Law Society news
You are currently filtering for: professional-support
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.
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.
Law Society comment on acquisition of McClure Solicitors by Jones Whyte LLP
The Society's Chief Executive Lorna Jack has commented on the announcement that McClure Solicitors has been acquired by Jones Whyte LLP.
COPFS and Law Society PIDM collaboration
Collaborative work between the COPFS and the Law Society for Scotland has been carried out to further improve the pre-intermediate diet meeting process. Read our update from a recent meeting which brought together prosecutors and defence lawyers and was convened by Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar.
Women’s Access Network launches
The Law Society of Scotland has launched the Women’s Access Network to connect senior women in the legal profession with female solicitors and trainees looking to take the next steps in their careers.
Declining to appear in custody cases
Can a defence agent decline to appear in custody cases? Our Director of Professional Practice, Fiona Robb answers.
Law Society opposes plans for economic crime levy on solicitors
The Society has opposed proposals to introduce a UK-wide anti-money laundering levy on solicitors.
Diploma 2020 Q&A published
Following an unprecedented number of applications to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice this year, the Law Society of Scotland has created a dedicated advice section for students who have not secured a place on the Diploma.
LBTT threshold increase needs to happen sooner rather than later
We are calling on the Scottish Government to prioritise implementation of the increased threshold for Land and Building Transaction Tax for residential property transactions.
Urgent update on simple procedure cases
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has confirmed that simple procedure action submitted on or after 1 June 2020 must be submitted via the Civil Online plaform. The Convener of our Civil Justice Committee has written to ask for a review of this decision.