Legal news

Land Reform Bill needs strengthened, MSPs report
Stage 1 report calls for stronger provisions on transparency and engagement

Complaints Commission reports rising resolution success rate
Annual report shows fewer complaints going to full determination

No political interference in Hales case, Society reports
"No scope" for delay benefiting SNP candidate former client

Society closes Drumsheugh doors as office move begins
New Atria One premises open for business from Monday noon

Human rights consultation delayed until new year
Lord Chancellor says ministers considering draft ahead of release

Two partner promotions at Shepherd & Wedderburn
Katie Russell and Caroline Shand take total number to 80

Phil Gormley named as new Chief Constable
Deputy director of National Crime Agency recommended by SPA

Scots have lowest faith in justice system, national survey finds
Belief that system inaccessible unless you have money

DWF sets up community charitable foundation
Focus on support for local charities and projects

Modern-day Apprentice signed up by Scottish law firm
Watermans invests in the Link App

Damages award made in "sexting" case
Teacher who encouraged girl to send explicit photos found liable

Rape trial judge should have sentenced on basis of crimes: appeal court
Sentences held unduly lenient in case where judge expressed views on policy

Wiseman, Matthews set to be Society office bearers for 2016-17
Sole nominees put forward at today's Council meeting

Peers, MPs call for views on draft Investigatory Powers Bill
Early deadline as joint committee pushes to complete report

Ultra-long leases convert to ownership as from tomorrow
2012 Act applies to leases extending more than 175 years

Wills and executries consumer guides published by Complaints Commission
Online aids aim to inform consumers what to expect from their lawyer

Company director joins Anderson Strathern board
Graeme Bissett takes up non-executive role

Big fall in offences follows lower Scots drink drive limits
Convictions down twice as much as in rest of UK

Disclosure scheme problem solved - maybe, Faculty believes
Observations give "qualified yes" to ministers' remedial order

Eight promoted at DWF Scottish offices
Partner, director and six associates named

Pagan Osborne appoints St Andrews private client partner
Sue Arrowsmith Rodger joins from Thorntons

Police Scotland breached data code in journalist surveillance, report finds
Commissioner rules no proper judicial approval obtained in five cases

Sheriff simple procedure rules go out to consultation
Implementation planned for November 2016

Stronachs makes corporate partner hire
Ross Gardner joins from Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace