Law Society news
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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.
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
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.
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.
Reform must ensure that law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness
The Law Society of Scotland has called for legal reforms to ensure that the law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness.
Law Society leads the way with Investors in Diversity accreditation
The Law Society of Scotland has been awarded a prestigious Investors in Diversity accreditation, underlining its record of leading workplace best practice for the Scottish legal profession.
Law Society of Scotland celebrates Pride Month
We wish a Happy Pride to all LGBTQ+ plus people working in the legal profession and beyond. During the month we'll be hosting an inclusion event and supporting members and others attending Pride events across the country.
New Law Society President brings chambers perspective to role
Murray Etherington will formally take over the role of President from Ken Dalling at a meeting of the Society’s governing Council today.
Scottish solicitors approve uplift to practising certificate fee
Solicitors approved an increase to the practising certificate fee at the Society's AGM on 26 May 2022. The PC fee had been substantially discounted over the previous two years, as part of a £2.2 million financial package designed to support the profession through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moveable Transactions Bill
Long awaited new legislation aimed at reforming the law of moveable transactions has been published in draft today. Moveable transactions reform is intended to enable smaller businesses to use their assets as security against lower cost loans, and so such reform is a welcome development, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Human rights must be at the core of proposals for law reform around advance choices and medical decision-making
Deficiencies in Scots law around advance choices, and medical decision-making in intensive care situations, put human rights in jeopardy, according to a Law Society of Scotland report.
Supporting International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
Our office bearers have an important message, standing up for gender diversity and freedom on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Law Society Council proposes PC fee lower than pre-pandemic in real terms
Following a two-year financial support package for Scottish solicitors to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Society's Council is proposing a practising certificate fee of £585, which is 8% lower in real terms compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Solicitor advocate first celebrated with new senators
The Law Society of Scotland has congratulated John Scott as he today takes the precedent-setting step from solicitor advocate to senator of the College of Justice.
Recommended pay to increase for trainee solicitors
Our recommended rates of pay for trainee solicitors in Scotland will increase from next month.
2022-2027 Strategy survey
We are currently developing our new five year strategy for 2022-2027 and are looking for feedback from our members and stakeholders prior to its publication later this year.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
Standing in solidarity with Ukraine
We encourage the Scottish legal profession to take an active role in assisting Ukraine against the ongoing illegal invasion by Russia where they have the skills, experience and capacity to do so.
Applications open for less-advantaged aspiring Scottish solicitors
The Lawscot Foundation has opened applications for this year’s round of grants for academically talented students from less-advantaged backgrounds in Scotland to study law.
Law Society invites nominations for Council members
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing the Glasgow & Strathkelvin, Perth, Greenock, Kilmarnock & Paisley, and Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy constituencies.
Refreshed Sectoral AML Risk Assessment
We have carried out a new, refreshed and far more detailed assessment of AML risks, tailored to the circumstances, demographic and context of the Scottish profession. The Money Laundering Regulations require that our members use this information when carrying out their own money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessments.
Legal profession concerned by Scottish Legal Complaints Commission draft budget
We have called on the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission to focus more on its core role in handling legal complaints and go further in controlling its costs.
Removal of the not proven verdict risks an increase in miscarriages of justice
The Law Society of Scotland has stated its opposition to plans to abolish the not proven verdict in Scottish criminal cases, arguing that the change risks an increase in miscarriages of justice.
England and Wales funding boost underlines Scottish legal aid crisis
Responding to the UK Government Ministry of Justice proposals for £135m additional funding per year for criminal legal aid in England and Wales, the Law Society of Scotland has criticised the lack of progress on resolving the legal aid crisis in Scotland.