Industry updates
Legal regulation amendments must remove political control of lawyers
New amendments lodged in the Scottish Parliament this week must deliver on a government promise to reverse proposed political controls over the way lawyers work, the Society has said.
The missing consideration of legal certainty
Examining the missing consideration of legal certainty in Lord Advocate’s Reference [2024] HCJAC 43.
Improve the lives of the living
The Journal sat down with Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP to discuss the assisted dying bill, and why we need to be supporting those living with disabilities. Better care, support and fundamentally improving the way society views and values the disabled is essential for change.
The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
At the end of November 2024, Westminster MPs backed the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill proposed by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater as a private member's bill. If passed, this bill would cover England & Wales, with a separate discussion already underway for Scotland.
Trainee numbers show legal sector’s record growth continues
Unprecedented growth for the Scottish legal sector has been maintained for a fourth consecutive year, with 764 new solicitor traineeships commencing in the past 12 months to the end of October 2024.
Report on damages for personal injury published
Following a detailed review and consultation, the Scottish Law Commission has today published a Report recommending changes to the law on damages in Scotland.
The Damages (Scotland) Bill
The recently published Scottish Law Commission Report on Damages for Personal Injury contains important proposed reforms, intended to modernise Scots law and resolve certain difficulties.
Court questions mechanisms to address non-compliance with SLCC requests
Court raises concerns about tools to deal with practitioners not complying with the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) requests.
The immigration landscape is changing
On the 31st December 2024, the immigration landscape in the UK will undergo one of the most
major changes in recent history.
How does the workplace impact productivity?
In 2016, the Stoddart Review was the first major analysis of the impact of the workplace on productivity. In the legal industry, where every minute counts, understanding how workplace changes impact productivity and client interactions is crucial.
Society’s rise continues in Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers list
The Society's commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognised with an improved ranking in the Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index for 2024.
Research to better support smaller firms is commissioned
The Society has commissioned a new research project to ensure it can best support smaller firms and the essential services they provide.
Concerns on basic human rights in Highlands and Islands
The Scottish Human Rights Commission uncovers challenges with accessing human rights to health, housing, and food across the Highlands and Islands.
Deprivation of liberty orders and Anglo- Scottish child law issues
At a recent seminar organised by Resolution, Justin Gray of Trinity Chambers shared his thoughts on matters related to this. Susan Oswald, Partner at SKO Family Law Specialists shares her thoughts.
Society's Chief Executive to step down
The Society announced last week that Chief Executive Diane McGiffen will step down in April 2025 after more than three years in the role. During her tenure, Diane has been instrumental in advancing the Society’s efforts to support a modern and thriving solicitor profession.
Scottish Human Rights Commission 2023-24 report
The Scottish Human Rights Commission has laid its Annual Report for 2023-24 before the Scottish Parliament.
Rough justice, Society responds
In case you missed it, a few weeks ago the Journal covered the publication of the Rough Justice report. Over the course of the past few years the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has consistently heard from their members about the workload pressures facing them in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) and the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS).
The Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Bill published
Today, legislation to ensure prisons continue to function safely and effectively following a significant increase in the prison population over the past year has been published.
Scotland's Migration Service expanded
Scotland’s Migration Service, which provides information and advice for people, employers and investors, has been expanded to offer support to a wider range of individuals.
The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024 winners
Members of the profession gathered on Friday, 15 November in Glasgow to hear the winners of The Herald Law Awards of Scotland 2024 be announced.
Double success for Macleod & MacCallum
Last week proved to be a double award-winning week for Macleod & MacCallum, Solicitors, Estate Agents and Lettings Agents, based in Inverness and Portree.
An immigration perspective
Following the American election, the profession saw a wave of enquiries from US citizens, especially those with existing links to the UK. Jacqueline Moore (immigration partner at Thorntons) shares the three key issues she believes will help solicitors across the sector support US citizens at this historical juncture.
A momentous occasion for The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen
One of Aberdeen’s oldest professional organisations celebrated its 250th year of incorporation at Aberdeen Town House, where they were presented with a full achievement of armorial bearings.
October 2024 Public Policy highlights
Take a look at the Public Policy highlights from the Law Society policy committees for October 2024.