Law Society news
AML Roundup June 2020
It is particularly important in these difficult times, that we maintain a clear focus on our AML measures and requirements and with that in mind, we wanted to bring you a round up of AML news and events.
Legal role models campaign launched for schools
The Law Society of Scotland has launched a school campaign to challenge students’ views of a typical solicitor and highlight the diverse backgrounds of people entering the law.
Peebles High pupils win Dewar Debate final
Two pupils from Peebles High School have won the grand final of this year’s national Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Law Society announces strategic partnership with Mitigo cybersecurity
The Society has announced a new strategic partnership with Mitigo to boost cyber security and resilience for law firms.
Prospective students and universities warned of challenging times ahead for traineeships
With a record high number of students applying for the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice this year, the Law Society has written to accredited providers and provided guidance to prospective students about the difficulties there may be in finding a traineeship next summer.
Unified tribunal essential in creating a person-centred approach to mental health law
The creation of a new, unified tribunal empowered to look at a full range of remedies under mental health law would enable individuals’ cases to be dealt with in a prompt, holistic and person-centred way.
New action plan aims to tackle mental health stigma
We have launched a three-year action plan that aims to tackle stigma around mental health in the legal sector. The new action plan follows a major survey of Scotland’s legal profession last year on their views of mental health in the workplace.
Fraud alert - intercepted emails to divert payments
As the Scottish legal profession concentrates efforts on protecting themselves, their colleagues, clients and businesses from the unprecedented challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, fraudsters are making the most of the disruption.
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.
New Law Society President ready for challenges ahead
Leading the profession as we come out of the Coronavirus lockdown, promoting the principles of equality and diversity, the value of a viable, strong legal profession to civil society and pressing for a robust, modern regulatory system will be key issues in the year ahead, according to the new President of the Law Society of Scotland.
Solicitors approve reduction to cost of practising, in support of Society’s £2.2m financial support package
A reduction to the practising certificate fee for 2020-21 was approved by solicitors today, at the Law Society of Scotland’s first ever virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Gender equality roundtables findings published
The findings of roundtables examining key gender equality issues and attended by people from across the legal profession have been published today by the Law Society of Scotland.
Philip Yelland retires after 30 years at Law Society
Our Executive Director of Regulation, Philip Yelland, retires after 30 years at the Society
Proactive approach needed in restarting jury trials
The Society has said the profession is committed to ensuring delivery of an effective justice system during this challenging period and that it is motivated to take a proactive approach in restarting criminal jury trials.
Notarising documents via video call
A relaxation to the requirements for a notary or solicitor to be physically present for the execution of certain documents means that notarising can now be undertaken via video call.
New and familiar faces returned to Law Society Council
New Council members will represent all constituencies involved in this year's elections to the Law Society of Scotland's Council, with familiar faces also returning.
Reduction in new business due to COVID-19
The results of a survey of over 150 Scottish law firms has revealed the impact coronavirus restrictions are having on the profession.
Extension to the ADS reclaim period
Isobel d’Inverno, Convener of our Tax Law Sub-committee discusses legislative changes to the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) and Revenue Scotland’s operations arising from Covid-19
Four schools reach Dewar Debate finals
Teams from schools across Scotland have won places in the grand final of the Law Society's national debating tournament.
British Business Bank Future Fund
A new Future Fund to support innovative UK companies through the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will open for online applications on Wednesday 20 May.
Covid-19 testing for the Scottish legal profession
The Scottish Government has expanded the testing programme in Scotland and we are keen to ensure that our members understand what is available, where and how to find out if they are eligible.
Law Society to join jury trials working group
Stuart Munro from the Society's Criminal Law Committee is to join a short-term working group established by Lord Carloway to consider the practicalities of recommencing trials by jury which meet public health guidelines during the Coronovirus outbreak.
Joint statement from the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Scotland
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Scotland have reached an agreement on the collection of the levy to fund the SLCC in 2020.
Rachel joins Law Society top team
Rachel Wood joins the Law Society of Scotland next week as our new Executive Director of Regulation.