Ethics & professional responsibility
New fraud offence: what Scottish law firms need to know now
The introduction of the corporate “failure to prevent fraud” offence under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA 2023), has prompted renewed attention on fraud across the legal sector.
SSDT Decision: Gordon Scot Watson
"The Tribunal had no hesitation in finding the Respondent guilty of professional misconduct singly and in cumulo."
SSDT Decision: Andrew Gerald Lingard
A Complaint was lodged by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Andrew Lingard, Solicitor, in terms of Section 53(1)(b) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980.
SSDT Decision: Alastair McBean Blackwood
A complaint was lodged by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Alastair Blackwood, Solicitor. The Tribunal unanimously found the respondent guilty of professional misconduct.
SSDT Decision: Siobhan Sullivan
A Complaint was lodged by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Siobhan Sullivan, Solicitor, Glasgow.
SSDT Decision: Nicola Cannon and a Court of Session appeal
An appeal in terms of Section 42ZA(9) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 was made by Nicola Cannon against the determination of the Law Society of Scotland.
Progress, not perfection — Five steps for smooth sailing in Law Society of Scotland inspections
Regulatory expert Michael Ross shares five key steps for smooth-sailing compliance inspections.
SSDT Decision: Eric John Scott
A complaint was lodged by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against solicitor Eric John Scott that the respondent may have been guilty of professional misconduct.
SSDT Decision: Lynsey Kelly
The tribunal ordered that the name of the respondent be struck off the Roll of Solicitors in Scotland
Generative AI in Scottish law schools — A letter from the Heads of School
Scottish law schools say they’re not AI stragglers but careful adopters of the technology — pushing back against criticism they argue overlooks years of teaching, research and innovation.
SSDT Decision: Section 42ZA appeal by Emmanual Anoliefo
An appeal in terms of Section 42ZA(10) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 was made by Emmanuel Anoliefo against a determination of the Law Society of Scotland.
SPONSORED: The money laundering threat is closer to home than you think
Anti-money laundering (AML) expert Graham MacKenzie from Amiqus explains why law firms must remain vigilant when applying a risk-based approach to avoid involvement with illicit businesses.
SSDT announces important change in standard of proof applied to professional misconduct
The Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal has announced a shift in the standard of proof applied in professional misconduct cases.
SSDT Decision: Jade Dupont
A Complaint was lodged by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Jade Dupont, Solicitor, Glasgow.
SSDT Decision: John Oliver
A Complaint was lodged by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against John Oliver, Solicitor, Hawick.
Risk management for conveyancers — Putting PCCs in the spotlight
What are professional consultants’ certificates (PCCs) and why do they matter?
From the President's Desk: 5,000 lawyers and one mission — safeguarding justice in a fractured world
Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom reflects on the International Bar Association's annual conference in Toronto and why legal leaders must come together to protect the rule of law.
How to avoid solicitors' hidden bias — practical techniques for everyday use
Anna Ziarkowska explains why recognising cognitive bias is a professional necessity, and shares practical tips for effective self-reflection.
Certifying skilled witnesses — and how to manage the risk of unrecoverable costs
What are the rules on certification of a skilled witness, and how should practitioners manage the risk of unrecoverable costs? Kennedys’ Anne Kentish and Kym Hayley outline some key considerations.
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.
‘Rethink this expensive AML change’ — Law Society of Scotland condemns Treasury’s overhaul of regulation
The Law Society of Scotland has condemned the UK Governments move to overhaul anti-money laundering enforcement and hand sole authority to another regulator.
When Josh met Ben — new Law Society of Scotland CEO talks cultural change, adventure and ‘keyhole syndrome’
New Law Society of Scotland chief executive Ben Kemp on why work culture matters, how diversity can improve and what regulation looks like in the future.
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.