Practice
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?
From Niche to Necessity — Why Scotland's solicitors are embracing a legal tech revolution
The Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Technology Conference 2025 marked a milestone in the evolution of our country’s adoption of legal tech, says the event’s co-chair Aleks Tomczyk.
When Spider-Man came to Glasgow — Friendly neighbourhood advice on workplace safety
Last week Scots were treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filming of the latest Marvel blockbuster Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
How to Fund Litigation — Practical insights series (Part Two: What you need to apply)
In the second instalment of the series, litigation expert Jack Bradley-Seddon explains what information is needed when applying for litigation funding.
Public Policy Highlights June 2025 including Gender Recognition Certificates
Throughout the year, the Law Society Policy team and its network of committee volunteers respond to a variety of consultations and comment on a range of Bills, helping to shape good law for the benefit of its members and in the public interest.
Meet new sheriffs on Scotland’s Sentencing Council working on rape offence guidelines and wildlife crime
The Scottish Sentencing Council has announced the appointment of three new members to fill vacant positions.
‘Threat or game-changer?’ — Lawyers worldwide to have say on future of AI in the profession
The International Bar Association (IBA) has launched the next phase of a survey to help lawyers around the world respond to the challenges of artificial intelligence.
How to Fund Litigation — Practical insights series (Part One: What will it cost?)
In the first of a new series, litigation funding expert Jack Bradley-Seddon offers advice on answering a client's inevitable first question: "what will this cost?"
Six key cases behind Burness Paull’s £93.5m turnover this year
One of Scotland’s leading commercial law firms has posted strong results after a year which included work for Dobbies and the Scottish Football Association.
Wills, Wealth and Who Gets What: A fight to modernise Scotland's succession law
Zia Akhtar explores the legal rights of forced heirship and movable and immovable property in Scots Law.
Orders at Dawn – Why Scots Law can sometimes be surprising
Section 1 Orders and why, in civil disputes, the outcome of court proceedings will often hinge on key evidence that is in the possession of the respondent party.
Inside Scotland's youth violence, drugs and gang culture epidemic with a leading a criminologist
Criminologist Ross Deuchar presents insights from his research into Scottish gang culture, and makes the case for the courts to apply supportive, problem-solving approaches to the teenagers and young adults affected.
The Barrister Bismarcks, Irn-Bru and the Rule of Law — A Satire
Two failed barristers. One delusion. Absolute legal mayhem. A satirical look at the state of Scots Law.
Public Policy Highlights May 2025 including Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and making non-fatal strangulation a standalone offence
May was busy with members of the Law Society Policy team and committee volunteers appearing at the Scottish Parliament.
Your feedback is needed — SCTS wants to speed up raising Ordinary Actions and needs your help
Get involved - the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is now able to start exploring a service for raising Ordinary Actions in the Sheriff Court and ASSPIC and needs your feedback.
'More in-demand than Beyoncé tickets' — Everything that happened at the Scottish Public Law Group conference
The Scottish Public Law Group (SPLG) hosted its 2025 annual conference last month, attracting a sell-out crowd from the public law sector for a day of insights and updates.
The Court of Session as a ‘fairy godmother’ in company law and A Petitioners (2024 SLT 796)
David Sellar from the Faculty of Advocates provides an in-depth analysis of the decision in A Petitioners (2024 SLT 796), examining the role of the Court of Session’s unique power, nobile officium, and potential pitfalls in the interplay between company articles and company law.
How a Scottish firm won world-first football case for brother of former Chelsea boss
A Scottish firm is celebrating a triumphant win in a groundbreaking unlawful termination case after a ruling by football’s governing body.
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.
The angel’s share — AI and the risk to legal intelligence
As the legal world integrates generative and agentic AI into its drafting, reviewing and decision-making processes, AI systems begin to learn not just how we work but what we think.