Blogs & opinions
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
On firm ground?
Reflections from attending the Journal's Property Law Round Table
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Politicians, priorities and public interest: Scottish party conference season
Tim Mouncer, public affairs manager at the Law Society of Scotland, explains what’s in store for this spring’s party conferences
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Letter: claims – sting in the tail
Why the professional indemnity premium hike after a failed negligence claim?
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Letter: conflicted over conflict?
Comment on the Professional Practice article in the December 2015 Journal
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Doing complaints better
Rather than treat it with suspicion, solicitors should engage fully with the SLCC's current strategy consultation, as they stand to gain from increased public confidence in the system
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Burden of proof and verbal references
Sufficient evidence of link with disability to shift burden of proof
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Updated guides produced by ACAS
Revised publications on disability, investigations and recruiting
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Visa fees and employer duties: immigration update
Enhanced checks will be needed by employers
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Enforcement lined up as national living wage date nears
Penalties to double for failing to pay proper rates
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
“Speak English” rule may not be discrimination
Employer could insist where security a concern
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Make a difference. Have an impact. Join our Council
A Q&A with Jackie McRae, partner and manager of family law at Pagan Osborne, and new lawyers Council member at the Law Society of Scotland 2009-2012
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Moving on up
Now settled in at the Society’s new office at Atria One, Sarah Sutton explains how the big move will make a difference to you
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Letter: when the Keeper pays
The Keeper will indeed sometimes pay for errors in the registration process
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Letter: charging for delivery
Comments on the Society's guidance on charging for lending or delivering files etc
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Looking forwards
Comments on the EU referendum, and the Society's member survey; and on the possible benefits from the Society's new offices
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Independent consideration needed for "Operation Sandwood" Lockerbie report
Lord Advocate and Crown Office would be "judge and jury in own cause"
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Letter: mistakes without penalty
Registers of Scotland, who face no sanction for their mistakes, should be more understanding when solicitors fall short
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Letter: information deficit
Is disclosure of beneficial ownership no longer being pursued?
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Peace: a pious hope?
Reflections as a frenetic year draws to a close
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Living with counterpart signing
Some practical points for landlords and agents to bear in mind
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Now landlords must carry out electrical checks
Ministers issue guidance on new requirements
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Repairing standard now covers CO alarms
All rented properties with fixed combustion appliance now need an alarm
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Bankruptcy Act alters the enforcement landscape
Two changes of note in the 2014 Act
![](/media/yr1d4arm/icon-blog.png?width=120&height=120&rnd=133621618922200000)
Tribunal reform gearing up
Preparations underway for new two-tier system