Law Society news
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.
Comment on violence and threats to solicitors
The Society has commented on reports of threats to solicitor firms and advice agencies in England following the recent outbreaks of violence.
Nine solicitor advocates granted extended rights of audience
The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to nine solicitor advocates in a ceremony held at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Fraud alert – emails impersonating solicitors
We've been alerted that Faculty of Advocates members have recently received a spate of scam emails from fraudsters pretending to be legitimate solicitor firms.
Risk management competition shifts focus to AI and technology solutions
The Law Society of Scotland’s annual risk management competition is turning its focus to solutions based on technology and artificial intelligence.
Solicitor details - data aggregation services
We have been notified by members of a service offering to sell details of practising solicitors in Scotland - make sure to check any data aggregation service is legitimate.
Guide on improving disability inclusion in legal sector launches
We've launched a guide to help improve disability and neurodiversity inclusion across the Scottish legal profession.
Rule of law must underpin UK Government’s legislative agenda
The extensive legislative agenda outlined in the King's speech must serve to strengthen the rule of law and be underpinned by access to justice, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society urges Scottish MPs to champion the rule of law and access to justice
The Law Society of Scotland has written to all Scottish MPs elected in last week's UK General Election urging them to respect and champion the rule of law and access to justice.
Law Society of Scotland pays tribute to Alison Britton
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to former Committee member, Professor Alison Britton, who sadly passed away on Tuesday 2 July.
Practising Certificate fee approved at AGM
Scottish solicitors approve Practising Certificate fee for 2024/25 at Law Society AGM.
Law Society bolsters governing Council with non-legal expertise
The Law Society of Scotland has bolstered its governing Council with the recruitment of six new non-legal members to provide additional perspective and expertise.
Mental Health and Capacity Reform Programme must be implemented without delay
The Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Capacity Reform delivery plan is an important step in the implementation of much needed modernisation of the law in this area.
Technology experts urge Scottish legal sector to embrace AI
The growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology for the legal sector has been examined at a conference hosted by the Law Society of Scotland.
New trusts and succession measures improve public protections
New measures have come into force to prevent those convicted of murder or culpable homicide from acting as an executor to their victim’s estate.
AML inspection guide released
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has released a guide to help members understand more about the AML inspections process and how to prepare for different types of inspection.
Statement on retirement announcement of Scotland’s Lord Justice Clerk
The first woman ever appointed as Scotland's Lord Justice Clerk, Lady Dorrian, has advised that she will retire in early February 2025, on the same date that the Lord President has previously indicated he will be stepping down.
Law Society crowns Cameron Ramage 2024’s In-House Rising Star
An early-career solicitor for a global technology company has been crowned the Law Society of Scotland’s 2024 In-House Rising Star.
AML regulations need greater clarity for legal sector
Money Laundering Regulations need greater clarity for the legal sector and a re-focus on key ways to mitigate underlying risk in order to strengthen the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) system, we have said in response to government proposals.
Broxburn Academy come out victorious in Law Society’s debating final
Two pupils from Broxburn Academy have been crowned the winners of 2024’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debate tournament.