Law Society news
Human rights must not be diminished by Bill of Rights
The Law Society of Scotland has said that existing rights of those living in the UK must not be diminished by the the Bill of Rights Bill introduced by the UK Government.
Vienna Declaration standing for the Rule of Law in Europe
The Law Society of Scotland has joined its legal peers across Europe in signing the Vienna Declaration in Support of the Rule of Law.
Expression of interest: Child interview rights practitioners
The Scottish Government intends to create and maintain a register of child interview rights practitioner (ChIRPs) and are inviting expressions of interest for children’s solicitors to support children in investigative interviews.
Two Shortlisted for the In-House Rising Star Award 2022
The annual Law Society of Scotland In-House Rising Star Award is back, and two Scottish solicitors have been shortlisted for this year’s award from six nominations.
Law Society condemns inflammatory language by UK Government
The Society has spoken out to condemn a repeat of inflammatory and derogatory language about lawyers doing their jobs by UK Government ministers.
Search is on for most innovative risk management idea
We have launched our search for the latest bright idea in risk management within the Scottish legal profession today, Monday, 13 June
Fortrose Academy wins Dewar Debate final at Scottish Parliament
Scotland’s best young debaters have been crowned, with pupils from Fortrose Academy winning the grand final of this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Comment on Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill
Responding to publication of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill, the Society's Criminal Law Committee Convener Stuart Munro has said the Bill, which aims to deliver improvements to current arrangements around bail and release from custody, comes at a critical time
Nominations open for Aberdeenshire Council member
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society's Council, representing members in the Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven constituency.
Reform must ensure that law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness
The Law Society of Scotland has called for legal reforms to ensure that the law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness.
AML Thematic Review of Policies, Controls & Procedures
The Society will be launching its AML Thematic Review of Policies, Controls & Procedures (PCPs) this month, June 2022.
Solicitors urged to help clients combat conveyancing fraud
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is encouraging Scottish solicitors involved in property conveyancing to make their clients aware of the risks of payment diversion fraud.
Resource Spending Review risks 20% real terms budget cut for Scotland’s justice sector
Responding to the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review announced yesterday, the Society has criticised the freezing of justice budgets until 2027, saying that the government’s commitment to the recovery of the courts post-pandemic requires investment which is not evident in the review.
Law Society leads the way with Investors in Diversity accreditation
The Law Society of Scotland has been awarded a prestigious Investors in Diversity accreditation, underlining its record of leading workplace best practice for the Scottish legal profession.
Law Society of Scotland celebrates Pride Month
We wish a Happy Pride to all LGBTQ+ plus people working in the legal profession and beyond. During the month we'll be hosting an inclusion event and supporting members and others attending Pride events across the country.
New Law Society President brings chambers perspective to role
Murray Etherington will formally take over the role of President from Ken Dalling at a meeting of the Society’s governing Council today.
Scottish solicitors approve uplift to practising certificate fee
Solicitors approved an increase to the practising certificate fee at the Society's AGM on 26 May 2022. The PC fee had been substantially discounted over the previous two years, as part of a £2.2 million financial package designed to support the profession through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moveable Transactions Bill
Long awaited new legislation aimed at reforming the law of moveable transactions has been published in draft today. Moveable transactions reform is intended to enable smaller businesses to use their assets as security against lower cost loans, and so such reform is a welcome development, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Lawyers from around the globe commemorate 90th anniversary of Paisley snail case
The world-famous ‘Paisley snail’ will take centre stage at an international online conference hosted by the Society to mark the 90th anniversary of the ground-breaking legal case which founded modern consumer rights law in countries around the globe.
Human rights must be at the core of proposals for law reform around advance choices and medical decision-making
Deficiencies in Scots law around advance choices, and medical decision-making in intensive care situations, put human rights in jeopardy, according to a Law Society of Scotland report.
Supporting International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Our office bearers have an important message, standing up for gender diversity and freedom on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Law Society Council proposes PC fee lower than pre-pandemic in real terms
Following a two-year financial support package for Scottish solicitors to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Society's Council is proposing a practising certificate fee of £585, which is 8% lower in real terms compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Solicitor advocate first celebrated with new senators
The Law Society of Scotland has congratulated John Scott as he today takes the precedent-setting step from solicitor advocate to senator of the College of Justice.
President's Dinner raises £5,000 for Lawscot Foundation students
The Lawscot Foundation has been boosted by more than £5,000 donated by guests attending the Law Society of Scotland President’s Dinner.