Blogs & opinions
Progressing accelerated written pleas of guilty during lockdown
Our co-convener of the Legal Aid Committee, Ian Moir, writes about his work to progress written pleas of guilty during the current Covid-19 lockdown
Why you should consider a career in-house
Craig Smith, solicitor at East Dunbartonshire Council, discusses his experience of being an in-house trainee and why a career in-house is well worth considering.
Life as a court trainee
Ross O'Donnell, first year trainee at TC Young, tells us why he believes that life as a court trainee is truly fascinating.
Philip Yelland, Executive Director of Regulation, to retire
Executive Director of Regulation, Philip Yelland, will retire at the end of May after 30 years at the Law Society.
Save, donate and nominate to help the Lawscot Foundation
With many of us working from home and saving on commuting and eating-out costs, donating what you save to the Lawscot Foundation and nominating others to do the same will make a real difference to the lives of law students from less-advantaged backgrounds, explains our Careers Development Officer Darren Kerr.
Journal editorial May 2020
Could the COVID-19 crisis provide an opportunity for some radical thinking about our society?
Getting colleague communications right during lockdown
Clear, consistent communication is more vital than ever, particularly with colleagues and furloughed employees. Olivia Moore, Careers Development Officer at the Law Society, examines how to get it right.
VE day and the Hate Crime Bill
Convener of the Criminal Law Committee Debbie Wilson reflects on the effect of intolerance and hatred in a society and the responsibility the legal profession has in preventing it.
Staying healthy under lockdown
Trainee and qualified personal trainer, Nicky Beach, TLT LLP, explains how we can all stay fit and healthy whilst adhering to the lockdown restrictions
The virtual reality of the solicitor estate agency market
NQ Solicitor Aidan Tuohy explains how the process of conveyancing has changed under the current lockdown measurements
Why now is the time to support the Lawscot Foundation
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic will hit those from less-advantaged backgrounds the hardest, making it more important than ever to support the work of the Lawscot Foundation, explains our Head of Careers & Outreach Heather McKendrick.
How mindfulness can create that little bit of much needed distance
In the second of her blogs relating to mindfulness, Hannah Frahm, tells us how mindfulness can play it's part during the lockdown
Starting my traineeship during lockdown
Trainee solicitor, Emma Nicole Brice, shares her experience of starting her traineeship during the first week of lockdown
In-house lawyers respond to the Covid-19 crisis
Our Head of In-house Member Engagement, Beth Anderson, shares some of the key themes from our first virtual roundtable for in-house lawyers and, in particular, reflects on how many teams are taking a collaborative approach during the crisis.
Mentoring during lockdown
Our Careers and Outreach Coordinator and Career Development Mentoring Scheme lead, Lyndsey Thomson, tells us why you should consider mentoring during this time of uncertainty
Fact or fiction? Answering students and trainees' coronavirus questions
Heather McKendrick, our Head of Careers & Outreach, explores some of the myths and questions that have arisen about how the coronavirus outbreak may affect students and trainees.
Why non-traditional educational routes can bring a valuable perspective to the legal profession
In the last of our series of blogs relating to alternative pathways into the profession, Emma Jackson, curriculum head for legal services and Jason Graham, lecturer in law, City of Glasgow College, tell us how non-traditional educational routes can bring a valuable perspective to the legal profession.
Journal editorial April 2020
Emergency measures are necessary, but we must still be careful that they do not go too far
Expanding the Mindful Business Charter in Scotland
Richard Martin introduces the Mindful Business Charter, designed to reduce triggers for stress in the workplace, and invites organisations to attend a webinar to find out more.
Should you consider college before university?
In the latest of our series of blogs, Fife College lecturer, Sarah-Jane McCormick, discusses why many students choose to study the HNC/D Legal Services prior to the LLB and the benefits of doing so
Support from LawCare
Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO of LawCare, outlines their support available for anyone working in the legal profession experiencing mental health or wellbeing problems.
Jury decision making - hearing the views of rape victims
Policy executive and secretary to our criminal law committee, Gillian Mawdsley, reflects on a successful roundtable event bringing together organisations representing victims of sexual assualt with the profession and academics as part of ongoing research into jury decision making
Journal editorial March 2020
The Scottish Sentencing Council's proposed guideline for young offenders should be looked at in the wider sentencing context
Can you become a solicitor with no Highers? I did!
Kevin Currie, discusses his journey from his time as an apprentice mechanic, with no Highers, to becoming a trainee solicitor at Andersonbain LLP and the hurdles he faced along the way