Practice
Cohabitants, wills and the six-month clock — untangling Section 29
Dylan Mitchell and Donde Thiam, senior solicitors at Blackadders LLP, explore challenges to wills and how they interact with a cohabitant’s claim for financial provision on intestacy.
From three verdicts to two — How the Scottish legal profession reacted to the 'untested' abolition of not proven
Scotland’s third verdict was branded controversial during efforts to reform the criminal justice system, writes Joshua King, and proposals to ditch it altogether ‘untested’. Now Parliament has voted to abolish ‘not proven’, how have solicitors reacted?
When ships crash at sea — Maritime law and a collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate
Dr Leon Moller, expert in maritime law, examines the legal issues arising from the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate.
The Employment Rights Bill — where are we now?
The Employment Rights Bill, which contains the UK Government’s flagship employment law reforms, has been subject to significant amendments. We summarise the current position ahead of Royal Assent expected later this year.
Beyond retirement — How succession planning is reshaping the future of high-street legal firms
Peter Ranscombe looks at the factors that high-street law firms need to consider when it comes to succession planning.
Why becoming an LLP is just the start for Scotland's largest high-street law firm
Peter Ranscombe gets geeky over corporate structures with managing partner Jacqueline Law and asks what’s next for her and Aberdein Considine.
Five reasons why Scotland's high-street law firms still matter
From accessibility to affordability, high-street law firms have much to offer their communities, writes Sue Omar
Justice denied? Rural clients and high-street firms squeezed by failing legal aid
With fees stagnating, funding decreasing and law firms reluctant to take on cases, legal aid is reaching tipping point, as Gordon Cairns explains.
Vanishing law firms in the Highlands — when justice becomes a journey
As small high street law firms close their doors, people across the Highlands, Islands, and beyond are struggling to find legal help. For many, justice now feels further away than ever, considers Victoria Goldiee.
Explore state of high-street law in Scotland in numbers from survival to growth
Joshua King delves into the data which reveals the threats, and possibilities, facing our firms.
The importance of parental co-operation — Reviewing CO v TL [2025] SAC (Civ) 20.
In their judgment, the bench emphasised the need for parental co-operation where parties reside in different countries.
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.
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.
Legal certainty restored? What the Hague Judgments Convention means for Scotland
With the Hague Convention now in force in the UK, Dr Robbie Reid from the University of Stirling examines the new legal framework for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in civil and commercial cases.
Why tech-savvy solicitors have the edge — and how a new course can help you get ahead
Ally Thomson, director of Hey Legal, introduces the Society’s Legal Technology Certification course – an unprecedented opportunity for lawyers to shape their future with technology.
Think before you gift — inheritance tax and importance of seeking legal advice
Beware the inheritance tax risks on gifted deposits, say Scullion LAW’s Ailidh Ballantyne and Gemma Miller.
Why Scotland's criminal appeal court going live is a big deal for justice
The Criminal Appeal Court is to become the first criminal court in Scotland with a regular livestreaming service, allowing hearings to be viewed online by the public.
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.
Trump’s ‘beautiful’ tariffs – helping clients navigate ‘The Donald’s’ brand of diplomacy
Peter Ranscombe finds out how Scotland’s corporate lawyers are adapting their advice to cope with Trump 2.0.
Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders criminal court holidays 2026 confirmed
The Sheriff Principal of Lothian and Borders, Nigel Ross, has confirmed the dates of criminal court holidays for 2026.
Dreyfus, Oscar Slater and Modern Miscarriages of Justice - Donald Findlay KC and a dramatic re-enactment
The Franco-British Lawyer's Society is hosting its Annual Colloque in person in Edinburgh — and the event will include a dramatic re-enactment of the Oscar Slater trial by Donald Findlay KC, in the same courtroom as the original trial.
Overprovision No More — All change in Edinburgh's licensed trade landscape
With the Edinburgh Licensing Board scrapping its overprovision policy, is it all change in the capital’s licensed trade landscape? Scottish licensing specialist Caroline Loudon provides an expert’s view.
How to Fund Litigation — Practical insights series (Part three: Maximising your chances)
Having already looked at the cost of litigation and what information you need to apply for funding, litigation expert Jack Bradley-Seddon now tackles the question, how can I maximise the chances of securing litigation funding?
Free Speech at Stake — Is it time for stronger protection against SLAPPs in Scotland?
Why do we need a law preventing the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and how do other countries approach this legislation?