Blogs & opinions
Scotland's history is Black history
Tatora Mukushi, a Dual-Qualified Human Rights Solicitor currently leading Shelter Scotland’s Migrant Destitution Project, discusses the tightly interwoven history of Scotland and Black people, arguing that education on the topic is crucial to creating meaningful change and that lawyers have a vital role to play.
The legal tech internship: a priceless experience
Legal technology is increasingly important to the future of law, making a legal tech internship an invaluable experience for any law student, explains Sam Moore, Innovation Manager at Burness Paull and an Accredited Legal Technologist.
Challenge, passion and development - being a lay member of the Society's Council
Liam McCabe, Executive Director of Finance at Stirling University, was a lay member of our governing Council from January 2013 until November 2019. Liam also served as the convener to our Audit Committee during that time.
Bisexual: The B in LGBTQ+ needs celebrated too
For Bi Visibility Day, Deborah Allan, solicitor at Shepherd & Wedderburn, discusses the challenges still facing bi people today and the progress being made towards ensuring the "B" in LGBTQ+ is respected and celebrated.
LawCare: How we can help
LawCare is the charity dedicated to supporting people working in the law. Most of us have probably heard of it, but do you know how LawCare can help, why people call and who would be at the other end of the phone? Find out more here.
Our flexible working future
Flexible working has gone from a trendy buzzword to the new normal during lockdown. As we publish our flexible working guidance, Elaine MacGlone, Equality & Diversity Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, reflects on her personal experience of flexible working, how things have changed and what the future might hold.
The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah offers all a time for reflection
As we approach the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah, Philip Rodney, columnist, consultant, non-exec and Fellow of the Law Society of Scotland, discusses what it means to be Jewish and how the legal profession can learn from this time of reflection.
No summer placement? Don’t stress!
Hannah Leslie, Group Lawyer at Springfield Properties Plc, talks about why students who don't have legal summer placements don't need to panic about how this might impact their job prospects.
Journal editorial September 2020
The legal profession has increasingly to defend itself, and its neediest clients, from authorities who have little appreciation of its role
Staying in touch with the peloton
Harriet Derrick, our CPD & Training Research Manager, and Confscribe co-founder Ed Murray, round up the key insights from the business readiness panel at the first virtual Sole Practitioner and High Street Firm conference.
World Suicide Prevention Day – how can you and your workplace get involved?
Olivia Moore who leads our Lawscot Wellbeing work discusses how employers and individuals can get involved in raising awareness to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 on Thursday, 10 September.
Who is your in-house rising star of 2020
The In-house Rising Star award is a fantastic opportunity to recognise outstanding in-house trainees and NQs. Beth Anderson, Head of Engagement for In-house Lawyers at the Society, talks about why, this year more than ever, she would encourage the celebration of emerging in-house talent.
Reflections on working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic
John Morrison, Legal Counsel at Phoenix Group and In-house Lawyers Committee vice-convener, shares some thoughts on adapting to new working practices as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
What is taking the US Bar Exam like?
Adam Ridley, shares his experience about sitting the Bar Exam and how it has benefited his career so far.
Journal editorial August 2020
Alleviating the impact of COVID-19 would be a better use of Holyrood's time between now and the election than the Hate Crime Bill
Levelling the playing field
The moderation of Scottish exams results has once again highlighted the challenges faced by pupils from lower-performing schools. Heather McKendrick, Head of Careers & Outreach, discusses how the Law Society is attempting to ensure fair access to the profession, what more needs to be done and how employers can help.
Advocating hope - lessons from summer school
Our week-long virtual summer school had sessions on a wide variety of topics, including exploring the work of advocates. Attendee Julian Thomson discusses the impactful words of one particular speaker and how they inspired him to explore advocacy as a career.
Virtual summer school inspires the next generation of lawyers
For the first time ever, the Law Society of Scotland ran its summer school virtually this year, with more than 70 pupils from across Scotland attending. Mac Sanderson, a fifth-year pupil at Boroughmuir High School Edinburgh, discusses his experience of the summer school and why everyone interested in a career in law should sign up.
Virtual ways to boost your employability
With social distancing measures in force across the country, Laura McLay, a third-year law student at the University of Edinburgh, looks at the virtual ways aspiring legal professionals can develop their skills and gain work experience online.
What is important to young lawyers?
The International Bar Association invites young lawyers in the Scottish legal profession to take part in their worldwide survey to understand future trends.
Hints and tips for trainees whilst being supervised remotely
Rob Marrs, Head of Education at the Law Society, shares some hints and tips about how trainees can be proactive in getting the most from their remote supervision, as working from home becomes more commonplace.
Journal editorial July 2020
If action on court provision is not taken soon, we may face a hard choice between preserving the jury system and protecting human rights
Law exams vs home school: Life as a law student mum in lockdown
Zoe Workman, a LLB student at Stirling University, reveals what it's like to home school three primary-age children, while also studying for her law exams during the lockdown.
Street Law - a priceless opportunity
Street Law trainer, Emmanuel De Abreu, provides a reflection of his time as a street law trainer and why law students should consider getting involved