Law Society news
New career heights reached for Law Society members
A select number of the Law Society of Scotland's members have achieved new heights in their careers as they have been accredited in their chosen fields.
SLAB report confirms that legal aid remains in crisis
Newly released data from the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) suggests that demand for legal aid support is no longer able to be met by the shrinking pool of solicitors working in the scheme.
Law Society and Faculty jointly intervene in UK Supreme Court case
The Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates have jointly intervened in relation to an important principle in Scottish criminal law that is central to a United Kingdom Supreme Court case.
Six inspiring winners of inaugural Legal Pioneer Award
Six inspiring members of the Scottish legal sector have been announced as the inaugural winners of the Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Pioneers Award, which was launched to mark the Society's 75th anniversary.
Rule of law and independence of the legal profession key themes at Annual Conference
The critical importance of the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession were among the key themes considered at the Law Society of Scotland’s Annual Conference. The final day of the keynote event for the professional body for Scottish solicitors was held as a hybrid event in Edinburgh on Thursday, 31 October.
Restricting Complaints Guidance in practice
Following the introduction of new Law Society of Scotland Guidance on restricting complaints, Convener of the Society's Professional Practice Committee, Austin Lafferty has commented on how this will apply to solicitors in practice.
AML annual supervisory report 2024
The Law Society of Scotland’s annual anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory report highlights the range of AML initiatives undertaken between April 2023 and April 2024.
Law Society welcomes scrapping of juryless trials proposal
The Law Society of Scotland says the Scottish Government has made the correct decision in scrapping its plans for juryless trials for sexual offences.
Solicitors concerned at court’s ruling on corroboration
The Law Society of Scotland says that a judgement from the High Court of Justiciary marks a significant change to the longstanding rules around corroboration in criminal cases that will likely have far-reaching consequences.
Scottish firms’ AML-related work nears £700m
Almost £700 million of gross fees across Scottish legal firms in 2023 related to work falling under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, analysis of the latest AML Certificate has shown.
New guide navigates AI challenges for Scottish solicitors
A new guide has been launched to help Scottish solicitors navigate the growing range of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) products while avoiding potential risks posed to their businesses and clients.
Concerns raised over AML Certificate data accuracy
The anti-money laundering (AML) sub-committee has called on Scottish legal practices to improve the accuracy of their AML Certificate data or risk disciplinary action.
Law Society members achieve career milestones
Congratulations are in order for 27 members of the Law Society of Scotland who have been recognised in their areas of practice.
Law Society of Scotland pays tribute to Iain Doran
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to Scottish solicitor and committee member Iain Doran who recently passed away.
Tribute to former Law Society President Norman Stewart
Susan Murray, President of the Law Society of Scotland, has paid tribute to Norman Stewart, President of the Society in 1985/86.
Law Society celebrates members with professional recognition
Congratulations are in order for 16 members of the Law Society of Scotland who have been recognised in their areas of practice.
Honorary Membership nominations invited for Law Society's 75th anniversary
The Society is inviting nominations for honorary membership for outstanding service for the public good by a Scottish solicitor - the closing date is Wednesday, 2 October.
AML SARs thematic review: DAML spotlight
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has highlighted defence against money laundering reports (DAMLs) as a key area of focus for firms, following the release of initial findings from its suspicious activity reports (SARs) thematic review.
Programme for Government a missed opportunity for access to justice
The Scottish Government has proposed a range of positive justice sector reforms in its 2024-25 Programme for Government, but has failed to recognise the urgent need for investment in access to justice and legal aid.
AML SARs thematic review initial findings
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has published the initial findings of its thematic review into suspicious activity reports (SARs), revealing positive procedures are in place across firms, but further support and guidance is needed on training and the threshold for suspicion.
New career heights reached for Law Society members
Congratulations are in order for 66 members of the Law Society of Scotland who have been recognised in their areas of practice.
New award to celebrate Scotland’s legal sector pioneers
The Society is launching a new award to celebrate legal pioneers within the sector as part of its 75th anniversary commemorations. Nominations for the Legal Pioneer Award are open to both solicitors and non-solicitors - past or present - who have made a significant contribution to Scotland’s legal sector.
Stepping out to support pro bono legal services
The Law Society and Faculty of Advocates have teamed up as joint national sponsors of the Legal Walks, organised annually by the Access to Justice Foundation to raise money to fund much-needed pro bono services.
New solicitors celebrated with summer admissions ceremony
Over 60 new Scottish solicitors were formally welcomed to the profession at an admissions ceremony held at the Signet Library, Edinburgh.