Law Society news
Peebles High School wins national debating tournament for second year in a row
Thomas Dunmur and Laura Eggleton of Peebles High School have been crowned Scotland’s best young debaters, after winning the grand final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2020/21, organised by the Law Society of Scotland.
Fraud alert - fake law firm
We have been notified of a fake law firm named McCallum and Co which claims to offer legal advice in personal injury and accident compensation cases. There is no firm of solicitors of this name registered with the Law Society.
Qualified One Way Costs Shifting update
New rules in relation to Qualified One Way Costs Shifting (QOCS) are due to come into effect on 30 June 2021
Legal aid trainee fund launches
The Scottish Government’s £1 million fund to support 40 legal aid traineeships in Scotland has opened to applicants.
Two shortlisted for In-house Rising Star Award 2021
Two solicitors have been shortlisted for the Law Society of Scotland In-house Rising Star Award 2021 in recognition of their work as in-house lawyers.
Call for new regulatory framework for police body cameras before increasing use
The Society has said that oversight, governance and transparency will be essential in relation to police officers wearing body cameras.
Recommended trainee pay held for second year
The recommended rates of pay for trainee solicitors will not change for the second year in a row, due to the ongoing economic impact of coronavirus, the Society has confirmed.
Law Society makes UK Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces index
The Law Society of Scotland has been named one of the UK's Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces at the National Centre for Diversity's 2021 FREDIE Awards.
Diversity and inclusion on the agenda for Scotland’s in-house lawyers
In-house solicitors are set to hear from expert speakers and panellists covering a range of topics, including the impact of Covid-19, wellbeing and sustainability, at the online In-house Annual Conference on 16 and 17 June. The winner of this year's In-house Rising Star Award will also be announced.
Pride 2021
As Pride month 2021 begins, our new President Ken Dalling sends his best wishes to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Solicitors approve continued financial support for profession
Scottish solicitors have voted this evening to approve a practising certificate fee for 2021-22 of 10% less than the pre-pandemic cost in 2019-20.
Scottish solicitor at heart of Malawi independence story receives Law Society lifetime honorary membership
An eminent Scottish solicitor, who was instrumental in establishing the independence of Malawi, will be awarded honorary life membership of the Law Society of Scotland later today.
New report confirms alarm of Scottish solicitors over discharges to care homes
A report published by the Mental Welfare Commission confirms concerns previously raised by the Law Society's Mental Health and Disability Committee about the circumstances in which the transfers of vulnerable people from hospital to care homes were carried out.
Statement on the nomination of Keith Brown as Cabinet Secretary for Justice
Keith Brown MSP has been nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice.
Fraud alert - business development
Read our latest fraud alert about an organisation offering business development opportunities for a brokerage fee.
Statement on bar association boycott of custody courts
Responding to the decision of bar associations across Scotland to boycott custody courts on Monday, 17 May, the Society's president Amanda Millar has said the action shows the widespread levels of anger and frustration throughout the criminal bar.
Comment on 'level 2' court arrangements
Law Society President Amanda Millar comments on the move to 'level 2' Covid protection arrangements in the courts from 17 May
Joint statement in support of lawyers in China
Joint statement by the Law Societies of Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland.
Survey finds support for aspects of remote civil hearings
Findings from our recent survey of civil court practitioners have indicated that remote hearings work well for procedural and uncontentious matters, however far fewer respondents thought that more complex hearings should be carried out remotely.
Racial Inclusion Group survey
The Society's Racial Inclusion Group wants to hear the experiences of people from an ethnic minority background, who are studying/practising law. Whether you are a solicitor, solicitor advocate, trainee solicitor or law student, your feedback will help the Group consider steps it could recommend to the Society.
Law Society and Hey Legal team up to boost flexible traineeships
We've joined forces with Hey Legal, the training and resources platform for the Scottish legal community, to help promote flexible traineeships across the profession.
Law Society comment on acquisition of McClure Solicitors by Jones Whyte LLP
The Society's Chief Executive Lorna Jack has commented on the announcement that McClure Solicitors has been acquired by Jones Whyte LLP.
Continued financial support for Scottish solicitors to support business recovery
Our Council has agreed a proposal, which will be considered at next month's AGM, for the practising certificate fee for all solicitors in 2021/22 to be 10% less than the pre-pandemic amount.
COPFS and Law Society PIDM collaboration
Collaborative work between the COPFS and the Law Society for Scotland has been carried out to further improve the pre-intermediate diet meeting process. Read our update from a recent meeting which brought together prosecutors and defence lawyers and was convened by Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar.