Legal news

Court of Session rules on two discipline cases
Penalty reduced in one case; judicial review dismissed in other

Two bills given unopposed stage 1 passage
Election dates and lobbying measures taken forward

New Lord President promises further action to tackle delays
Carloway promises to address issues in civil and criminal cases

MSPs to investigate proposed second home charge
Finance Committee calls for evidence on effect of LBTT surcharge

MSPs to consider impact of Trades Union Bill
Urgent committee report to be produced ahead of Holyrood debate

Promotions and partner hire at Aberdein Considine
Eight new faces join top table

Society welcomes retention of farmworkers' wages board
Equalities Committee support for ministerial decision

Incapacity law review opens to consultation
Ministers seek views on SLC report and other issues

Stress still dominant as LawCare callers increase
New reporting method gives clearer picture of demands on helpline

Thorntons signs property partner
Hugo Allan joins from Morton Fraser

Tax forecasts should be Fiscal Commission's job, MSPs say
Stage 1 report calls for crucial amendment to enabling bill

Finalists revealed for 2016 Scottish Legal Awards
59 shortlisted entrants chase 15 awards

Solicitor criticises Land Register completion costs to owners
"Substantial costs with no apparent benefit", Perth lawyer claims

Same sex marriages top 1,700 in first year
Figure includes 1,137 civil partnership conversions in nine months

Death announced of former judge Lord Dervaird
Professor and arbitration expert dies at 80

Crown Agent awarded CBE in New Year Honours
Knighthood for the Parliament's chief executive

MSP seeks to abolish non-residential social care charges
Consultation running on proposed member's bill

Draft guidance issued on companies' "significant control" register
Short consultation runs ahead of duty to keep PSC register

Information published on court house disposals progress
Details obtained of status of 10 former sheriff courts

Lord Bonomy to lead hunting law review
Former judge to consider whether law offers sufficient protection

Complaints Commission publishes first decision summaries
Six complaints upheld and six not, in July-September collection

Scottish solicitors now majority female, Society reports
Women make up 51% of practitioners following this year's intake

Alcohol minimum price illegal if "less restrictive tax measures" possible
EU court says Court of Session must examine all evidence objectively

Judge flags up lawyers' duties under new judicial review procedure
Proper preparation necessary for procedural hearing stage