Articles

In case you missed it, a few weeks ago the Journal covered the publication of the Rough Justice report. Over the course of the past few years the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has consistently heard from their members about the workload pressures facing them in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS). 

Today, legislation to ensure prisons continue to function safely and effectively following a significant increase in the prison population over the past year has been published.

Scotland’s Migration Service, which provides information and advice for people, employers and investors, has been expanded to offer support to a wider range of individuals.

Members of the profession gathered on Friday, 15 November in Glasgow to hear the winners of The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024 be announced. 

Last week proved to be a double award-winning week for Macleod & MacCallum, Solicitors, Estate Agents and Lettings Agents, based in Inverness and Portree.

Following the American election, the profession saw a wave of enquiries from US citizens, especially those with existing links to the UK. Jacqueline Moore (immigration partner at Thorntons) shares the three key issues she believes will help solicitors across the sector support US citizens at this historical juncture.

At the Society’s Annual Conference, Fiona Chute discussed strategies for maximising the potential of your existing tech stack.

Lockton share its latest article on the topic of managing risks in eleventh-hour settlements.

One of Aberdeen’s oldest professional organisations celebrated its 250th year of incorporation at Aberdeen Town House, where they were presented with a full achievement of armorial bearings.

We aren’t talking mediation, maybe collaboration, but could this approach be part of the future of family law in Scotland?

In her interview with Michael Clancy, Baroness Smith of Cluny KC highlighted that representation is important, and it goes beyond gender.

In a special event, Christine McLintock and Ross MacKay were recognised for their outstanding contributions to both the legal profession and the public.

The latest SSDT decision covers a complaint made by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Andrew John Robertson, solicitor, Gourock.

Take a look at the Public Policy highlights from the Law Society policy committees for October 2024.

Michael Clancy, Director of Law Reform at the Society, spoke to Baroness Smith of Cluny KC about her recent appointment, representation in the profession, advancing the rule of law and "directly reporting into the Prime Minister".

Rough Justice Report reveals extent of crisis in Scotland’s courts and prosecution services, with many overworked.

Carbon budget approach to setting climate targets agreed. Legislation that will see Scotland move to using five-year carbon budgets to set climate targets has been passed.

Pierre-Dominique Schupp, President of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe dialled in from Paris to share his thoughts on the independence of the profession, advancing the rule of law, the use of AI, and international collaboration.

Would anyone holding or knowing of a will by William Wallace Roy of Ayrshire KA24 5BN please contact JJMcCosh Solicitors.

Today, Wednesday 6 November, the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) have published their annual report for 2023-24, illustrating that more help is being provided to those with civil and criminal problems.

Ross McNairn, the CEO and Founder of Wordsmith AI, the main sponsor of the Society’s Annual Conference showcased how AI can save professionals time by streamlining and expediting tasks.

Scullion LAW is excited to announce the expansion of its Family Law department, driven by strong client demand for their specialist family law services. 

In a thought-provoking presentation on Day 1 of the 2024 Annual Conference, Lindsay Jack, Head of Diversity, Careers, and Outreach at the Society, and Ayanda Ngobeni, a diploma student at the University of Edinburgh and an incoming trainee at CMS, discussed crucial topics related to social mobility within the legal profession.

'Using AI in the Justice System' was a well-received session on Day 2 of the Society’s 2024 Annual Conference. Paul Mosson, Executive Director of Member Services & Engagement at the Society introduced Ellen Lefley, senior lawyer at JUSTICE, who provided an insightful overview of the complexities and implications of integrating AI into legal and judicial processes. The session outlined both opportunities and risks presented by AI, particularly in enhancing access to justice and the impartiality of decision-making.