Blogs & opinions
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
How mindfulness can help us take back control
Hannah Frahm, a dual-qualified solicitor working at Brodies and mindfulness and meditation teacher tells us how mindfulness can help us to take back control
Top take-aways from my traineeship
NQ solicitor, Aidan Tuohy, reflects on the last two years and shares the key things he has taken away from his traineeship
HNC to Trainee
COPFS trainee Freya Anderson Ward explains why, for her, the HNC Legal Services was the perfect stepping stone to the LLB.
Flexible working and 'walking the talk'
Olivia Moore works in Careers & Outreach at the Law Society of Scotland. In this piece she uses the story of one prospective trainee to examine why employers might want to improve their flexible working practices to accommodate the next generation of solicitors.
Journal editorial February 2020
The words and actions of the UK Government are causing unease for believers in democracy and the rule of law
The benefits of a good mentor
Ahead of our new mentor training on Wednesday 26 February, Cheryl Ferguson discusses the benefits of a good mentor and how to make the most of your mentoring relationship
Closing Skills Gaps and Increasing Diversity
Morna Ronnie, Head of Programmes at Back in Business, talks about closing the skills gap, increasing diversity and returners to the profession.
HND to LLB and beyond
In the first of a new series of blogs highlighting non-traditional pathways to qualification, David Durie, DPLP student, tells us why studying the HND Legal Services helped him realise his potential and prepare him to for the next step
The power of partnerships
Back in November our Equality and Diversity Manager Elaine MacGlone attended the Stonewall Scotland workplace conference. A key theme was the power of partnerships to pool resources and exceed what an individual organisation may be able to achieve on their own - an approach which the Law Society is always keen to embrace.
Getting work experience
Amelia Mah, future trainee solicitor and final year dual-qualifying law student at the University of Dundee, discusses work experience.
European Law Students' Association
ELSA’s history, its global and national links as well as unique opportunities that it offers to its members. We want to raise awareness and to gain practical and financial support from law firms. Our aim is to organise events that will add value to the academic and work experiences offered to ELSA members.
New Year - New You! Make mentoring your resolution
Our Careers and Outreach Coordinator, Lyndsey Thomson, talks about the benefits of mentoring and why you should make this your New Year's resolution
Journal editorial January 2020
Independence of the profession, or independence of its regulation? Those stances represent the opponents and supporters of the Roberton review proposals, the subject of renewed debate this month
A New Year but an old challenge - to improve equality and diversity
How are your New Year's resolutions going? Rob Marrs, our Head of Education, has been inspired by the turn of the year to blog on the challenge to improve equality and diversity in the legal profession, and the improvements we can all work towards to make this happen.
The benefits of dual qualification for an international legal career
Rob Dudley, BARBRI Deputy Managing Director, International, discusses working across borders and how BARBRI can support those looking to dual qualify in another jurisdiction.