Blogs & opinions
Profile of the Profession: Why do we ask you about your wellbeing?
Ensuring a healthy, sustainable profession is at the heart of our work, making it vital we understand as much as we can about our members' wellbeing, explains our Careers and Wellbeing Manager Olivia Moore.
Wellbeing isn’t just for your office’s in-crowd
Catherine Hart, Partner at Digby Brown and member of the Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group, talks about what to do if you feel like your manager puts others' wellbeing above your own.
Journal editorial April 2023
Crowdfunded litigation is probably here to stay, and if properly organised has a legitimate role in holding Government and other large organisations to account
Stressed to impress - putting the legal sector on a healthier footing
Olivia Moore, Careers and Wellbeing Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, discusses how widespread stress is among lawyers and the key drivers that contribute to stress becoming unmanageable.
Hospitality and celebration – my Ramadan visit to Edinburgh Central Mosque
Our Vice President, Sheila Webster, writes about her visit to Edinburgh Central Mosque with Law Society colleagues and friends for the first fast-breaking of Ramadan.
Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land – Extension of Transitional Period
Our Property Law Committee provides an update on the register for those who have a controlled interest in land following an extension of the transitional period until 1 April 2024.
Some employability tips for law students
Our Head of Education Rob Marrs has come up with his six top tips to help law students to kick start their legal careers.
Journal editorial March 2023
The UK Government is regrettably showing disregard for lawyers and the rule of law through its Illegal Migration Bill and rhetoric with it
Six Diploma Tips
If you’re thinking about the next steps in your legal career and you’re coming to the end of your Scots Law LLB then the Diploma is probably on your mind. Our Outreach Development Officer, Milly Berndes-Cade, gives you her top six tips for applying to the Diploma this year.
The journey to becoming an Accredited Paralegal
Kirsty Dutch, an Accredited Paralegal in Wills, Trusts and Executries tells us about her journey to become an Accredited Paralegal.
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