Interviews
Meet Bilaal Shabbir
Ahsan Mustafa interviewed Bilaal and explored the path taken by a solicitor from a large international firm to Parliament House, and what he learned in practice that has helped him at the bar.
A year of growth, connection, and impact
LawCare support solicitors across Scotland with a variety of initiatives, programmes, training and their helpline. Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO, shares a round up.
A men’s law wellbeing group in 2024
James McFarlane reflects on being part of the profession’s Men’s Wellbeing Group, and the benefits of forming connections and support networks.
Improve the lives of the living
The Journal sat down with Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP to discuss the assisted dying bill, and why we need to be supporting those living with disabilities. Better care, support and fundamentally improving the way society views and values the disabled is essential for change.
60 seconds with… a Sustainability Committee member
Sophie McIvor sat down with Kirsty MacArthur to discuss how she started her own environmental consultancy with her husband, her love of Scotland and what she hopes solicitors will learn from climate change being put back on a global stage.
A grown-up approach
We speak to Glen Gilson – chairman and managing partner of Gilson Gray – about the firm’s UK-wide growth and how realism is at the heart of its work culture.
Serena Sutherland nominated as Society incoming president-elect
Orkney solicitor Serena Sutherland, who has represented solicitors from Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain, and Wick on the Society’s Council since her election in July 2018, has been nominated as president-elect for 2026-27.
Honorary membership awarded
In a special event, Christine McLintock and Ross MacKay were recognised for their outstanding contributions to both the legal profession and the public.
In conversation with the Advocate General for Scotland
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".
The independence of the legal profession: A European perspective
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.
60 seconds with the Society's Rural Affairs Committee Convener
Sophie McIvor spoke to Jamie Whittle about his career, being the Society's Rural Affairs Committee convener, and the recent response to crofting law reform.
Born in England, made in Scotland
We speak to Warren Wander, the creator of legal IT system LawWare, about how Scotland has been the bedrock to his company’s 25 years of success.
Rebellion, restoration, revolution
Baroness Hale of Richmond, academic, former president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, ‘soft feminist’, author and lover of history. During BookFest24, she shared how history is intricately associated with legal principles and how it saddens her that British history today does not include the 17th century and how it is the foundation of our current democratic system.
On the case
We speak to renowned criminologist Professor David Wilson about why you should never trust a serial killer, the five serial killer victim types, the state of the sector, and training the next generation.
We also explore the rise of the armchair detective and why ultimately “The police can’t have it both ways. They can’t ask for the help of the public on one hand and then criticise armchair detectives on the other.”
Managing partner, managing relationships
We meet Brodies’ new managing partner Stephen Goldie to find out the skills and experiences that are needed to lead a £100m+ law firm.
60 seconds with... Sustainability Committee member
Sophie McIvor spoke with Peter Brash about the development of the committee over the last year and how smaller firms can take action.
60 seconds with... Aleks Tomczyk
In this month's interview, the Society sat down with Alex Tomczyk to find out more about why he has
“always been energised by the ability of technology to solve real-world problems and make things better for people.”
Reading for pleasure
The sun is out and what better time to pick up something new to read. Whether you are looking for a crime novel or a political satire we have you covered.
Stepping Up
The Journal spoke to new president, Susan Murray, on building her career from a level playing field and the importance of representing the Society and its members.
Rise of the machines
We spoke to Fiona Chute – litigation lawyer with Brodies and one of the Law Society of Scotland’s accredited legal technologists – about the ever-developing importance of ‘lawtech’.
Raising the bar
We speak to outgoing president Sheila Webster about speaking up for the profession, championing inclusivity and inspiring the next generation of lawyers in Scotland.
60 seconds with… a 2023 award winner
Last year’s In-House Rising Star Award winner, Christopher Knudsen, sat down with Sophie McIvor from the Society to reflect on his career journey so far.
From pitch to court
Scott Stevenson shares how his previous career as a professional footballer now plays into his legal work.
Aspirations for arbitration
From ‘unhappy and dysfunctional’ to ‘user-friendly and attractive’, Lord Glennie tells us about the rise of arbitration in Scotland.