Legal news

Healthcare whistleblower should have teeth, Society states
Response calls for power to compel action

Holyrood committee calls for balance in market with LBTT surcharge
Report emphasises interests of tenants and builders as well as FTBs

SYLA announces "Women in Law" lineup
Five-strong panel for 7 March event

Angus growers cleared to sue ministers over aid withdrawal
"Incoherent and inconsistent" agency approach met state liability test

Farm tenancy amendments to Land Reform Bill agreed
Committee agrees further support for tenants

Second committee calls for big changes to Investigatory Powers Bill
Joint committee finds "important clarity lacking" in draft measure

Women prisoners moving to Polmont pending new look Cornton Vale
Work on new building likely to begin in 2018

Associate hire for Shoosmiths' Access Legal
Judy Williamson joins medical negligence team

Injured care worker wins slipping case in Supreme Court appeal
Lord Ordinary was entitled to accept skilled witness's evidence

Organ transplant bill falls at stage 1 in close vote
Minister promises to prioritise detailed work in next Parliament

Report calls for credit union payroll deduction schemes for all
Ministers urge employers to sign up to encourage responsible finances

Parliament committee critical of Investigatory Powers Bill
Government draft a "missed opportunity" to deliver proper framework

Accelerated payments rules bring £2bn harvest to HMRC
Revenue claims 80% court success rate in anti-avoidance cases

MSPs fail to back Verdicts Bill despite opposing "not proven"
Justice Committee against increasing majority needed for conviction

Appeal court decisions clarify SLCC sift tests
Rulings affect repetition of client allegations, and late complaints

Two growing firms announce further hires
Gilson Gray and Harper Macleod add to capital strength

Two key bills pass final Holyrood stage
Education and Carers Bills given unopposed stage 3 approval

Pavement parking bill would be "positive step" – but must await powers
MSPs give stage 1 scrutiny though devolved competence needed

Society looks for solicitor comments on SLCC levy proposals
Members' views wanted ahead of response to consultations

First summary sheriffs appointed
Twelve named along with stipendiary magistrates

Second committee calls for stronger burial and cremation law
Health & Sport Committee calls for better recognition of women's needs

Lawyer acquitted of causing death despite careless driving verdict
Victim's family describe jury decision as "irrational"

Law Commissions call for single framework for election law
Joint interim report proposes consistency across all types of poll

Four more solicitors awarded Signet Accreditation
Successful candidates pass in employment and commercial litigation