People
An important correction and apology to Journal readers about 'Vanishing law firms' feature
"Both journalists and lawyers take information from clients and contributors in good faith and whilst we can be rigorous in our oversight, more rigour may now be demanded of all of us in the face of rapidly evolving technology."
Solicitor's failures to comply 'undermine the status of the profession', says Court of Session
A solicitor’s failure to comply with regulators and court orders “undermines the status of the profession” according to the Court of Session.
'261 walkers, five dogs, one cause' — Record-breaking Scottish Legal Walks raise thousands for access to justice
The Scottish Legal Walks in 2025 have been strolled, and the step count has soared, as well as funds raised to support local legal advice charities.
SPONSORED: Will Notice - John Dugald Campbell
Would anyone holding or knowing of a Will for John Dugald Campbell, please contact Susan Harrison of Eden Legal.
From the President's Desk: The power of kindness, dignity and respect
We need to pay attention also to what is happening in our communities and more broadly, and to work together in resolving issues, writes Patricia Thom.
Black History Month 2025 — Pioneers, changemakers and the challenges facing black law professionals in Scotland
Black British journalist Sue Omar highlights the importance of Black History Month, and reflects on the racial disparities and systemic barriers faced by Black solicitors, partners and other legal professionals.
Your chance to join the Scottish Young Lawyers' Association committee and shape the future of legal practice
The SYLA 2025 AGM will take place on 29th October 2025. At the AGM, the 2024/2025 President, Patricia Taylor, will present a brief overview of activities undertaken in the previous term and a new committee will be elected.
SSDT Decision: Matthew Berlow
A complaint was lodged by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Matthew Berlow, Solicitor, Glasgow.
SSDT Decision: Laura Campbell and Joanna Millar
Separate complaints were lodged against Joanna Wendy Elizabeth Millar, Solicitor, Glasgow and Laura Ray Campbell, Solicitor, Prestwick which averred that the Respondents may have been guilty of professional misconduct. The complaints were later conjoined.
Breaking Barriers – working towards a more inclusive Scottish legal profession
On 25 September, Disabling Barriers Scotland, in partnership with the Faculty of Advocates, hosted access to justice conference Breaking Barriers.
What happens when you close your practice? Your Master Policy questions answered
The Master Policy professional indemnity insurance renewal period often brings with it some queries from practitioners about how cover operates when a firm decides to cease trading.
‘Menopause, death, and taxes’ – how lawyers help tackle the taboo surrounding one of life’s certainties
As World Menopause Awareness Month builds up to World Menopause Day on 18 October, Peter Ranscombe examines what lawyers can do to help people navigate the menopause.
'Sense of community remains' — Highland solicitors gather to mark 160th anniversary
The Faculty of Solicitors of the Highlands were delighted to come together on Friday 26th September 2025 at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the Faculty’s establishment.
Remembering pioneering 'First Lady of COPFS' who blazed trail for equal opportunities
Helen Ross, who died on 19 September aged 97, was a true pioneer. She was the first woman to be appointed as a Procurator Fiscal Depute in Scotland and blazed a trail for equal opportunities.
Remembering our colleagues and friends in September 2025
The Society has shared the latest obituary list, for all of us to take a moment to remember those within our profession.
From the President's Desk: What family law means to me and why women's involvement is far from 'cliché'
"I initially resisted taking on any family cases. I had some notion that female lawyers doing family law was a cliché."
SSDT Decision: John David Mair
A Complaint was raised by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against John David Mair, Solicitor, Glasgow.
Scottish Legal Awards winners list in full from glamorous Glasgow ceremony
The winners of Scotland’s national celebration of excellence in the legal profession have been announced at the 22nd Annual Scottish Legal Awards, held at a prestigious gala dinner in Glasgow.
A swift sift? SLCC explains its oft-misunderstood role following Michelle Mone case decision
The SLCC’s Vicky Crichton explains the body’s often-misunderstood ‘sifting function’ and its role in rejecting or referring complaints.
SSDT Report: Section 42ZA appeal by Andrew Medley
An appeal in terms of Section 42ZA(10) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 was made by Andrew Stephen Medley (“the Appellant”) against the Determination made by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland.
The Troubles, favelas and festivals — Why solicitors need to rethink criminalisation to ‘build safer communities’
Every day, legal professionals strive for justice, fairness, reducing harm and improving their clients’ position. But do practitioners need to rethink what that means for communities?
Why the Kyrgyz ambassador met the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow
The Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow hosted the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Kingdom.
From the President's desk: How can we support our vital smaller firms?
In the latest column from Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom, she considers the good news and bad that's come out of research into small Scottish firms.
Master Policy coverage: What you need to know including coverage, exclusions and limits of indemnity
Anne Kentish, partner and professional negligence specialist at Kennedys Law, takes us through some of the key features of the Law Society of Scotland’s Master Policy.