Law Society news
Scottish firms’ AML-related work nears £700m
Almost £700 million of gross fees across Scottish legal firms in 2023 related to work falling under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, analysis of the latest AML Certificate has shown.
New guide navigates AI challenges for Scottish solicitors
A new guide has been launched to help Scottish solicitors navigate the growing range of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) products while avoiding potential risks posed to their businesses and clients.
Concerns raised over AML Certificate data accuracy
The anti-money laundering (AML) sub-committee has called on Scottish legal practices to improve the accuracy of their AML Certificate data or risk disciplinary action.
Law Society members achieve career milestones
Congratulations are in order for 27 members of the Law Society of Scotland who have been recognised in their areas of practice.
Law Society of Scotland pays tribute to Iain Doran
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to Scottish solicitor and committee member Iain Doran who recently passed away.
Tribute to former Law Society President Norman Stewart
Susan Murray, President of the Law Society of Scotland, has paid tribute to Norman Stewart, President of the Society in 1985/86.
Law Society celebrates members with professional recognition
Congratulations are in order for 16 members of the Law Society of Scotland who have been recognised in their areas of practice.
Honorary Membership nominations invited for Law Society's 75th anniversary
The Society is inviting nominations for honorary membership for outstanding service for the public good by a Scottish solicitor - the closing date is Wednesday, 2 October.
AML SARs thematic review: DAML spotlight
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has highlighted defence against money laundering reports (DAMLs) as a key area of focus for firms, following the release of initial findings from its suspicious activity reports (SARs) thematic review.
Programme for Government a missed opportunity for access to justice
The Scottish Government has proposed a range of positive justice sector reforms in its 2024-25 Programme for Government, but has failed to recognise the urgent need for investment in access to justice and legal aid.
AML SARs thematic review initial findings
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has published the initial findings of its thematic review into suspicious activity reports (SARs), revealing positive procedures are in place across firms, but further support and guidance is needed on training and the threshold for suspicion.
Issues with Assisted Dying Bill must be addressed
Serious issues with the Scottish Parliament’s Assisted Dying Bill must be addressed to avoid uncertainly and negative outcomes.
New career heights reached for Law Society members
Congratulations are in order for 66 members of the Law Society of Scotland who have been recognised in their areas of practice.
New award to celebrate Scotland’s legal sector pioneers
The Society is launching a new award to celebrate legal pioneers within the sector as part of its 75th anniversary commemorations. Nominations for the Legal Pioneer Award are open to both solicitors and non-solicitors - past or present - who have made a significant contribution to Scotland’s legal sector.
Stepping out to support pro bono legal services
The Law Society and Faculty of Advocates have teamed up as joint national sponsors of the Legal Walks, organised annually by the Access to Justice Foundation to raise money to fund much-needed pro bono services.
New solicitors celebrated with summer admissions ceremony
Over 60 new Scottish solicitors were formally welcomed to the profession at an admissions ceremony held at the Signet Library, Edinburgh.
Comment on violence and threats to solicitors
The Society has commented on reports of threats to solicitor firms and advice agencies in England following the recent outbreaks of violence.
Nine solicitor advocates granted extended rights of audience
The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to nine solicitor advocates in a ceremony held at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Fraud alert – emails impersonating solicitors
We've been alerted that Faculty of Advocates members have recently received a spate of scam emails from fraudsters pretending to be legitimate solicitor firms.
Risk management competition shifts focus to AI and technology solutions
The Law Society of Scotland’s annual risk management competition is turning its focus to solutions based on technology and artificial intelligence.
Solicitor details - data aggregation services
We have been notified by members of a service offering to sell details of practising solicitors in Scotland - make sure to check any data aggregation service is legitimate.
Guide on improving disability inclusion in legal sector launches
We've launched a guide to help improve disability and neurodiversity inclusion across the Scottish legal profession.
Rule of law must underpin UK Government’s legislative agenda
The extensive legislative agenda outlined in the King's speech must serve to strengthen the rule of law and be underpinned by access to justice, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society urges Scottish MPs to champion the rule of law and access to justice
The Law Society of Scotland has written to all Scottish MPs elected in last week's UK General Election urging them to respect and champion the rule of law and access to justice.