Law Society news
New solicitors celebrated with double admissions ceremony
Scotland’s legal sector has formally welcomed 130 new solicitors to the profession at dual admissions ceremonies in central Edinburgh.
New Law Society committee will focus on international work
The Society is setting up a new committee to oversee its international work. The committee will advise on international activities, including the Society’s relations with the EU institutions and other bars and law societies around the globe, and raise awareness about the increasing importance of international work to the Scottish legal profession.
James Turnbull & Co FAQs
Stenhousemuir law firm James Turnbull & Co Ltd has ceased to practise. If you are a solicitor or a client affected by the closure of this firm, you may find our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions useful.
Ben Kemp takes up post as Law Society Chief Executive
Watch our video and find out more about Ben Kemp, the Law Society's new Chief Executive.
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.