Law Society news
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Scottish agency IT outage resolved for property transactions
An IT outage with a key Scottish Government agency service that caused delays with upcoming property settlements has now been resolved.
Law Society members achieve professional milestones
A select number of the Law Society of Scotland's members have achieved new heights in their careers as they have been accredited in their chosen fields.
Changes to AML Certificate
The 2024 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate will introduce changes aimed at streamlining the process and reducing the administrative burden on legal practitioners.
Trainee numbers show legal sector’s record growth continues
Unprecedented growth for the Scottish legal sector has been maintained for a fourth consecutive year, with 764 new solicitor traineeships commencing in the past 12 months to the end of October 2024.
Law Society’s rise continues in Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers list
The Law Society of Scotland’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been recognised with an improved ranking in the Top 100 Inclusive UK Employers Index for 2024. The professional body for Scottish solicitors has been ranked 76th in the 2024 list from the National Centre for Diversity, up from 84th place last year.
New research to support future needs of smaller firms
The Law Society of Scotland has commissioned a new research project to ensure it can best support smaller firms and the essential services they provide.
New system to support junior solicitors wins 2024 Innovation Cup
An online system to assist trainees and junior solicitors in drafting legal correspondence has won the Law Society of Scotland’s 2024 Innovation Cup.
The future of zoos decides first round of debating tournament
The first round of a national school debating tournament has kicked off, with students across Scotland debating whether zoos should remain open.
Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive to step down in 2025
Diane McGiffen, our Chief Executive, will step down in April 2025 after over three years in the role. She joined in January 2022, focusing on supporting the solicitor profession and acting in the public interest.
Double admissions ceremony breaks record for new Scottish solicitors
A new record has been set for the number of Scottish solicitors formally admitted to the profession in a single day.
Social mobility champion and property law pioneer awarded honorary membership
A champion for social mobility within Scotland’s legal profession and a moderniser of Scottish conveyancing have been awarded honorary membership of the professional body for Scottish solicitors.
New career heights reached for Law Society members
A select number of the Law Society of Scotland's members have achieved new heights in their careers as they have been accredited in their chosen fields.
Law Society and Faculty jointly intervene in UK Supreme Court case
The Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates have jointly intervened in relation to an important principle in Scottish criminal law that is central to a United Kingdom Supreme Court case.
Six inspiring winners of inaugural Legal Pioneer Award
Six inspiring members of the Scottish legal sector have been announced as the inaugural winners of the Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Pioneers Award, which was launched to mark the Society's 75th anniversary.
Rule of law and independence of the legal profession key themes at Annual Conference
The critical importance of the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession were among the key themes considered at the Law Society of Scotland’s Annual Conference. The final day of the keynote event for the professional body for Scottish solicitors was held as a hybrid event in Edinburgh on Thursday, 31 October.
Restricting Complaints Guidance in practice
Following the introduction of new Law Society of Scotland Guidance on restricting complaints, Convener of the Society's Professional Practice Committee, Austin Lafferty has commented on how this will apply to solicitors in practice.
AML annual supervisory report 2024
The Law Society of Scotland’s annual anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory report highlights the range of AML initiatives undertaken between April 2023 and April 2024.
Law Society welcomes scrapping of juryless trials proposal
The Law Society of Scotland says the Scottish Government has made the correct decision in scrapping its plans for juryless trials for sexual offences.
Solicitors concerned at court’s ruling on corroboration
The Law Society of Scotland says that a judgement from the High Court of Justiciary marks a significant change to the longstanding rules around corroboration in criminal cases that will likely have far-reaching consequences.
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.
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 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.
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.