Law Society news
Brussels Agenda - September 2017
Read the September edition, for all the latest EU developments.
The residence nil rate band – are your clients affected?
Alison Fitzsimons, Associate Director with Tilney in Scotland explains what the residence nil rate band, which was introduced in April 2017, means for inheritance planning.
Minimum recommended requirements for video conferencing
In line with the Scottish Government’s Justice Digital Strategy and in anticipation of proposals to redesign and modernise summary justice in Scotland following the Evidence and Procedure Review, the Society is looking closely at issues relating to technology in the justice system.
Healthcare in Scotland needs consideration as part of Brexit negotiations
The Law Society of Scotland has said that healthcare needs in Scotland should be considered alongside those of the UK as a whole, as part of ongoing Brexit negotiations.
Anti-money laundering guidance published
The Society has published new Anti-Money Laundering Guidance for our members.
New Council representation for international Scottish solicitors and solicitor advocates
Two brand new seats on the Law Society of Scotland Council have been filled by a Scottish solicitor working in Brussels and a solicitor advocate based in Fife.
Financial benchmarking survey shows improving fortunes for smaller law firms
A survey of Scottish law firms’ finances has shown improving fortunes for smaller law firms.
Voting open for Law Society of Scotland Council elections
John Scott QC and President of the Society of Solicitor Advocates urges his fellow solicitor advocates to vote for their dedicated representative.
September 2017 Lawscot News
Our latest newsletter 'Lawscot News' for members is out now and jam-packed with the latest news and views and updates from the Law Society of Scotland.
EU Withdrawal Bill risks legislative competence of Scottish Parliament
The Law Society of Scotland has raised a series of concerns in advance of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill’s second reading at Westminster on Thursday, 7 September.
Voting open for Law Society of Scotland Council elections
Four solicitor advocates are competing to become the first ever Council representative for Scottish solicitor advocates and five Scottish solicitors who work outside of Great Britain are vying to become the Society’s first international Council member.
Professional practice updates - September 2017
Latest news and updates on C1 and C4 forms, lobbying guidance and video conferencing
Society launches survey on impact of legal aid
The Law Society of Scotland has launched an online survey to assess the impact of legal aid work in Scotland.
'No globalisation without representation' an international blog
Katie Hay, head of international at the Law Society, discusses our our work towards becoming a truly international world-class professional body and urges Scottish solicitors working internationally to get involved.
Judges wanted for national debating tournament 2017/2018
The Law Society of Scotland is calling for people with an interest in debating to sign up as judges for the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2017/18.
Rona Plowman trainee blog
Rona is a first year trainee solicitor at BBM Solicitors in Wick, Caithness. Her first seat is Residential Conveyancing. Rona grew up in Wick and attended Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen for her LLB and Diploma.
Law reform round up September 2017
Our committees have been working on a number of Scottish Parliament and UK Parliamentary Bills and consultations including the Proposed Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill, Civil Litigation (Expenses and Group Proceedings) (Scotland) Bill and Brexit.
Law Society comment on Pagan Osborne
Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, has commented on the announcement that Pagan Osborne has gone into administration.
Up and running – our student:trainee mentoring scheme
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer in our education, training and qualifications team, explains all about our new student:trainee mentoring scheme.
My experience as a Hearings Intern
Charlotte White is currently undertaking the Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Dundee having obtained an LLB in Scots and English Law in 2016. Here she talks about her experience as a Hearings Intern at the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Society urges that rule of law and litigants should be at the heart of Brexit talks on CJEU
The Law Society of Scotland has said that it will be critically important for the UK Government and EU Commission to consider the needs of litigants with cases going before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) prior to Brexit.
Work in-house? Thinking about taking on a trainee? Do it!
Katie Wood, Head of Admissions, explains the benefits of taking on a trainee in-house.
Fraud alert - Caller claiming to be from RBS
A law firm received a telephone call this week from someone claiming to be Jonathan Leslie, Digital Fraud Strategy Relationship Manager from Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Show of support for Aamer Anwar following Barcelona attack
The Law Society of Scotland has joined the widespread show of support for human rights solicitor Aamer Anwar, following a series of abusive messages in response to his eye witness account of last week’s terror attack in Barcelona.