Law Society news
New accreditation category to recognise high-performing paralegals
The Law Society of Scotland has expanded its paralegal accreditation scheme with a new category recognising practitioners who have high-level skills and experience.
Five new solicitor advocates granted extended rights of audience
Extended rights of audience have been granted to five new solicitor advocates in a ceremony held at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday 6 August.
Firms urged to improve pricing transparency to help consumers
Improving clarity on the likely costs of legal services can help to improve access to justice for consumers, however a Law Society review of law firm websites has revealed that less than a third included information about pricing.
Anne Stewart steps up as In-house Lawyers Committee convener
Public sector in-house solicitor Anne Stewart has been elected as the new convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s In-house Lawyers Committee.
Innovation Cup returns in search for winning risk management idea
The Law Society of Scotland’s risk management competition has returned seeking the best new ideas to reduce risk for the legal sector.
Smaller firms research points to bright future amidst challenges
Our survey of smaller Scottish law firms has found many are upbeat about the future of such legal businesses, despite challenges around areas such as staffing, technology and work-related stress.
AML round up: July 2025
Catch up on all the latest anti-money laundering (AML) updates, news and guidance from the Law Society of Scotland's AML team.
National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing updated
Scottish solicitors must remain vigilant to the threat of money laundering, as a new report from HM Treasury confirms the legal sector continues to be a key target for criminals.
UK Government responds to Money Laundering Regulations consultation
The UK Government has set out its intentions on making the the current Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs) more effective and proportionate in its response to an HM Treasury consultation.
Extended rights of audience granted to new solicitor advocates
The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to five new solicitor advocates in a ceremony held on Tuesday 15 July.
Legal Aid update
Our Legal Aid Committee has been extremely active recently so our Criminal Legal Aid Committee Convener, Ian Moir and Civil Legal Aid Committee Convener, Peter Walsh provide a summary of what's been keeping them busy.
SLCC praise for Law Society Client Protection Fund
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission has praised the way Society’s Client Protection Fund is run in a recent report.
Adults with incapacity benefit from cross border cohesion
The Law Society of Scotland and The Law Society (of England and Wales) have jointly developed an information note for solicitors north and south of the border providing clarity on the core provisions relating to mental capacity in both jurisdictions, the key differences between the two and key considerations relating to cross-border issues.
Technology a ‘sink or swim’ choice for smaller law firms
The importance of technology for the future success of smaller legal firms has been underscored at a conference hosted by the Law Society of Scotland.
Gordon MacNeil FAQs
Cowdenbeath law firm Gordon MacNeil Solicitors has ceased to practise. A Judicial Factor has been appointed and is working to ensure secure transition of all files, documentation and the client account and we have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
2025-26 Practising Certificate fee approved at AGM
Three resolutions were passed at the Law Society AGM on 19 June, including the Practising Certificate fee for 2025-26.
Fraud alert: Fake standing orders
We have been alerted to an attempt to defraud a firm’s client account using multiple fake standing order mandates.
Legal aid crisis to deepen with 41% of solicitors considering exit
A survey of Scottish legal aid solicitors has revealed further evidence of a deepening crisis in access to justice, with 41% of respondents either planning to stop legal aid work within two years or unsure whether they will continue.
Nairn Academy wins 25th anniversary Dewar debate final
Two pupils from Nairn Academy have won this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debate tournament, as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Law Society President pays tribute to Lauren Fowler
The Society's President Pat Thom has paid tribute to Council member Lauren Fowler who passed away recently.
New Crofting Bill important step towards modernisation
The introduction of a Bill aimed at simplifying the law around crofting is a welcome step towards long-awaited and much needed reform,
Joint letter calls for urgent increase in Scottish legal aid fees
The Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Association of Law Centres have jointly written to a parliamentary committee examining civil legal aid provision in Scotland to emphasise the urgent need for an increase in legal aid fees.
New Law Society President set for challenges ahead
Scottish Borders solicitor, Pat Thom takes up the reins as President of the Law Society of Scotland, bringing with her a unique international perspective.
New and returning members to represent Glasgow solicitors on Law Society Council
Two new and three returning members have been elected to represent Glasgow solicitors on the Law Society's Council.