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Declining to appear in custody cases update
Our Director of Professional Practice, Fiona Robb clarifies the implications of declining to appear in custody cases with reference to our rules and guidance.
AML annual report 2021
We have updated our AML Supervisory Annual Report building on the interim version published in February 2021.
With a foreword from our CEO, Lorna Jack, the report highlights the work we have undertaken between April 2020 and April 2021 in fulfilling our supervisory obligations as per the requirements of the Money Laundering Regulations 2019.
AML Certificate results 2020
Our Anti-Money Laundering Risk Manager, Bob Clark provides an update on the key insights and analysis from the data you provided in this year's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate.
Law Society of Scotland achieves AML levy exemption for majority of Scottish law firms
In a positive response to pressure applied by the Law Society of Scotland, plans to introduce a new economic crime levy will see 97% of Scottish law firms exempted.
Law Society of Scotland shortlisted for UK Covid Response Award
We have been shortlisted for a national UK award for our work to support our members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Five new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Five Scottish solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by our Council to become solicitor advocates, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony at Parliament House.
Full implications of change must be considered as solicitors show strong support for the not proven verdict
Results of a recent survey of the profession on the Not Proven verdict show support for not proven to be retained.
Court business plan in level 0
Law Society President, Ken Dalling, responds to the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service's briefing on court business once Scotland moves into level 0.
Diversity data offers most complete picture of profession yet
Diversity data collected for the first time as part of the annual Practising Certificate renewal process offers a valuable insight into today’s Scottish legal profession.
Angus wins 2021 In-house Rising Star Award
In-house solicitor Angus Niven has been crowned as the Society's in-house rising star of 2021.
End of an era for Law Society as Chief Exec announces retiral
Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive Lorna Jack has today announced that she will retire from the organisation at the end of 2021 after 13 years in post.
Peebles High School wins national debating tournament for second year in a row
Thomas Dunmur and Laura Eggleton of Peebles High School have been crowned Scotland’s best young debaters, after winning the grand final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2020/21, organised by the Law Society of Scotland.
Legal aid trainee fund launches
The Scottish Government’s £1 million fund to support 40 legal aid traineeships in Scotland has opened to applicants.
Recommended trainee pay held for second year
The recommended rates of pay for trainee solicitors will not change for the second year in a row, due to the ongoing economic impact of coronavirus, the Society has confirmed.
Law Society makes UK Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces index
The Law Society of Scotland has been named one of the UK's Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces at the National Centre for Diversity's 2021 FREDIE Awards.
Scottish solicitor at heart of Malawi independence story receives Law Society lifetime honorary membership
An eminent Scottish solicitor, who was instrumental in establishing the independence of Malawi, will be awarded honorary life membership of the Law Society of Scotland later today.
New report confirms alarm of Scottish solicitors over discharges to care homes
A report published by the Mental Welfare Commission confirms concerns previously raised by the Law Society's Mental Health and Disability Committee about the circumstances in which the transfers of vulnerable people from hospital to care homes were carried out.
Statement on the nomination of Keith Brown as Cabinet Secretary for Justice
Keith Brown MSP has been nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice.
Joint statement in support of lawyers in China
Joint statement by the Law Societies of Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Scotland.
Continued financial support for Scottish solicitors to support business recovery
Our Council has agreed a proposal, which will be considered at next month's AGM, for the practising certificate fee for all solicitors in 2021/22 to be 10% less than the pre-pandemic amount.
Any change of verdicts must be consistent with principles of Scottish justice system
As Scottish Parliament election candidates pledge to review the not proven verdict, Law Society President Amanda Millar warns that principles of Scottish criminal justice system must be maintained.
Law Society Council nomination period opens
From Lerwick to London, Scottish solicitors from across the country are being invited to stand for nomination to the Law Society of Scotland’s Council.
SLCC budget change must mark start of a change in approach
Law Society President Amanda Millar responds to SLCC announcement of budget and levy for 2021/22.
5% legal aid fee increase is a first step, not a fix
Today (22 March) marks the introduction of a 5% increase in legal aid fees, but Law Society President Amanda Millar warns that this is just the first step on a journey.