Practice
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.
What the 'onslaught' of immigration legislation means for Scottish solicitors
Immigration law practitioners still suffering fatigue from the onslaught of immigration acts seen over the past few years are yet to be given respite.
Loudly Quitting — 41% of Scotland's solicitors considering ditching legal aid services
Stark research has revealed 41% of solicitors are considering stopping their legal aid services, something which would have a devastating impact on the ability of people in Scotland to access justice.
Everything you need to know about imminent changes to Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Act 2024
An update on the key Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Act 2024 changes coming into force this month.
Experienced in court? This is your invitation to shape how Civil Online works
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service have announced an initiative that will let solicitors raise and defend cases in both the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts through Civil Online.
'Help, pioneers needed' — Inside legal aid and immigration crisis in the north-east of Scotland
Tomás Pizarro-Escuti from the Grampian Regional Equality Council calls on migration law firms and solicitors to bring crucial services and support to Aberdeen’s international community.
SPONSORED: Five Questions to Ask Before You Trust Anyone with Your Client Money
In the Scottish legal sector, the handling of client money is governed by stringent regulations, reflecting its importance. Whether managed internally or through an outsourced provider, ensuring the utmost protection and compliance is non-negotiable.
Legal aid is staring into an abyss and this week proved the depth of the crisis
Solicitors staffing a 24-hour legal aid hotline advising Scots in custody are threatening to strike.
A unicorn in waiting? Why $100m value of Scottish legaltech firm Wordsmith AI matters
A huge cash injection into a Scottish legaltech firm is a watershed moment — is the future of AI in law firms finally clear?
Undefended evictions, barriers to justice and the worrying impact of legal aid crisis in housing
Is a shortage of legal aid solicitors adding to Scotland’s homelessness crisis? Focusing on eviction cases, the University of Glasgow’s Fiona McPhail presents a snapshot of recent data and highlights the true value of this work.
'Concerning' — Recognition of Scottish orders in England and lessons for practitioners from Argyll and Bute Council v RF
Two key COP judgments on Scottish guardianship orders can help us improve domestic practice, says Law Society Mental Health and Disability Sub-Committee member Dianne Millen.
Meet Scotland's 10 new sheriffs appointed by the King including dyslexia campaigner and forensic medicine expert
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has announced the appointment of 10 new sheriffs across Scotland by the King.
Why a Scottish law firm has been named partner of cup winners Aberdeen FC
Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen FC, fresh from their historic Hampden triumph, have struck a deal to make Balfour + Manson the club's official legal partner.
What's next for crofting? Inside the plan to make the Commission fit for the future
For many, the word "crofting" conjures images of windswept landscapes, resilient communities, and a unique way of life deeply intertwined with the land — but now the Crofting Commission must look to an innovative, accessible future.
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill approved by Parliament after decade of work
One of the longest legislative processes in Scottish parliamentary history has concluded with new powers which regulators say will better protect clients and the wider legal sector.
Authorising the Algorithm — what the first AI-driven law firm signals for legal practice
Garfield.Law Ltd is the first purely AI-based firm approved to provide legal services. Dr Corsino San Miguel looks at this latest development in the evolution of the profession.
Public Policy Highlights April 2025 including Net Zero, Legal Aid and Human Rights
The Law Society Policy team and its network of committee volunteers respond to issues of legal aid, net zero, human rights and civil justice.
Sheriff makes 7 recommendations following FAI in to the death of Jack McKenzie
Jack McKenzie died at HM Prison and Young Offenders Institution at Polmont. Now a sheriff has found that there were reasonable precautions by which the death might realistically have been avoided.
Clarity, compassion and choice — what next for Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill and why status quo is 'anything but safe'
Maintaining the status quo on assisted dying in Scotland is not a tenable position, writes Sarah Sivers. The current legal position is at best unclear, and at worst internally contradictory. So what happens now?
The importance of understanding domestic abuse, trauma and the law when advising clients
A sound understanding of the law around and signs of domestic abuse and coercive control is essential not just for family solicitors, but practitioners across the profession, explains Helen Hughes.
Urgent call for volunteers — have your say on civil online Case Tracker
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has issued an urgent call for volunteers to help bolster their online civil Case Tracker.
'Communication with victim key' in new process for dealing with child sexual offenders
The Lord Advocate has unveiled new processes for handling future rape cases where the accused is a child.
When homelessness and the law collide - what Supreme Court decision means for local authorities
The UK Supreme Court’s recent interpretation of homelessness legislation reflects the reality of an ongoing housing crisis and the challenges faced by Scottish councils.
Why template agreements will increase confidence in carbon unit sales
In a bid to support the voluntary carbon market and aid the UK’s journey to net zero, new free-to-access template agreements and guidance aims to streamline the carbon unit sales process.