Blogs & opinions
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.
Journal editorial October 2022: Changed spots?
With or without the British Bill of Rights Bill, the profession should look out for acts by the Truss Government that may limit human rights
Reflections on the link between mindfulness and community, to mark World Mental Health Day 2022
Ashleigh Halpin, a HR and Mindfulness consultant who recently hosted a session for Lawscot Wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week, reminds us of the importance of mindful interaction for World Mental Health Day.
First year trainee roadshows are back
Olivia Moore, Careers & Wellbeing Manager, talks about the events we're running for new first year trainees in October and why you should sign up (or encourage your trainees to sign up!) and come along.
The Call of Duty: Are you ready to step up and serve on a committee?
Gillian Harkness-McKinlay, member of the Charity Law Sub-Committee at the Society and Director in the Public and Third Sector Team at Anderson Strathern.
Shaping Employment Law | My Committee Experience
Katie Russell – a member of the Employment Law Committee at the Law Society of Scotland and Partner at Burges Salmon LLP – offers some insight into the Employment Law Committee and why she decided to join.
What you need to know about law fairs in 2022
Olivia Moore, Careers & Wellbeing Manager at the Law Society, talks about how students can prepare for a law fair, covers a few things to avoid and gives you all the key dates for your calendar.