Blogs & opinions
We need to talk about mental health in the Scottish legal sector
John McElligott, Chief Operating Officer of Kara Connect discusses mental health in the Scottish legal profession, why wellbeing matters and what employers can do address wellbeing issues.
Journal editorial December 2023
A farewell message, with many people to thank, on stepping down as editor after 20 years in post
AML Spotlight: Holistic customer due diligence
For our anti-money laundering (AML) blog series spotlighting key topics and concerns, our AML Risk Manager Jenni Rodgers looks at holistic customer due diligence: what it is, why it's important and the steps and risk factors to consider.
Increasing the pace of disability inclusion
For International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD), our Head of Education Rob Marrs reflects on the work done over the past year to improve disability inclusion.
Journal editorial November 2023
I support those including the International Bar Association and Barack Obama who call for Israel's response to the Hamas atrocities to align with humanitarian values
AML Spotlight: Human trafficking
For our anti-money laundering (AML) blog series spotlighting key topics and concerns, our AML Risk Manager Jenni Rodgers looks at human trafficking, how to spot the red flags of it and steps to take to prevent it.
How to stop being stressed to the nines
The theme for International Stress Awareness Week is "“Beyond Stress Management – From Stigma to Solutions.” Careers and Wellbeing Manager Lou Murphy shares provide some solutions that can help prevent and manage stress.
Bridging the gap from law student to solicitor
Amanjit Uppal and Patricia Taylor from the Scottish Young Lawyer's Association explain why the association exists and what it offers to university students studying Scots law.
Journal editorial October 2023
There is legitimate concern that so few complaints of rape lead to a guilty verdict, but the main focus should be on complainers' experience
AML Spotlight: Terrorist financing
In the first in our anti-money laundering (AML) blog series spotlighting key topics and concerns, our AML Risk Manager Dale Trahms examines terrorist financing, how it impacts the legal sector and how to combat it.
Make sure your online profile is working for you
We are keen to ensure that our members benefit from a powerful marketing tool and receive value adding content and practice updates.
Risks to mental health in the workplace
As World Mental Health Day approaches on 10 October Elizabeth Rimmer, CEO of LawCare, delves into the topic of psychosocial risks, telling us what they are and offering some practical steps to mitigate risks in the workplace.
Countdown to the conference - an insight into the upcoming RSA panel session
Andrea Steer, Head of Operations & Proposition at RSA Risk Consulting gives an insight into what to expect from a panel session led by RSA at the Law Society Annual Conference 2023. With a handpicked panel of guest speakers specialising in mental health, the panel will share their insights, experience and knowledge of these key issues facing the workforce in today’s legal profession. This is one not to miss.
Journal editorial September 2023
Perceptions are said to be important in considering whether conflicts of interest exist in regulation of the legal profession, but these differ widely in submissions on the bill
The power of connection in the legal profession
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, our Careers and Wellbeing Manager Lou Murphy considers how connecting with colleagues can help you, others, and the profession as a whole.
From trainee Accredited Paralegal to Committee member – how I upskilled with the Society’s accreditation.
Susan Handyside, Governance Manager at Lothian Pensions Fund and recent member of the Accredited Paralegal Committee discusses her journey to accreditation and her first few months as a committee member.
Can in-house lawyers use their ESG powers to save the world?
Chris Knudsen, Global Legal Counsel at Too Good To Go (TGTG) and the winner of 2023's In-House Rising Star Award, shares his story on joining a BCorp and how lawyers can advocate for an Environmental, Social, and Governance-positive business model (ESG).
Four reasons why you should say yes as a Law Student!
Ava Hopkins, fourth year LLB student at the University of Strathclyde tells us why saying yes to opportunities can set you up for success in your legal career.
South Asian Heritage Month: Embracing dual identity in modern Scotland
In the last of our blogs for this year's South Asian Heritage Month and its theme 'Stories to tell', Anoop Joshi, VP, Legal & Platform Integrity at Trustpilot, shares what it's like to balance and weave together two cultural heritages and identities.
A right to review: the role of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2023
Alison McNab, a solicitor and legal officer at the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, in preparation for an upcoming webinar highlights the role of the Commission and some of its recent casework.
Accredited and Trainee Paralegals - Get more out of your CPD
Laura McBain, the Law Society's Member Services Coordinator and Secretary to the Accredited Paralegal Committee, highlights how trainee and Accredited Paralegals can get the most out of their CPD.
Journal editorial August 2023
We should be alive to the danger of letting dubious arguments for freedom prevent necessary measures against climate change
South Asian Heritage Month: Growing up with Punjabi culture
For South Asian Heritage Month, Simon Roudh, a solicitor at Morton Fraser LLP, shares how his family's Punjabi heritage has shaped his life.