Law Society news
New Bill must not risk integrity of Scotland’s criminal justice system
The Law Society of Scotland has warned that key parts of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill could seriously undermine the integrity of Scotland’s criminal justice system.
New course to boost paralegal careers and the legal sector
The Law Society of Scotland has partnered with Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen to offer an accredited qualification tailored to paralegals, the first of its kind in Scotland.
Solicitor’s conveyancing tool wins 2023 Innovation Cup
A solicitor working for a small firm in Angus has won the Law Society of Scotland’s 2023 Innovation Cup, with a practical tool to assist legal teams working in conveyancing.
Legal aid left in the dark despite welcome focus on justice sector
The Law Society of Scotland says the Scottish Government is right to focus on the justice sector in its 2023-24 Programme for Government, but is deeply concerned that legal aid has again been ignored.
Law Society congratulates newly appointed sheriffs
The Society's President Sheila Webster has offered congratulations to 18 new sheriffs appointed on the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland.
Practice update: Mental Welfare Commission report
The Mental Welfare Commission has published a report regarding the circumstances leading up to the untimely death of a vulnerable person with learning disabilities and physical ill health. This is an opportunity of those who work in this area of law to familiarise themselves with the relevant guidance.
Licensed Legal Services Provider update
Work is ongoing to create a regulatory scheme for Licensed Legal Services Providers - read our short update.
Comment on judges response to Regulation of Legal Services Bill
The Society's President Sheila Webster comments on the response to the Regulation of Legal Service Bill from Scotland's senior judges.
Scottish Government proposals which threaten independence of Scottish legal sector “are dangerous and wrong, and must be dropped”
The Society has said that Scottish Government proposals in the Regulation of Legal Service (Scotland) Bill which threaten independence of Scottish legal sector “are dangerous and wrong, and must be dropped”
AML round up: July 2023
Catch up on all the latest anti-money laundering (AML) news for the legal sector, plus what the AML team has been working on to help aid practices.
CMA investigation important to identifying consumer protection gaps
The Society has said a new investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into aspects of the unregulated legal services market will be important to identify and rectify gaps in consumer protection.
Urgent resolution needed to custody chaos in Scottish criminal courts
The Law Society of Scotland has called for urgent action to resolve major disruption caused to Scottish criminal courts by failing custody arrangements.
ICAS and the Law Society of Scotland urge proactive reform from new Tax Advisory Group
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and the Law Society of Scotland have urged the Scottish Government’s new Tax Advisory Group to pursue a proactive reform agenda.
New Russian legal advisory sanctions webinar
Practices with exposure to Russian sanctions are being encouraged to attend a Ministry of Justice webinar on 18 July on new legislation that prevents UK lawyers from advising Russian companies in certain business deals.
Practising certificate fee increase approved by solicitors
The practising certificate fee for 2023/24 was passed by solicitors at the Law Society's AGM on Thursday, 29 June 2023.
Law Society urges the Scottish Government to press ahead with legislative reforms following the Scottish Mental Health Review
The Scottish Government’s response to the Scottish Mental Health Law Review is a positive indication of governmental commitment to much needed legislative reform, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Diversity data 2022/23 published
The Law Society of Scotland has published its latest diversity data, collected every two years as part of the annual practising certificate renewal process and offering a key insight into the make-up of today’s Scottish legal profession.
Law Society pays tribute to former solicitor and politician Winnie Ewing
Law Society President Sheila Webster has paid tribute to Winnie Ewing, the respected former solicitor and politician.
Christopher Knudsen wins 2023 In-House Rising Star Award
An early-career solicitor for a company focused on reducing food waste has been awarded the Law Society of Scotland’s 2023 In-House Rising Star Award.
Honorary Membership awarded to Peter Nicholson
Long-standing editor of The Journal, Peter Nicholson, has been conferred Honorary Membership of the Law Society of Scotland, becoming just the 21st person to be given the prestigious award.
AI and the courts – will machine decision-making ever replace judges?
Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice in England and Wales Sir Geoffrey Vos highlighted the role AI could play in the justice system in his keynote speech at the Society's Law and Technology Conference on 14 June 2023.
Scotland’s best high school debaters crowned in tense final
Scotland’s best high school debaters have been crowned, with two pupils from Broxburn Academy winning the 2023 final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament.