Blogs & opinions
An illegal invasion one year on – remaining steadfast
Our President Murray Etherington marks the solemn milestone of one year since Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine began by pledging ongoing solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine and reflecting on the vital importance of the rule of law.
Supporting Ukrainian lawyers and forming friendships
Rob Marrs didn't know much about Ukraine when Russia's invasion began, but he's since helped build a sense of community for Ukrainian lawyers seeking sanctuary in Scotland and formed new friendships along the way.
From Kyiv to Glasgow – one lawyer's journey
Russia's invasion forced Larysa Zhdankina to leave her Kyiv home and work with the Constitutional Court of Ukraine to seek sanctuary for herself and her young daughter in Scotland. She shares her story of escape, and the work she's doing towards a brighter future for Ukraine.
Journal editorial February 2023
Widening access to the profession remains a desirable goal – but any form of exclusion is unfair
Trainee talk – Getting the most from your quarterly performance review
Our Head of Education Rob Marrs provides some advice on offering effective feedback and how preparation for quarterly reviews during the traineeship can pay dividends.
The Lawscot Foundation – helping make the world my oyster
Demi Scorfield shares the story of her transformation from first year university student to trainee in waiting, and the huge role the Lawscot Foundation has played in helping her make her career dreams reality.
Burnout – Prevention is always better than cure
As part of our wellbeing blog series, here’s another response to a great question posed during our wellbeing panel at the Law Society of Scotland’s annual conference in October 2022. Nicola Rylatt– a member of the Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group and a Solicitor at Glasgow City Council – considers how early intervention can be crucial to managing and avoiding burnout.
Flying the colours of Pride
As LGBTQ+ History month starts, our Equality and Diversity Manager Elaine MacGlone writes on the history and development of the iconic Rainbow flag.
Bringing your creativity to law through the Street Law project
Mollie Castle, 3rd Year LLB student at the University of Dundee recently joined the Law Society's Street Law project and attended it's training weekend on 13 - 15 Jan 23. She recalls the value of being involved with the project and the creativity it encourages through legal education.
Holocaust Memorial Day – remembrance and vigilance
On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember what the survivors have told us – what they remember. But we also remain vigilant to ensure human rights remain protected to honour the memory and sacrifice of those who died and respect those who survived.
Supporting colleagues with complex personality disorders
Rachel Bottomley, Improvement Officer at See Me, leads and manages the See Me in Work programme and continues our wellbeing blog series by tackling another question received during our recent annual conference session on wellbeing and aims to advise employers and managers on best practice.
Danger to lawyers at home and abroad must be tackled by us all
On the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, our Head of Education Rob Marrs reflects on the situation in Afghanistan and asks what we can do to help.
Journal editorial January 2023
The decision on the future of legal services regulation places considerable trust in professional bodies; they should embrace the challenge
Putting mental and physical health on an equal footing
Reflecting on how we treat physical injury differently to mental struggles can help us treat both elements of our health equally.
2022 Debate Champions Reflections Blog
Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament champions, Aimee Ross and Orla McMichael of Fortrose Academy share how their interest in debating started.
Ransomware Payments and GDPR
Read our blog following advice from the ICO on ransomware attacks and the risks that paying a ransom can create through incentivising further harmful behaviour rather than guaranteeing the safe return of data.
Journal editorial December 2022
Many solicitors are feeling cost of living pressures too, adding to workplace stress, and now is the time to ensure a supportive workplace
Working towards a more accessible and equitable profession
Ahead of International Day of People with Disabilities on 3 December, we spoke with trainee solicitors Fraser Mackay and Thomas McGovern to find out more about their plans and progress in setting up a group to support disabled solicitors and law students.
I’m dreaming of a mindful Christmas...
Christmas is a special time of year for a lot of people but for a lot of us, it can also be a very stressful time. Ashleigh Halpin, offers an insight into mindfulness and how it can help with stress.
No man is an island – it’s time to talk
Ahead of International Men’s Day on 19 November, 2022, Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group member Gordon Lennox reflects on the benefits of men having a safe place to talk about mental health.
Helping firms while protecting clients - a committee champion
Paul Faris is a member of the Client Protection Sub-Committee and was previously a Claims Manager at Scottish Provident.
Journal editorial November 2022
The squeeze on public spending is likely to mean difficult times ahead for the justice budget, with potential impact on the profession
Why leading by example matters for wellbeing
Olivia Moore, Careers & Wellbeing Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, kicks off our blog series tackling some of the questions we received during our recent annual conference session on wellbeing, by discussing the importance of leading by example.
