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Scottish Legal Complaints Commission “costing more for doing less”
We have submitted the Law Society's response to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission's budget and levy proposals for 2021/22.
National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership report published
The report and recommendations set out a statutory framework for human rights, but Scotland's record on human rights should never be taken for granted.
LGBT+ History Month: Equality for all under the law
In a statement to mark the end of LGBT+ History Month, Law Society President, Amanda Millar confirms the Society's principles for equality for all under the law and our belief in the worth, value and inclusion of all trans people in the legal profession and wider society.
Maintaining respect for the rule of law in public debate
In public debate it is important to continue to respect the rule of law and our independent legal system, says Amanda Millar, President of the Society.
Eight new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Eight solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by the Law Society of Scotland’s Council, have been introduced to the Court at a virtual ceremony on 19 February.
Scottish Government legal aid resilience fund open
We're encouraging legal aid firms to look closely at the criterial for the Coronavirus Resilience and Recovery Fund for legal aid and apply if they are eligible.
Racial Inclusion Group launches
The Law Society of Scotland’s new Racial Inclusion Group has officially launched, with Tatora Mukushi, a solicitor with Shelter Scotland, appointed as convener.
Traineeship numbers hit by pandemic
Our latest figures show that the number of traineeships offered by solicitors fell by more than a quarter in the last practice year, as the effect of the coronavirus pandemic took its toll.
Qualified one way cost shifting update
Delays to the commencement of Qualified One Way Costs Shifting (QOCS) rules have been brought about by the introduction of group proceedings rules, Brexit, Covid and resourcing pressures. The rules are now under active consideration by the relevant SCJC members and the anticipated commencement date, is around mid-June.
Potential industrial action by Procurators Fiscal
An indicative ballot of FDA members in the Crown Office showed that 90% of respondents were in favour of strike action. Law Society, President Amanda Millar says that this shows how significant these solicitors' concerns have become.
Legal aid support package a positive step forward
The Scottish Government has confirmed details of a revised package of legal aid support. Our President, Amanda Millar, has welcomed the package as a positive step forward.
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Law Society pays tribute to Professor Robert Rennie
The Society's president Amanda Millar has paid tribute to Emeritus Professor Robert Rennie who has died recently after a short illness.
Revised National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
HM Treasury has published an updated UK National Risk Assessment (NRA) of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. Find out the key risks and actions required.
Response to Lord President statement on court business
Even with reduced court business from 12 January 2021 announced by the Lord President, more work must be done to ensure all of Scotland's court estate is safe for users.
Climate change and the Scottish legal profession
Our COP26 and climate change working group surveyed members about what the profession thinks are the key climate change issues.
Workloads increasing but law firm finances yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels
Our recent survey highlights that while workloads for Scottish legal firms have increased since the early part of lockdown, turnover has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Social media updated guidance
The Technology Law and Practice Committee has developed a refreshed set of tips and tricks to help you gain the most out of social media opportunities, while at the same time helping keep you cyber-secure, navigating the safer online path, and avoiding the hidden social media platform pitfalls. As an introduction, check out their golden rules of thumb to avoid potentially serious issues, embrace a clear online strategy, and benefit from social media as a legal professional.
First fully virtual Dewar Debate kicks off
The first fully virtual Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, organised by the Law Society of Scotland, has kicked off, with pupils from across Scotland taking part online in the opening round of the contest.
FinTech Scotland, ScotlandIS and LawscotTech to build strong digital economy through collaborative clusters initiative
FinTech Scotland, ScotlandIS and LawscotTech are to take a collaborative cluster approach to building strong digital economy in Scotland
Court protests show ‘clear and understandable’ frustration among solicitors
Commenting on today’s protest action by court solicitors, President of the Law Society of Scotland, Amanda Millar said, “The frustration being felt by the profession across Scotland is clear and completely understandable. Over recent days, I have seen some legal aid solicitors in tears, fearful of the future and angry at a system which does not seem to care.
Murray Etherington sole nominee to become Law Society President in 2022
Dundee-based solicitor Murray Etherington has been nominated as a future President of the Law Society of Scotland at today's meeting of the Council.
Evidence required to show lockdown hospital discharges were lawful
We have called on the Scottish Government to release data showing the legal basis for moving hospital patients to care homes at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, due to the lack of information in a recent Public Health Scotland report.