Law Society news
Legal profession concerned by Scottish Legal Complaints Commission draft budget
We have called on the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission to focus more on its core role in handling legal complaints and go further in controlling its costs.
Removal of the not proven verdict risks an increase in miscarriages of justice
The Law Society of Scotland has stated its opposition to plans to abolish the not proven verdict in Scottish criminal cases, arguing that the change risks an increase in miscarriages of justice.
England and Wales funding boost underlines Scottish legal aid crisis
Responding to the UK Government Ministry of Justice proposals for £135m additional funding per year for criminal legal aid in England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland has criticised the lack of progress on resolving the legal aid crisis in Scotland.
Tell us about your experience of remote online notarisation
We are keen to learn about our members' experience of remote online notarisation - take part in our short survey by 9 April.
Support for trainees and training managers
We are issuing a reminder about support, guidance and obligations for trainees and training managers, along with the steps we're taking to see whether we can better support the training process.
Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land
The Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land (RCI) will come into force on 1 April 2022, with a grace period of one year for specified offences.
Eight solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Eight solicitors have been granted extended rights of audience by the Society's Council to become solicitor advocates, joining seven colleagues introduced to court last week.
Resolution on Ukraine and international rule of law
The Society's Council passed a resolution on Ukraine and international rule of law when it met today. Friday, 4 March 2022, which condemned the ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
The Law Society of Scotland emphasises the active role the legal profession must play in sanctions against Russia
The Scottish legal sector must be alert to the implications of the current crisis and has a shared responsibility to comply with UK Government sanctions and present a united front against Russia’s violations of international law.
University of Edinburgh duo win Elaine Tyre Client Consultation Competition
Two University of Edinburgh students have won this year's Elaine Tyre Client Consultation Competition, giving them a chance to go on and win the International Client Consultation Competition later in 2022.
Law Society of Scotland statement on Ukraine
The Law Society of Scotland condemns the use of force by Russia against Ukraine. International Law is clear that such actions are both legally and morally reprehensible. The invasion of Ukraine is an egregious breach of the rule of law and we support lawful action that will help bring this terrible conflict to an end as swiftly as possible.
Engaging with the complaints process
Let's talk about complaints. No one likes to be complained about, but we highlight the importance of engaging in the process as part of a solicitor's professional obligations - and seeking support if needbe.
16 teams through to Dewar Debate semi-final
Pupils from 16 schools across Scotland have progressed into the semi-finals of the Society's Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament. The second-round heats of the annual debating competition in January saw 32 teams debate the motion ‘This house would introduce university fees in Scotland’.
What do you want from your Journal?
We need to know what you need and want from the Journal, what you find most interesting, how you like to receive your news and what’s missing.
Law Society questions whether the SLCC is going far enough to control costs and provide value for money
Responding to the SLCC's proposed reduction in the levy for solicitors, Ken Dalling, President of the Law Society of Scotland has welcomed the reduction but said that it will still leave the SLCC with a record budget to spend, despite forecasting fewer complaints.
Criminal extended rights of audience applications open
Applications for criminal extended rights of audience are now open and will close on Monday, 21 February 2022.
Report into racial inclusion in the Scottish legal profession published
Our report into racial inclusion within the Scottish legal profession has found an increasingly diverse and progressive sector that wants to do more, but is hampered by slow progress, lack of visible minority roles models and experiences of bias.
Changes to IHT reporting requirements
Changes to inheritance tax (IHT) reporting for non-taxpaying estates came into effect on 1 January 2022.
Irreparable damage to access to justice without immediate action
The Scottish Government’s historic and continued neglect of the Scottish Legal Aid system will result in people who cannot afford legal advice being denied access to justice, according to a letter from the Law Society of Scotland President to the Scottish Government.
Law Society renews partnership with Amiqus
We have renewed our strategic partnership with Amiqus to support Scottish solicitors in meeting anti-money laundering compliance requirements through use of technology, while the Leith-based tech company also engages in research and development to improve access to legal services.
Law Society invites nominations for Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Council member
Nominations are now invited for solicitors aspiring to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing their colleagues in the Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy constituency.
Feedback invited on external walls assessment form
Scottish solicitors are invited to comment on the Scottish Government’s first iteration of an external wall appraisal form.
Urgent need for justice sector reform highlighted by Scottish Parliament report
The Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee report into reforming the criminal justice sector is an important recognition of critical issues facing the sector and the urgency required for solutions.
Collaboration and understanding of increased pressures needed during rise in Covid cases
The Society's President has written to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) encouraging continued collaboration and the need to acknowledge and show understanding of the increasing pressures on the profession during a period of rising Covid-19 cases.