Practice
Speaking truth to power – Why Heriot-Watt’s new centre could help advocate for brewers and distillers
As well as helping distilleries and breweries to reach net zero, a new university centre could also become a voice for pragmatic advocacy within the drinks industry, writes Peter Ranscombe.
Keeping power in check — Judicial review, parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law in the UK
Emma Wills examines the role of judicial review in sustaining the rule of law within the UK’s uncodified constitutional framework.
'Deeply unfair' charge on conveyancers dropped after pressure on UK Finance
A planned charge on conveyancers has been dropped after pressure from all three UK Law Societies.
Weekly roundup of Scots law in the headlines including Scottish hospital deaths — Monday 2 February
This week's review of all the latest headlines from the world of Scots Law and beyond includes growing controversy around deaths at a leading Scottish hospital and the head of Rape Crisis Scotland stepping down.
'Breathing space' — 13% legal aid rise is lifeline for justice but more needed, say campaigners
Access to justice in Scotland has received a major boost, with a 13% increase in all legal aid fees secured after a sustained campaign from the Law Society of Scotland.
Net zero and the next steps for the legal profession - practical guidance
The climate emergency we face has led many nations to take steps to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental protection and integrity. Scotland is no different. In view of the drive towards “net zero”, we consider some of the practical risk management considerations for lawyers in this age of environmental conscience and sustainable drafting.
Parenthood lacuna revealed as trans man required to adopt own children
Caroline Smith looks at transgender parenthood within the current legal framework
AI and the Virtues of the Lawyer
Dr Corsino San Miguel explores Aristotelian virtues as a way of understanding what must endure if legal practice is to excel rather than erode.
Six-step 'roadmap to justice' revealed by Law Society of Scotland ahead of Scottish election
The Law Society of Scotland has published its priorities ahead of the upcoming Scottish Parliament election, focusing on six key areas to boost prosperity and provide for fairness and justice for all.
Fighting fake Scotch — How solicitors protect Scotland’s national drink around the globe
Peter Ranscombe visits the Scotch Whisky Association to learn how the trade body’s team defends the amber nectar at home and abroad.
'Need has never been greater' — Huge £3.9 million grant scheme for legal advice organisations announced
The Access to Justice Foundation has announced a new £3.9 million grants programme that will support advice organisations in Scotland, Wales, the Southeast of England, and London.
When an invoice is not a contract — Offer, acceptance and commercial reality in Scots law
Ahsan Mustafa explores a common commercial litigation dispute through the lens of a recent sheriff court case.
Devil in the detail – Everything solicitors need to know about Scottish Budget from mansion tax to legal aid
Finance Secretary Shona Robison’s final Scottish Budget goes under the microscope, as Peter Ranscombe explores the reaction.
Scottish Law Commission unveils blueprint for mandatory Tenement Owners’ Associations
The Scottish Law Commission (SLC) has now published its Report on Tenement Law: Compulsory Owners’ Associations (Scot Law Com No. 270), alongside a draft Tenements (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.
The arguability test explained — Key lessons from Scottish tribunal appeals
Applications for permission to appeal (PTA) to the Upper Tribunal for Scotland frequently raise questions about the boundary between fact and law and the scope of the arguability test.
Looking ahead to key Scottish regulatory developments due in 2026
The team at Dentons explore crucial regulatory developments in Scots law in 2026 including employment, tax, energy and real estate.
From coding to courtrooms — Danae Shell’s mission to empower workers with Valla
Peter Ranscombe goes behind the scenes at Valla to learn how the lawtech start-up is helping employees to represent themselves in employment tribunals.
From not proven to ABS and a new CEO — Scotland’s 2025 legal year in review
Peter Ranscombe examines some of the biggest stories making the headlines in the Scottish legal profession over the past 12 months.
Why power of attorney registration is in a jam in Scotland — and what is being done to fix it
An update from the Office of the Public Guardian on the PoA wait time position.
12 laws of Christmas – Yuletide cases and customs that shaped Scotland
Peter Ranscombe squeezes back into his Santa suit to explore some of the Scots law cases and Acts that have festive connections.
Possible new treaty to resolve concurrent court proceedings — Hague Conference consultation
Solicitors are being given the opportunity to join a Ministry of Justice session with practitioners across the UK to learn more about a global consultation on cross-border concurrent court proceedings.
The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 — what they mean in practice
The Scottish Government has introduced a major reform of charity accounting rules through The Charities Accounts (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/341). Ahsan Mustafa examines the key changes.
'Tis the Season — What to look out for in Scottish licensing law in 2026
Scottish licensing specialist Caroline Loudon reflects on recent events affecting the hospitality sector and considers what lies ahead in licensing.
From boardrooms to turbines — What I wish I’d known before leaving private practice for an in-house role
Jennifer Malcolm, vice-convener of the Society’s In-house Lawyers Committee, reflects on a career in-house.