Law Society news
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.
Nominations open for In-House Rising Star Award 2021
Do you know an up-and-coming in-house legal star? Nominations are now open for the 2021 In-House Rising Star Award.
Specialist AML guidance for Trust & Company Work and Notaries published
The Legal Sector Affinity Group has published further anti-money laundering guidance for specialist areas of legal practice, following its extensive redraft of the main UK AML guidance in January.
Regulatory Committee update
The Society's Regulatory Committee Convener Craig Cathcart provides an update on the work of the committee in 2020 and 2021.
Our Mental Health Awareness Week programme of events
Explore our full programme of events for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, which runs from May 10-14. We are running daily lunchtime sessions on a different theme, from reflecting on what we've learned about wellbeing during the pandemic, to accessing innate resilience and fertility awareness.
Any change of verdicts must be consistent with principles of Scottish justice system
As Scottish Parliament election candidates pledge to review the not proven verdict, Law Society President Amanda Millar warns that principles of Scottish criminal justice system must be maintained.
External walls system update March 2021
Read our latest update on issues relating to External Wall Systems, including the recent report and recommendations from the Scottish Government's Mortgage Lending and Cladding Ministerial Working Group and new guidance from RICS.
Dewar Debate 2021 finalists confirmed
Four teams from schools across Scotland have reached the grand final of our national schools debating tournament, after a nail-biting semi-final that saw the return of the unseen motion.
Law Society Council nomination period opens
From Lerwick to London, Scottish solicitors from across the country are being invited to stand for nomination to the Law Society of Scotland’s Council.
Public Policy highlights – March 2021
Our policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law. Read our round up of the key pieces of work completed in March.
SLCC budget change must mark start of a change in approach
Law Society President Amanda Millar responds to SLCC announcement of budget and levy for 2021/22.
5% legal aid fee increase is a first step, not a fix
Today (22 March) marks the introduction of a 5% increase in legal aid fees, but Law Society President Amanda Millar warns that this is just the first step on a journey.