Law Society news
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New Statutory Instrument comes into force for Overseas Entities
New Statutory Instrument comes into force on 12 January which makes some amendments to the requirements on relevant persons who verify an Overseas Entity.
Court of Session confirms position on legal privilege and third party complaints
The Court of Session has confirmed its position on legal privilege in relation to third party complaints and has provided clarity on the limits of client confidentiality following publication of its opinion on 9 December.
Guidance update on third-party complaints
Read our update on Guidance relating to third-party complaints following the Court’s Opinion in the case of Scottish Legal Complaints Commission v Donald Roderick Murray and Another
Law Society strengthens links with New York State Bar Association
The Society has strengthened its links with lawyers in the US by signing a memorandum of understanding with the New York State Bar Association
Law Society set to introduce new AML supervisory attestation process
The AML team is launching a new supervisory attestation process. This will be an ongoing piece of work reaching all practices who may not fall under the scope of our full high-risk AML inspection process.
AML Certificate Results 2021
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 Certificate.
Law Society Council motion on abuse against solicitors
The Law Society of Scotland's governing Council agreed a motion at its meeting today Friday, 14 October, that any and all forms of abuse against the profession is wholly wrong and should be condemned, and has set out four points of action.
Court of Session rules legal professional privilege not overridden by third party complaint
A new and important Court of Session judgment has today reaffirmed the principle of legal privilege between solicitors and their clients.
HM Treasury approval for AML guidance for the legal sector
HM Treasury has approved updated anti-money laundering guidance developed by the Legal Sector Affinity Group
LawCare at 25 – ahead of the wellbeing curve
As we mark the 25th anniversary of LawCare, it's a timely moment to reflect on the charity's enormous contribution supporting individuals and changing attitudes to mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession.
Solicitors urged to help clients combat conveyancing fraud
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is encouraging Scottish solicitors involved in property conveyancing to make their clients aware of the risks of payment diversion fraud.
The Society and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators announce new collaboration
The Society is working in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to help promote the use of arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution
New guidance on Law Society Style Success Fee Agreement
The Law Society has published new guidance on its style for success fee agreements. The new guidance comes into effect on 1 May 2022.
Criminal extended rights of audience applications open
Applications for criminal extended rights of audience are now open and will close on Monday, 21 February 2022.
Changes to IHT reporting requirements
Changes to inheritance tax (IHT) reporting for non-taxpaying estates came into effect on 1 January 2022.
Law Society renews partnership with Amiqus
We have renewed our strategic partnership with Amiqus to support Scottish solicitors in meeting anti-money laundering compliance requirements through use of technology, while the Leith-based tech company also engages in research and development to improve access to legal services.
Feedback invited on external walls assessment form
Scottish solicitors are invited to comment on the Scottish Government’s first iteration of an external wall appraisal form.
Collaboration and understanding of increased pressures needed during rise in Covid cases
The Society's President has written to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) encouraging continued collaboration and the need to acknowledge and show understanding of the increasing pressures on the profession during a period of rising Covid-19 cases.
Updated SCTS Court Guidance
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has provided an update on Court Guidance, for the Supreme Courts, Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts, effective from Monday 15 November.
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 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.
St. James’s Place announced as Law Society of Scotland strategic partner
The leading wealth management business St. James’s Place is announced as a new strategic partner for the Society
Sign up for free mental health training
To mark World Mental Health Day 2021 on Sunday, 10 October, we're encouraging all members of the profession to undertake See Me's free, comprehensive mental health training, to help build a positive working culture where people feel able to talk openly about their mental health.
Law Society President speaks out about critical language
Following comments about lawyers made in a national broadcast interview this week by the Prime Minister, Law Society President Ken Dalling has spoken out about the importance of respecting the role legal professionals play in civil society.