Law Society news

Law students sought for New Lawyers Reference Group
We are currently looking for LLB or DPLP students to join our New Lawyers Reference Group.

Long-term change to save legal aid must be fast-tracked
The Law Society of Scotland has described the Scottish Government’s confirmation of an additional £11 million for legal aid as ‘a step in the right direction’ but called for urgent progress on a formal review mechanism to ensure the sector remains sustainable.

Law Society Council by-election in Glasgow and Strathkelvin constituency
Solicitors have an opportunity to put themselves forward to represent members in the Glasgow and Strathkelvin constituency on the Law Society's Council in an upcoming by-election

Solicitors jailed for fraud
Iain Robertson, Alastair Blackwood and David Lyons were among a group of five men jailed for fraud following a nine-week trial.

Scottish Secretary order on Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill
Law Society of Scotland comment on the order made by the Secretary of State for Scotland to block the Scottish Parliament's Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

New accreditation launched for paralegals working in immigration
The Law Society of Scotland has expanded its accreditation programme for paralegals with a new accreditation in immigration law.

New Statutory Instrument comes into force for Overseas Entities
New Statutory Instrument comes into force on 12 January which makes some amendments to the requirements on relevant persons who verify an Overseas Entity.

Mandatory solicitor advocate introductory course now available
The Society of Solicitor Advocates will be running a solicitor advocates introductory course on 3 February 2023, which is required for those wishing to seek extended rights of audience.

Hendrie Legal Limited
The Society has stepped in to ensure that clients are protected while appropriate managerial arrangements are put in place to cover the absence of a director at Hendrie Legal Limited. The Society’s petition for a judicial factor on the client account of the practice was granted by the Court of Session on Wednesday, 21 December.

Government reforms on legal regulation good news for consumers and the Scottish legal sector
Scottish Government plans to bring forward new legislation to reform and modernise the regulation of legal services are good news for consumers and the Scottish legal sector.

Seven new solicitor advocates granted extended rights of audience
Another seven new solicitor advocates have been introduced to the Court in a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh today.

Susan Murray confirmed as President-elect for 2024/25
NHS in-house solicitor Susan Murray has been named as the Law Society of Scotland’s President-elect for 2024/25.

Diploma changes to aid clarity and inclusiveness
The Law Society of Scotland has launched consultation on proposed minor changes to modernise the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice required to undertake a solicitor traineeship.

Law Society backs call for urgent reform to legal aid system
The Law Society of Scotland has backed the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s call for urgent reform to address the crisis facing the legal aid system and access to justice as a whole.

Views wanted on the Scottish Letting Agent Register
The Scottish Government wants to hear from users of the Scottish Letting Agent Register to learn about your experiences of the renewal process and any ideas for potential operational improvements.

Scottish lawyers to lead European project on advance choices
The Law Society of Scotland’s work on advance choices in case of future disablement has inspired a major project to encourage legal reform across Europe.

Court of Session confirms position on legal privilege and third party complaints
The Court of Session has confirmed its position on legal privilege in relation to third party complaints and has provided clarity on the limits of client confidentiality following publication of its opinion on 9 December.

Annual members survey launch
The Law Society of Scotland’s annual members survey aims to provide a better understanding of members current views on a wide range of topics, including where they believe the focus of the Society’s work should be.

Human Rights Day 2022 - Civil Society Letter
This Human Rights Day, the United Nations is calling for action to counter scepticism of, and rollbacks against, human rights, by establishing that human rights are never relative and must always be upheld as what unites all of humanity.

New Scottish solicitors honoured with admissions ceremony
The Scottish legal sector has welcomed 55 new solicitors to the profession at an admissions ceremony at the Signet Library in central Edinburgh.

WW & J Mcclure Limited / Jones Whyte Limited FAQs
Greenock law firm WW & J Mcclure Limited went into administration and ceased trading in early 2021. We have have collated answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Guidance update on third-party complaints
Read our update on Guidance relating to third-party complaints following the Court’s Opinion in the case of Scottish Legal Complaints Commission v Donald Roderick Murray and Another

Extended rights of audience granted to new solicitor advocates
The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to seven solicitors, with the new solicitor advocates introduced to the Court in a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Football controversy on trial as debating tournament kicks off
Students have debated Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup during the opening round of Scotland’s premier high school debating competition.