Search

This month's selection of leisure reading, chosen by the Journal's book review editor

“Sex” is a protected characteristic – but what does “sex” mean? The author explains the likely options as a matter of law, and the implications for provision of services, particularly to transsexuals

A solicitor and abogado advises how a Scots testator should proceed in dealing with Spanish assets, and what to expect when it comes to the administration of their estate post-death

Has the Scottish legal profession properly considered the Roberton Review proposals before criticising them? The author believes a better debate is needed and that independent regulation is necessary

Most practitioners, fortunately, have no direct involvement with the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal, but the Tribunal believes it is worth knowing what its powers are and how it operates

This address to the 21st Century Bar conference recalls experience of the early Commercial Court 25 years ago, considers how its practice has developed and offers some personal wishes for the future

Scotland’s money advice sector is suffering from funding cuts as it faces rising demand, and the Scottish Government’s new Debt Advice Route Map contains little to improve the situation

The 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is finally to be incorporated into Scots law, but how will this work in practice?

The 25 years’ work of Govan Law Centre has shown it an essential asset not just to its community but to wider society, tackling current social conditions that make law centres needed more than ever

Stephen Blane is a solicitor advocate and partner at Urquharts in Edinburgh, an accredited specialist in professional negligence law and a member of the Society’s Pursuers’ Panel

Review of Online Courts and the Future of Justice (Susskind)

With the election settled, we must see that the new Government lives up to its expressed commitment to the rule of law – and other legal issues look set to arise from the current political situation

Collected news of new appointments and practice changes

In association with Insight Legal Software: April 2020 sees the end of “soft landing” and a likely stronger line by HMRC

In association with Highlander Security Shredding: do you comply with data protection law when disposing of confidential paperwork?

Latest civil cases, including decree in absence; jurisdiction; lis alibi pendens; motions; family actions; final judgment; expenses; legal aid

Licensing briefing: a initiative developed jointly by Glasgow Licensing Board and local alcohol and drug partnerships may offer a workable approach to the public health licensing objective

Insolvency briefing: the Inner House has rebuffed a creditor's attempt, by claiming to exercise a right of set-off, to limit the effect of the rule against a trustee reopening a trust deed

Tax briefing: we know some things that are likely to feature in the new UK Government's first Budget, on 11 March, but its timing means great uncertainty around the setting of the next Scottish Budget

Immigration briefing: a note on the status of “country guidance” in asylum cases, and possible approaches on behalf of clients depending how it applies in their situation

Major changes are proposed to the planning fee structure in a Scottish Government consultation, including a discretionary element and performance-related increases

The recent 21st Century Bar conference lived up to its predecessors in providing weighty briefings across a spectrum of practice areas, with much of relevance to in-house lawyers

John Sinclair is the new convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Property Law Committee

Relevant dates for accredited paralegals