Law Society news archive for 2020
- Posts in 2020
Complaints reform “a significant and positive step forward”
The Scottish Government has published a new consultation to improve the current 'complicated and cumbersome' legal complaints system.
Response to legal aid fee increase
Law Society President Amanda Millar responds to the Scottish Government's announcement of a 10% increase in legal aid fees across the board over the next two years.
Wrong to target high street law firms with economic crime levy
The Law Society of Scotland has said that small, high street law firms should not be hit with an additional economic crime levy.
Climate change and the Scottish legal profession
Our COP26 and climate change working group surveyed members about what the profession thinks are the key climate change issues.
Workloads increasing but law firm finances yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels
Our recent survey highlights that while workloads for Scottish legal firms have increased since the early part of lockdown, turnover has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Social media updated guidance
The Technology Law and Practice Committee has developed a refreshed set of tips and tricks to help you gain the most out of social media opportunities, while at the same time helping keep you cyber-secure, navigating the safer online path, and avoiding the hidden social media platform pitfalls. As an introduction, check out their golden rules of thumb to avoid potentially serious issues, embrace a clear online strategy, and benefit from social media as a legal professional.
First fully virtual Dewar Debate kicks off
The first fully virtual Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, organised by the Law Society of Scotland, has kicked off, with pupils from across Scotland taking part online in the opening round of the contest.
Public policy highlights November 2020
Recent areas of work for our policy committees have included the UK Withdrawal from the EU (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill, UK Internal Market Bill and responding to consultations on artificial intelligence and Capital Gains Tax. We have also responded to a survey on coronavirus guidance in the context of criminal law.
FinTech Scotland, ScotlandIS and LawscotTech to build strong digital economy through collaborative clusters initiative
FinTech Scotland, ScotlandIS and LawscotTech are to take a collaborative cluster approach to building strong digital economy in Scotland
Court protests show ‘clear and understandable’ frustration among solicitors
Commenting on today’s protest action by court solicitors, President of the Law Society of Scotland, Amanda Millar said, “The frustration being felt by the profession across Scotland is clear and completely understandable. Over recent days, I have seen some legal aid solicitors in tears, fearful of the future and angry at a system which does not seem to care.
Murray Etherington sole nominee to become Law Society President in 2022
Dundee-based solicitor Murray Etherington has been nominated as a future President of the Law Society of Scotland at today's meeting of the Council.
Law Society welcomes further amendments planned for Hate Crime Bill
The Society has welcomed plans for Stage 2 amendments to Hate Crime Bill