Legal news

Advocates oppose time bar relaxation for child abuse cases
Waivers of three year rule should remain as case by case, response states

Partner and associate hires at Gillespie Macandrew
Additions made to energy and housebuilder teams

Legal services would be harder hit by Brexit, LSEW research reports
Study claims "disproportionate disadvantage" due to sector reliance

Standard Life's Tyson wins Society Council by-election
In-house lawyer wins Edinburgh seat in three-way contest

Society looks forward to "Legal Excellence" conference
Theme coincides with new five year strategy

Ministers seek further restrictions on short prison sentences
Consultation asks about excluding jail option for some offences

Fife company makes bribery civil settlement with Crown
Glenrothes firm reported itself for failing to prevent third party

Offshore consultant hire for Burness Paull
Peter Lunny joins from Technip UK

Environmental information the weak link, FOI annual report suggests
Commissioner calls for greater awareness of separate rules

Lord Advocate calls for extra powers over health and safety investigation
Ability to direct should equal that with police and SEPA

Scots legal firm in New York tie-up
Nimmo WS creates joint venture with Manhattan practice

Adoption and fostering seekers given new support
Funding for body to replace closed BAAF

Criminal cases putting sheriff courts under strain, Audit Scotland reports
Reducing budgets and more complex cases pile on the pressure

Stage 1 report backs bill against smoking in cars with children
MSPs recommend driver should be penalised as well as smoker

Scottish Sentencing Council to operate from 19 October
Order laid as assurance given about membership

Company restored to register not reinstated as tenant: Inner House
Statutory "general effect" provision gives way to property scheme

No royalties payable on "Happy Birthday" song, US judge rules
Copyright only granted in specific arrangements

Morisons appoints restructuring and insolvency head
Pamela Muir joins from Pinsent Masons

Upper Tribunal and housing tribunal case rules out in draft
Draft rules for consultation include 30 days to seek permission to appeal

Future of civil partnership comes under review
Ministers against extending option to opposite sex couples

Intestacy law proposals could work against children, Society argues
Consultation response supports single set of rules for whole estate

Human Rights Convention impact "profound and beneficial", Grieve states
Former Attorney General underlines ECHR importance in Rule of Law Lecture

Four new Queen's Counsel welcomed to court
Lord Justice Clerk greets new appointees

Reformed courts will improve access to justice: Carloway
Lord Justice Clerk's address hails introduction of Gill reforms