New regulatory measures,  AI adoption and enhanced member support shape Law Society priorities for year ahead

Implementing new regulatory measures, supporting the adoption of AI technologies within the legal sector, and next year’s Scottish elections will be key areas of focus for the Law Society of Scotland over the next 12 months. 

The Law Society has set out 16 new projects for the 2025/26 practice year which include a renewed member engagement programme in recognition of the increasing diversity of solicitors’ interests and needs. The Society will also continue to press for reforms and substantial investment in legal aid in addition to following up on an extensive research project carried out this year to develop and deliver a package of support for solicitors working in smaller firms. It has also committed to broadening access to the profession and supporting members on sustainability, alongside a continued drive for efficiency through its digital transformation project and governance review.

The annual plan projects are in addition to the critical core work carried out by the Law Society in ensuring high professional standards and its delivery of valuable services for members. The provision of broad-ranging support, such as tailored CPD, career development and specialist accreditation options, and a confidential professional practice helpline, alongside its regulatory duties and provision of robust consumer protections help sustain public confidence in the profession.

Important public interest policy work aimed at ensuring good law that works in practice and speaking out on fundamental principles such as the rule of law and access to justice also remain central to the Society’s work.

Launching the plan for 2025/26, Chief Executive Ben Kemp said: “It’s vital that we continue to evolve and drive change to ensure we can meet the needs of our members alongside our statutory duties ensuring high standards across the profession, and our work to promote the public interest.

“The projects we have set out for the next 12 months focus on significant changes ahead, particularly in relation to the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act and integrating the new responsibilities we will have and ensuring we can support our members in responding to the challenges and opportunities of rapid technological change. As we look ahead to next year’s Scottish elections, we will also set out our priorities for the next term of the Scottish Parliament and work to ensure that justice issues remain at the forefront of reform.

“We will continue to engage with our members and others throughout the year to ensure that we prioritise those areas of work that are most relevant and deliver most benefit.”