Law Society news
Two Law Society past presidents nominated to stand for 2027 presidency
Two former presidents have been nominated to stand as President of the Law Society of Scotland. John Mulholland, who was president of the Society in 2019/20, and Susan Murray, president in 2024/25, have chosen to stand for the role for a second time.
New scheme to help smaller firms bridge the technology gap
We have launched a free new scheme to help smaller law firms make better use of technology to benefit their businesses and clients.
First General Accreditation awarded to high-performing paralegal
A Senior Paralegal has become the first person to be awarded the Law Society of Scotland’s new General Accreditation for high-performing paralegals.
Law Society calls out flawed approach in legal aid consultation
The Society has warned that proposed changes to legal aid fees for cases related to adults with incapacity (AWI) would further exacerbate the shortage of solicitors for such work.
UK Supreme Court ruling to change evidence rules in Scottish sexual offence cases
A landmark UK Supreme Court judgment issued on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 goes to the heart of the right to a fair trial, requiring a significant change in how Scottish courts handle certain types of evidence in sexual offence cases.
Seven new members for Law Society Council
Seven new members are to join the Law Society of Scotland’s Council this month, with representation doubled for new lawyers and and solicitors working overseas.
Support plan launched to bolster smaller firms
We have released details of our plans for providing enhanced support to smaller law firms.
Law Society publishes new guidance on NDAs for solicitors
The Law Society has published new Guidance for solicitors on accepting instructions and advising on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality clauses.
Client asset rules set to boost consumer protections
The Law Society has updated its rules to improve consumer protections
Brunton Miller Solicitors has ceased to practise - FAQs
Brunton Miller Solicitors has ceased to practise. If you are a solicitor or a client affected by the closure of this firm, you may find our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions useful.
New regulatory measures, AI adoption and enhanced member support shape Law Society priorities for year ahead
Implementing new regulatory measures, the adoption of AI technologies within the legal sector, and next year’s Scottish elections will be key areas of focus for the Law Society of Scotland over the next 12 months.
AML annual supervisory report 2025
The Law Society of Scotland has published its latest annual report on anti-money laundering (AML) supervision, showcasing the breadth of its AML activity from April 2024 to April 2025.
SLAB report shows legal aid solicitor exodus continues
The Scottish Legal Aid Board's annual report shows the number of solicitor firms providing legal aid continues to decline, underlining why the Law Society of Scotland continues its campaigning for urgent investment and reform to restore the system.
Injury Claims Services Limited trading as Skelly & Co FAQs
Uddingston based law firm Injury Claims Services Limited trading as Skelly & Co, has ceased to practise. If you are a solicitor or a client affected by the closure of Injury Claims Services Limited trading as Skelly & Co, you may find our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions helpful.
Full results of AML SARs thematic review
The majority of Scottish legal professionals demonstrate a robust approach to submitting high-quality suspicious activity reports (SARs), but further support is required to ensure all firms fully understand this critical area of regulatory compliance, according to our report conducted in partnership with the UK Financial Intelligence Unit (UKFIU).
UK Government proposals to reform AML add cost without benefit for Scotland
The UK Government’s proposal to overhaul anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement will impose additional complexity and cost for law firms and consumers of legal services in Scotland, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
UK legal bodies express grave concern at hostility towards lawyers and judges
The Society has joined with the Bar Council of England and Wales, the Law Society of England and Wales, the Faculty of Advocates, the Bar of Northern Ireland and the Law Society of Northern Ireland in expressing grave concern about the climate of increasing hostility towards lawyers and judges.
Law Society of Scotland declares opposition to the death penalty
The Law Society of Scotland has added its voice to calls from humanitarian organisations and legal communities across the globe, declaring unequivocal opposition to capital punishment, on the 23rd World Day against the Death Penalty, Friday 10 October.
Rule of law and ethics central themes at Law Society Annual Conference
The critical importance of the rule of law and ethical considerations for the legal professions were central themes at this year’s Law Society of Scotland Annual Conference.
Law Society calls out comments undermining judicial independence
The Law Society of Scotland has called out comments from the UK shadow justice secretary, and the increasing prevalence of rhetoric designed to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Investment needed to support criminal justice modernisation
Measures passed into law by MSPs on Tuesday, 7 October, will help to modernise criminal justice but urgent, across-the-board investment is needed to ensure we have an effective and sustainable justice system.
Patricia Thom speech for Opening of the Legal Year 2025
Law Society President Patricia Thom spoke at the Opening of the Legal Year ceremony in the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Monday, 22 September 2025, alongside speeches from the Lord President, Lord Pentland, and the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Roddy Dunlop KC.
Scottish firms’ AML-related work rises to over £800 million
The Law Society's latest anti-money laundering (AML) certificate reports a rise in fees generated from work within the scope of AML regulations.
MSP inquiry confirms urgent need for fees uplift and civil legal aid reform
A parliamentary inquiry has strongly backed the Law Society’s calls for the Scottish Government to urgently increase civil legal aid fees and pursue reforms to restore access to justice.