Legal news

Duty of candour could threaten patient trust: Society
Convener supports new law but calls for clarity in scope

MSPs voice concerns over Carers Bill costs
Stage 1 report questions Government funding estimates

Advocate appointed to EU General Court
Ian Forrester QC to be next UK judge

Ministers back down over Sheriff Appeal Court legal aid – for time being
Six month continuation of present rates pending further discussions

The Faculty of Advocates unveils new website
Site to provide public and practitioners with easily accessible information

Panel to bring forward ideas to reform planning sector
Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil announces ‘game-changing’ review

Law Commission recommends insurance payout reforms
Proposals by Law Commissions of England and Wales and of Scotland introduced in Enterprise Bill

Scottish landlords take tax case to Treasury
Plea for rethink over planned tax changes for private landlords

Lord Advocate pledges investigation into Bayoh death
Frank Mulholland also tells MSPs that FAI would be held

Thorntons named as a top performing SME
Law firm makes top 10 best performing businesses in SME 300 table

Justice minister apologises to Amal Clooney
Lord Faulks had implied human rights lawyer’s success was due to marriage

CJEU setback for Nestle in Kitkat trade mark dispute
European ruling makes protection for four finger bar shape unlikely

Simpson & Marwick merger confirmed with global firm Clyde & Co
Another insurance practice tie-up takes effect from 1 October

Scots out to defend Law Rugby World Cup
Undefeated team aiming for third win

Accountant in Bankruptcy finishes year in the black
Annual report reveals full cost recovery as insolvencies fall

Shepherd & Wedderburn listed for management award over Tods buyout
Firm named as "Best Leadership Team" finalist in The Lawyer Awards

Justice Committee rejects Sheriff Appeal Court legal aid rates
Society welcomes recognition of concerns

Applications up as Registers reports on "most significant year"
Annual report published for year covering move to 2012 Act regime

Parking on pavements bill is latest for stage 1 consultation
MSPs ask whether it will cure the problem

Four join MacRoberts as firm rebrands with new website
Practice confident of further growth

Gilson Gray continues expansion with Morisons team hire
Three-strong commercial dispute resolution team make switch

Nearly 70% of McClure Naismith staff have new jobs, administrators say
More appointments expected before end of month

Education Bill may not deliver real change in attainment, MSPs report
Committee believes more radical approach may be needed

PI lawyers back lifting of time bar for child abuse claims
Consultation response claims judges slow to waive present rule