competition: The Future of the Legal Profession
Edinburgh Law School and the Law Society of Scotland are running an essay competition for current Edinburgh Law School students to identify how the future of the legal profession looks today.
Law Society of Scotland shortlisted for UK Covid Response Award
We have been shortlisted for a national UK award for our work to support our members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Five new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Five Scottish solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by our Council to become solicitor advocates, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony at Parliament House.
Comment on SCTS contingency planning for COP26
Commenting on SCTS contingency planning for COP26, the Society's President Ken Dalling has said that it will be vital to ensure that any additional court business generated as a consequence of the conference is dealt with efficiently.
Law Society comment on Programme for Government 2021-22
Responding to today’s announcement of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for 2021-22, the Law Society's President has criticised the lack of progress on legal aid reform, saying the Scottish Government of dragging its feet on the issue.
Risk management at the heart of legal profession competition
The search for the latest ‘light bulb’ idea in risk management within the Scottish legal sector has been launched today. The Innovation Cup aims to tap into the expertise of the Scottish legal community and improve risk management across the profession. The Law Society of Scotland is running the competition in association with Master Policy lead insurers RSA and brokers, Lockton.
Society backs calls to assist Independent Afghanistan Bar Association President
The Society's president, Ken Dalling, has written to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab backing the call from the International Bar Association, to provide urgent assistance to Mr Rohullah Qarizada, President of the Independent Afghanistan Bar Association
Law Society launches COP26 & climate change competition
Should climate change be a mandatory part of legal education to prepare Scotland's lawyers of the future? Or would having a universal definition of 'ecocide' help to tackle climate change globally? Scots Law students have been challenged to write or record their views on climate change and the law in our new competition to mark COP26 taking place in Glasgow in November.
Full implications of change must be considered as solicitors show strong support for the not proven verdict
Results of a recent survey of the profession on the Not Proven verdict show support for not proven to be retained.
Law Society President speaks out about critical language
Following comments about lawyers made in a national broadcast interview this week by the Prime Minister, Law Society President Ken Dalling has spoken out about the importance of respecting the role legal professionals play in civil society.
Legal Aid Payment Review Panel report
The Society's Legal Aid Committee Co-convener, Ian Moir, comments on a report from the Legal Aid Payment Review Panel published this month
Comment on reforming the criminal justice system
The Society's President Ken Dalling, responds to Scotland’s Justice Secretary Keith Brown’s comments on potential reform of the criminal justice system.
UK-Australia trade deal: A welcome step towards greater collaborative engagement
The UK-Australia free trade Agreement in Principle offers an insight into the commitments made on legal and wider professional services provision, including recognition of qualifications, mobility and market access.
Comment on Scottish Government consultation analysis on reforming legal complaints
The Society's President Ken Dalling comments following the publication of the analysis of the Scottish Government consultation on proposals to improve the current complaints system.
Court business plan in level 0
Law Society President, Ken Dalling, responds to the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service's briefing on court business once Scotland moves into level 0.