Law Society news
#LawscotTour
Trains, planes and automobiles - and that’s just the start of the upcoming road trip featuring our president and our newest colleagues in the member services engagement team!
Take part in developing the future route to qualification as a solicitor
Solicitors and academics have the opportunity to feed into a review of legal education and the future of the route to qualification.
Why did we choose to report our pay gap?
Some of you may have noticed that we chose to report our pay gap even though we were not obliged to by the legislation. Head of Education Policy, Rob Marrs explains why.
Becoming a solicitor - the long way round
Paul Nevin, Senior Solicitor at Moray Council, discusses his alcoholism and belated entry to the legal profession.
Legal complaints costs to rise despite falling numbers
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission has confirmed plans for an above inflation increase in its 2018-19 budget, despite the falling number of eligible complaints against Scottish solicitors.
Rising Star Award celebrates in-house talent
Nominations are now open for the 2018 Law Society of Scotland In-house Rising Star award.
Innovation Cup 2018
A new competition has been launched to tap in to the expertise of the Scottish legal community and improve risk management across the profession.
Important changes to our email updates
We want to keep our members up to date with the latest practice updates, changes to legislation, legal news, CPD training courses and more.
Take your seat at the table and join our Council to represent new lawyers
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer, tells NQs and admitted trainees why they should apply for the current position of Council Rep for New Lawyers and join the Law Society's decision-making body.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Sowing the seeds of successful future leaders
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer at the Law Society, talks about how best to invest in your junior workforce to boost morale and grow a committed, highly-skilled next generation of leaders.
Criminal procedure reforms - impact on statements
Criminal procedure reforms, following the implementation of Lord Carloway review recommendations, will impact on solicitors advising clients accused of a criminal offence.
Scottish solicitors rank regulatory role top priority for professional body
The Law Society of Scotland should continue to be responsible for representation, support and regulation of solicitors in Scotland, according to 95% of Scottish solicitors interviewed in a recent survey.
What the Lawscot Foundation means to Laura
One of our first ever Lawscot Foundation recipients is Laura, who is studying at Abertay University. While she was still at school, Laura spent a period of time living in a homeless shelter and writes about what the support from the Lawscot Foundation means to her.
Professional Practice Update - April 2018
HSBC has completed its project to extend membership of its conveyancing panel to allow all firms regulated by the Society to apply for panel membership for purchase transactions in Scotland.
Law Society of Scotland reports 21% gender pay gap
We've reported on our gender pay gap for the first time.
Calling new lawyers to Council
Ayla Skene reflects on her two years on Council as representative for new lawyers and encourages people who are considering standing, to take the plunge.
Fake phone calls
We have recently been informed of multiple telephone scams - one from someone claiming to be from the Law Society and others from fraudsters claiming to provide a 'Telephone Preference Service'.
2018 Financial Benchmarking Survey - deadline extended
Law firms across Scotland can still take part in the 2018 financial benchmarking survey to assess the financial health of their firm.
What should be top of the training agenda for all NQs?
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer at the Law Society, thinks about the business skills newly qualified lawyers can equip themselves with for future success, regardless of the direction they want their career to take.
Pupils through to national debating tournament final
Pupils from four secondary schools have won a place in the final of Scotland’s biggest schools’ debating competition after a battle of words this week.
Scottish Legal Complaints Commission must reform to cut costs
We have called on the SLCC to change the way it administers legal complaints to avoid an above inflation hike in costs.
Scottish pupils through to semi-finals of national debating tournament
Pupils from 16 schools across Scotland have battled their way to the semi-finals of our Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Opportunity for newly qualified solicitors to join Council
Opportunities to stand for Council representing newly qualified members, solicitors in six constituencies across Scotland and Scottish solicitors working in England and Wales.