Ethics & professional responsibility
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.
Analysis — Robert Jenrick’s ‘dangerous’ rhetoric undermines rule of law and solicitors across the land
Rewind nine years and the UK was outraged when senior judges were branded ‘ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE’ by a national newspaper. Look how far we’ve fallen, writes Joshua King.
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.
Choosing an AML tech provider — the questions that will keep your clients safe
Compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) expert Harriet Holmes gives a masterclass in quizzing potential AML providers – so you can make the right choice for you, and your clients.
SSDT Decision: John David Mair
A Complaint was raised by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against John David Mair, Solicitor, 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.
Great estates – How to handle cryptocurrency in executries
Lockton explores some of the risk management considerations for private client practitioners when dealing with cryptocurrency forming part of a deceased estate.
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.
Why AI adoption is happening, opportunities abound and 80:20 rule will apply
At the Society’s Legal Technology Conference 2025, artificial intelligence came under the spotlight. Conference co-chair Aleks Tomczyk takes stock of events.
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?
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.
Law in the crosshairs and why ransomware gangs are now targeting 'low-hanging fruit' firms
For law firms big and small, the possibility of a cyber-attack is always looming on the horizon. Dr Ilia Kolochenko looks as the current state of cybersecurity in the legal world, and highlights the key factors to consider when it comes to protecting your firm and your clients.
SLCC vindicated over 'privilege' question in decision to refer Michelle Mone firm solicitor
The Inner House of the Court of Session has dismissed an appeal from the firm which previously represented Baroness Michelle Mone over a Scottish Legal Complaints Commissions.
Why your law firm probably needs to improve price transparency right now
Remarkably, more than two thirds of Scottish law firms reviewed by the Law Society of Scotland do not include pricing information on their websites.
'Complaints are difficult' — now SLCC has launched helpline to support you
If you’re not sure where to turn when facing a complaint, there is help available thanks to a new helpline run by the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.
SSDT Decision: Patrick Ian Campbell
The latest SSDT decision covers a complaint made by the Council of the Law Society of Scotland against Patrick Ian Campbell.
The expert report is dead, long live the expert report
Professional indemnity specialists Lindsay Ogunyemi and Iain Franklin comment on expert evidence in claims against Scottish solicitors and share their experience of instructing solicitor experts.
What is the Master Policy? The insurance every Scottish law student and trainee needs to know about
Starting a legal career in Scotland? Let's take a look at the Master Policy insurance for Scottish law firms and Lockton’s role as your broker.
Eight key moments from the 2025 Law Society of Scotland AGM including new Practising Certificate Fee
A raft of resolutions including a hike in practice certificate fees were agreed at the Law Society of Scotland’s 2025 AGM.
Make complaints process better now, SLCC warns Faculty of Advocates
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission has urged Scotland's Faculty of Advocates to finally implement improvements to its complaints procedure.