Law Society news
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Scottish Government must avoid delays in moving the Scottish Mental Health Law Review report to the implementation phase
The Law Society of Scotland has congratulated the Scottish Mental Health Law Review on the publication of its final report and urged the Scottish Government to avoid delays in moving to the implementation phase.
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Proposed fee increase marks progress but more action needed to resolve legal aid crisis
The Law Society of Scotland has stated that a proposed rise in legal aid fees is a step in the right direction, but further action is urgently needed to resolve the long-term crisis in the sector.
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Law Society of Scotland calls for views on principles-based approach to administrative justice
The Law Society of Scotland is calling on the legal profession, stakeholders across the justice system and members of the public for their views on proposals for a principles-based approach to administrative justice in Scotland.
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Law Society steps up efforts over climate crisis
The Law Society of Scotland is stepping up its efforts to lead and support the legal sector in tackling the climate crisis by launching a new Sustainability Committee.
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Bail bill only a partial solution to unjust remand numbers
We've given broad support for proposed changes to bail and release from custody arrangements, but remain deeply concerned at the high number of accused people being held on remand.
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Law Society of Scotland statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Like the whole country, the Law Society of Scotland mourns the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the members of the Royal Family, who will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.
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Justice not served by Scottish sexual offence proposals
The Law Society of Scotland has raised serious concerns about a possible move to judge-only sexual offence trials in Scottish courts, and the creation of additional courts outside the existing judicial structure.
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Clark Foundation signs up as new Lawscot Foundation sponsor
The Lawscot Foundation’s programme to assist aspiring solicitors from less-advantaged backgrounds will be further expanded, thanks to a new sponsorship agreement with the Clark Foundation.
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Record-breaking trend continues for new solicitor traineeships
The Scottish legal sector is currently on track to record its highest ever number of solicitor traineeships in a year, maintaining the momentum from a record-breaking 2021.
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Solicitor Accounts Rules consultation launched
The Law Society of Scotland is seeking law firm cashroom managers'/solicitors’ views on proposals to update its current Accounts Rules.
The proposed changes aim to modernise the rules and where possible, simplify requirements placed on members while ensuring continued high professional standards and robust protection for the public.
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Scottish Government must address unregulated deprivations of liberty
The Scottish Government’s continued failure to ensure deprivations of liberty are appropriately regulated must be addressed as a matter of priority, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
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Law Society highlight deep concerns in responses to Scottish Government's Not Proven Consultation
Stuart Munro, Convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Criminal Law Committee has responded to the Scottish Government's publication and analysis of responses to its Not Proven Consultation and highlighted some deep concerns from those with the greatest understanding of our justice system.
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New report demonstrates consensus on the need to reform legal services regulation in Scotland
The Scottish Government has published its analysis of responses to its recent consultation on reforming the regulation of legal services. We welcome the high level of agreement from respondents on improving regulatory processes.
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The 2022 In-House Rising Star winner announced
Mariel Kaney, Deputy Legal Secretary to the Lord President’s Private Office has been named the winner of the Law Society of Scotland’s In-House Rising Star Award 2022.
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Law Society comment on the First Minister's plans for a second Scottish independence referendum
Murray Etherington, President of the Law Society of Scotland has commented on the First Minister's statement today on the Scottish Government's plans for a second Scottish independence referendum.
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Human rights must not be diminished by Bill of Rights
The Law Society of Scotland has said that existing rights of those living in the UK must not be diminished by the the Bill of Rights Bill introduced by the UK Government.
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Vienna Declaration standing for the Rule of Law in Europe
The Law Society of Scotland has joined its legal peers across Europe in signing the Vienna Declaration in Support of the Rule of Law.
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Expression of interest: Child interview rights practitioners
The Scottish Government intends to create and maintain a register of child interview rights practitioner (ChIRPs) and are inviting expressions of interest for children’s solicitors to support children in investigative interviews.
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Two Shortlisted for the In-House Rising Star Award 2022
The annual Law Society of Scotland In-House Rising Star Award is back, and two Scottish solicitors have been shortlisted for this year’s award from six nominations.
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Search is on for most innovative risk management idea
We have launched our search for the latest bright idea in risk management within the Scottish legal profession today, Monday, 13 June
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Fortrose Academy wins Dewar Debate final at Scottish Parliament
Scotland’s best young debaters have been crowned, with pupils from Fortrose Academy winning the grand final of this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
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Nominations open for Aberdeenshire Council member
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society's Council, representing members in the Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven constituency.