Blogs & opinions

The SGM: who said what
Main points from today's debate

All quiet on the western front?
SGM adjourns for talks: could we see consensus yet?

How to tighten up the bill
Issues on which the Society intends to press for amendments to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

“March on Murrayfield”: Anderson replies
Further comments on business ownership and professional independence

The Master Policy: a question for the profession
Whether and how far to bring licensed providers under the Master Policy is being carefully considered by the Society – views are invited

Regulation, new style
The solicitors who work in ABS would be subject to exactly the same professional rules and standards as all solicitors are now

"March on Murrayfield": D&W response
A response to Gilbert Anderson's comments on what was said at public meetings

Polling runs from today
The referendum is open for voting from 23 March until 7 April. Members should receive instructions today

ABS roadshow presentations online
Edinburgh event available to view

External ownership: can we really regulate?
A contrary view to the first three articles posted, based on the difficulties in making regulation work

"March on Murrayfield!"
It's never too late to send a message to Holyrood that external ownership is incompatible with independence

Edinburgh Qs and As
Points from the floor at the Edinburgh ABS roadshow

Decision time approaches
Journal Online's referendum page will be forum for all sides

Thirteen firms call for support of reform
Open letter claims solicitors must have options to ensure level playing field

No stopping the tide
Argument that change is coming, like it or not, and the profession has to get smart in how it faces up to it

Don't forget the consultation
If the Society is to be an ABS regulator, it needs members' views on what it should attempt to do

Voting for change
A vote for legal services reform is a vote to help keep the profession in charge of its destiny

Independence in context
Some questions to consider in relation to section 92 of the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

Time to keep feet on the ground
Debate on professional independence has to be based on actuality