Law Society news
Law Society hosts roundtable to discuss Scottish criminal justice reform bill
We hosted a roundtable of key stakeholders to discuss the Scottish Government’s Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill on Friday, 8 March 2024. Attendees included solicitors and advocates along with MSPs, academics, and victims’, women’s and human rights groups.
Survey confirms solicitors’ alarm at Scottish Government’s legal regulation plans
Our latest annual members survey has confirmed the depth of concern at the Scottish Government’s proposal to give itself powers to control the regulation of the legal sector.
New logo reflects modern, dynamic, inclusive and sustainable legal sector
The Law Society of Scotland has unveiled a new logo reflecting its central role in Scotland’s modern, dynamic, inclusive and sustainable legal sector.
Legal regulation bill passes first hurdle but chance to make public protection even stronger remains
New laws on regulating the Scottish legal sector can be strengthened further to better protect the public, the Law Society of Scotland has said.
Law Society accredited as a Leader in Diversity
We have been accredited as a Leader in Diversity, recognising our achievements and commitment to lead workplace best practice in Scotland.
Cross-party report shows government wrong to try to politically control legal profession
A new report from a cross-party committee of MSPs has shown how Scottish Government plans to try and control the way the legal profession operates were wrong and risked undermining the rule of law.
Paying tribute to Professor Philip Love CBE
Our President Sheila Webster has offered her deepest condolences to family, friends and former colleagues of Professor Philip Love, CBE, who was president of the Law Society of Scotland in 1981-1982.
AML: Changes to domestic PEPs
Domestic politically exposed persons (PEPs) can now be considered inherently lower risk than non-domestic PEPs, following recent changes to money laundering regulations by the UK government.
HM Treasury money laundering advisory notice: High-risk third countries
HM Treasury has released an advisory notice amending the definition of High-Risk Third Countries (HRTC).
Nine solicitor advocates welcomed in third ceremony in a week
The Law Society of Scotland granted extended rights of audience to nine new solicitor advocates yesterday, joining the 16 who were introduced last week.
MSPs warned of unacceptable danger posed by juryless rape trials
Law Society President Sheila Webster has appeared before the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee to provide evidence on the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, alongside the Society’s Head of Research Alan McCreadie.
16 solicitor advocates celebrated in back-to-back ceremonies
The Law Society of Scotland has granted 16 new solicitor advocates extended rights of audience at back-to-back ceremonies at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Justice not served as legal aid ignored again in Scottish Budget
The Scottish Government’s 2024-25 Budget continues its distorted and shortsighted approach to criminal justice, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
AML Certificate 2022 results
Our anti-money laundering (AML) Risk Manager, Jenni Rodgers, provides an update on the key insights and analysis from the data that practices provided in the 2022 AML Certificate.
Admissions ceremony 2023
Christmas has come early for 66 new Scottish solicitors, as they were formally welcomed to the profession at an admissions ceremony in Edinburgh. Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster presented each with a certificate of enrolment at the historic Signet Library, and they will now be entered into the roll of Scottish solicitors.
2023 annual members survey launches
The Law Society’s annual survey of its membership has been launched. It aims to provide a better understanding of members’ views on a wide range of topics, including where they believe the focus of the Society’s work should be.
Ceremony celebrates new solicitor advocates in 30th anniversary year
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.
Fraud alert - Law Society
A fraudulent email has been sent to some solicitors purporting to be from the Law Society.
Rwanda Bill would undermine international law and judicial independence
The Law Society of Scotland has raised serious concerns about the likely legal ramifications of the UK Government’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.
Updated UK AML guidance published
The Legal Sector Affinity Group has published an important update to its anti-money laundering (AML) guidance for the UK legal profession, including proposed changes to the identification and verification approach.
Tributes to former Labour and Conservative Ministers
Our President has paid tribute to former Labour Chancellor, Lord Alistair Darling and to former Conservative Minister, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, long serving Edinburgh MPs and former lawyers: ‘This week we have lost two elder statesmen of Scottish and UK politics. Both were deeply committed public servants and highly regarded across the political spectrum.’
Law Society colleagues raise £3,606.40 for Scottish Autism
Law Society of Scotland colleagues have shown their support for autistic people by raising £3,606.40 for the charity Scottish Autism.
Law Society announces next phase of climate crisis response
The Law Society of Scotland has announced further steps in response to the escalating climate crisis, seeking to act and lead change across the legal sector.
Cross Party MSP report shows why Bill on legal services regulation must change
A critical cross-party MSP report on the Scottish Government’s new legislation on regulating legal services has shown why the Bill needs to change.