Blogs & opinions
What’s it really like to work in law in Scotland?
LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, highlights why it’s important we know what working in law in Scotland is really like and how individuals and businesses can shape the future of the profession.
Why Scottish law firms should consider digital client onboarding in 2025
Our Member Benefits partner, Amiqus, discuss why Scottish law firms should embrace digital tools for vetting and onboarding new clients in 2025.
Meet our new Head of AML: Gemma Turnbull
Gemma Turnbull joined the Law Society in January as our new Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML). In our Q&A, find out more about Gemma, what she thinks is the biggest risk facing the legal profession today and her one piece of advice on AML to all members.
Change the culture: our 2025 focus
Our Equality and Diversity Manager, Elaine MacGlone, explains our theme for 2025 of 'change the culture' and why it's so important to businesses.
Member forums: Legal aid, recruitment and what’s next
Half way through our Lawscot Member Forums for the year, we catch-up with Member Engagement Manager, Sara Czarny, to reflect on the key points of discussion and what we’ve done with your feedback.
It's never too late: How changing careers at 50 transformed my life
In light of winning Paralegal of the Year at the Scottish Legal Awards in November 2024, Nikki Scott, Paralegal Manager at Blackadders LLP, shares how it’s never too late to find a career you love.
AML Spotlight: Regulation 21 internal controls
Regulation 21 internal controls are the focus of our latest anti-money laundering (AML) blog. AML Risk Manager Dale Trahms discusses the benefits of internal controls, appointing a Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLCO), independent audits and employee screening.
Five tips on attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in the legal sector
As an influx of Gen Z enter the workforce and workplace practices continue to develop, what can you do to improve recruitment and retention? The CEO of Kara Connect, Tobba Vigfusdottir, highlights the positives of prioritising work-life balance and mental wellbeing to the success of your business.
Accredited Paralegal roundup: Reflecting on the year and what’s next
Laura McBain, Member Services Coordinator and Secretary to the Accredited Paralegal Committee, returns for her final check-in before we ring in the New Year to share her highlights, what’s left of 2024 and what you can look forward to in 2025.
Human Rights Day: The legislation challenge
For Human Rights Day, Claire Methven O’Brien, Reader in Law in the School of Law, University of Dundee, and member of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, examines the current challenges of human rights legislation and nations' efforts to implement increasingly complex requirements.
Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dhana McIver, Private Client Solicitor at Balfour+Manson and Non-Executive Board Member of Disabling Barriers Scotland, discusses the importance of disability inclusion in all aspects of life and how we can create equal opportunities for everyone.
Law Then & Now: 75th Anniversary Special
As we conclude our 75th anniversary year, we are thrilled to introduce the 'Law Then & Now: 75th Anniversary Special' series. This series features conversations with members at various stages of their legal careers, alongside Scotland's Advocate General.
Getting us all in the room where it happens
As we mark the Society's 75th anniversary, our Head of Diversity, Lindsay Jack, reflects on equity within the profession, why diversity is an overused word and how we get to a point where it’s no longer part of the conversation.
Technology in the legal profession: Brodies and AI
In light of the Law Society’s new “Guide to generative AI”, Brodies IP associate and member of the Law Society’s Technology Law and Practice Committee, Ally Burr, gives an insight into how Brodies is approaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace.
Navigating AML Compliance: A Guide to Choosing the Right Digital Provider
Our Member Benefits partner, Amiqus, discuss their new guide which looks at some of the key factors that need to be considered when choosing a reliable compliance partner.
IMD 2024: The impact of a positive male role model
For 2024’s International Men’s Day, James McFarlane, Legal Counsel at The Royal Bank of Scotland and creator of the first Men’s Wellbeing Group in Scotland’s legal sector, shares the influence of positive male role models on his life and why it’s important to have them in the legal profession.
COP29: Five reasons solicitors should tackle climate change
As COP29 kicks off in Azerbaijan, our Member Engagement Manager and Secretary to the Law Society’s Sustainability Committee, Sara Czarny, highlights five reasons why the legal sector should tackle climate change.
Have your say on our 2026 election priorities
We want to hear about the issues facing our members and your views on the best way forward for access to justice, running a business, legislative reform and the justice system as a whole.
Stress: any progress on the common enemy?
Six years after the Scottish Young Lawyers Association (SYLA) revealed how solicitors viewed mental health in the workplace, the Law Society's Careers and Wellbeing Manager, Olivia Moore, puts it back under the microscope for Stress Awareness Week to understand how far we’ve come and what’s left to do.
New Trade Sanctions Enforcement: Implications for Business Compliance
Amiqus discusses the UK’s new sanctions enforcement regime, which gives the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) the power to issue significant penalties. It highlights the need for businesses to prioritise sanctions screening and comprehensive risk management, including PEPs and adverse media checks, to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
The importance of an independent legal profession
Former President of the Law Society of Scotland Ken Dalling, who was elected as Head of the UK Delegation to the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe in April this year, considers the importance of an independent legal profession and how separation from the state is intrinsically linked to the health of a democratic society on European Lawyers Day 2024.
How to be a menopause-friendly employer
For World Menopause Day on 18 October, Burness Paull's Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager, Emma Smith, explains what it means to them to be re-accredited as a 'Menopause Friendly' workplace and how every firm can support women through this stage of life.
The Legal Sustainability Alliance – working together to get to net zero faster
Ahead of our workshop with the Legal Sustainability Alliance (LSA), the LSA shares the main functions of the organisation, who it works with and how it can help firms of all sizes be climate conscious.