Blogs & opinions
You don't have to do it alone: How mentoring builds community
Chris Walters, a student on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh and a member of the Law Society’s Equality and Diversity Committee, shares how mentoring has ensured he doesn’t have to walk the path to qualification alone.
What it's like to become a Mental Health First Aider
Catherine Hart, a solicitor and member of our Wellbeing Steering Group, describes her experience of becoming a Mental Health First Aider and why everyone should consider undertaking the training.
A trusted friend: The challenges and opportunities working in-house
After nearly a year as Convener of the In-house Lawyers Committee (ILC) and on the back of a successful In-house Annual Conference, Anne Stewart reflects on choosing the in-house path and how it is changing.
Getting comfortable with vulnerability in the legal profession
For Mental Health Awareness Week, James McFarlane, legal counsel at NatWest Group and founding member of the Men's Wellbeing Group, discusses vulnerability, why solicitors are so bad at it and how we can all help make things easier for ourselves and others. Dispel some myths and find out what an 'it's ok to' document is below.
How trauma shapes legal processes and why it matters
Trauma, overwhelm and distress can have significant impacts on solicitors and clients alike. Rebecca Norris, co-founder of the specialist training company Trauma Informed Law, examines why trauma literacy is so important to legal practice, and how to recognise and understand distress within ourselves and others.
From strategy to action: How legal experts are moving towards Net Zero
In light of Earth Day and its theme “Our power, our planet”, four of the Law Society’s new Sustainability Committee members highlight how their workplaces are prioritising sustainable practices.
Justice Hustings 2026: Reform, rights and the future of Scotland’s legal system
The Law Society of Scotland's 2026 Justice Hustings, brought together representatives from across the political spectrum to debate the future of Scotland’s justice system, in advance of the Scottish Parliamentary Election on 7 May.
Balancing motherhood and a legal career: How qualifying as a paralegal transformed my life
Emma Hamilton, 2025’s winner of the Paralegal of the Year Award at the Scottish Legal Awards, became a mum at 19 and decided to juggle motherhood and a career in law to provide for her daughter. Now she reflects on this chapter in her life and what the future of a paralegal career looks like.
Human Rights Consortium Scotland Conference: Our Rights. Your Move
On 3 February 2026, representatives from the Law Society of Scotland attended the Human Rights Consortium Scotland Members Conference. Lynda Towers, Convener of our Constitutional Law and Human Rights Committee reflects on the theme of the conference 'Our Rights. Your Move' and shares her concerns and hopes for human rights now and in the future.
Alison Granger explains why you should join the Public Policy Committee
Alison Granger, a senior solicitor with the Scottish Legal Aid Board shares her experiences as a member of the Law Society’s Public Policy Committee and encourages Scottish solicitors to find out more and get involved.
Accredited paralegal round up
Laura McBain, Affiliates & Accreditation Manager 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 2025 and what you can look forward to in 2026.
The crisis in Scotland’s legal aid system: A threat to access to justice
Solicitor Lesley Govan has practised exclusively in mental health and incapacity law for the past 12 years, operating her own practice since 2018. She reflects on the reality of the legal aid crisis, and explains why she has now made the difficult decision to stop undertaking legal aid work.
Scots law matters: Reasonable Adjustments
In our Scots law matters series, Scottish solicitor experts explore some of the legal issues which will effect many of us during our lifetimes. In this issue, Employment solicitor, Sarah Gilzean explains what adjustments employees with specific needs might reasonably expect from their employers.
ECHR at 75...how far have we really come?
Lynda Towers, Convener of our Constitutional Law and Human Rights Sub-Committee, reflects on the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights and on what AWI law can tell us about how effective our human rights protections really are.
Eight tips to use AI more sustainably
Using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools comes with a direct environmental impact. Sustainability Committee member Hannah Gardner discusses how to use them in the most sustainable way possible.
Honouring the past, inspiring the future - celebrating Black History Month
Abel Aboh, data and AI expert, and member of our Nomination Committee and Technology Law & Practice Committee, reflects on the opportunity that Black History Month brings to reimagine what is possible and build a truly inclusive society.
Scots law matters: Cohabitation
In our new Scots law matters series, Scottish solicitor experts explore some of the legal issues which will effect many of us during our lifetimes. In this issue, Inverness solicitor, Sarah Lilley explains what steps cohabitants may wish to consider when deciding to move in with a partner.
The Child and Family Law Sub-Committee: working for a fairer and more just society for children and families
Maria Galli is a dual-qualified litigation lawyer, admitted to practice as a solicitor in Scotland, and Australia. Maria shares her experience as Convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Child and Family Law Sub-Committee.
Why you should consider standing for election to the Law Society's Council
Ahsan Mustafa, Associate at Aberdein Considine LLP, was elected as a Law Society Council Member for Glasgow & Strathkelvin in May 2025. He shares with us why he chose to stand for election.
Future-proofing the profession: the impact of the technology law and practice committee
IP, technology and data partner at Brodies LLP and member of the Law Society’s Technology Law and Practice Committee, Martin Sloan reflects on the work of the committee in supporting members and encourages others to get involved in the Society’s work.
Mental health first aid: where the boundaries lie
On World Suicide Prevention Day, which is marked each year on 10 September, Inclusion and Engagement Consultant Lynn Pilkington discusses where the boundaries lie when helping someone through a mental health crisis, be it a friend, colleague or client.
Scots law matters: Boundary dispute
In our new Scots law matters series, Scottish solicitor experts explore some of the legal issues which will effect many of us during our lifetimes. In this issue, Edinburgh solicitor, John Sinclair explains boundary disputes and explains the first steps in resolving issues with neighbours.
Interested in getting involved in our international work?
Our International Policy Executive, Adam Marks reflects on the evolution of our international work and invites Scottish solicitors and lay members with an interest in international issues to join our new committee.
Scots law matters: Power of Attorney
In our new Scots law matters series, Scottish solicitor experts explore some of the legal issues which will effect many of us during our lifetimes. In this first issue, Ayr solicitor, Claire Curie explains why it is never too soon to think about the future and prepare a power of attorney.