Law Society news
2019 Scottish legal award winner blogs
Managing director of Scullion LAW, Nicolas Scullion describes how their dedication to the community resulted in their scooping of the Commitment to the Community Award at the Scottish Legal Awards 2019.
Scottish Government response to Roberton report
The Scottish Government has pledged to consult on possible reforms after recognising the main Roberton recommendation to create a wholly new regulatory body had “polarised” views.
See you again next year, Edinburgh Pride
Alongside a number of Law Society colleagues, Rob Marrs, our Head of Education, joined The Glass Network and CMS at Edinburgh Pride on Saturday.
Revenue Scotland to launch upgrade to Scottish Electronic Tax System
Elaine Lorimer, Chief Executive of Revenue Scotland provides an update on the upgrade to the Scottish Electronic Tax System planned for July.
52 new solicitors welcomed to profession
Our latest Admissions Ceremony took place at the Signet Library in Edinburgh this morning (14 June) with 52 new solicitors being admitted to the profession.
Glasgow lawyer John Frame announced as 2019 In-house Rising Star winner
Glasgow-based solicitor John Frame has been announced as the Society's 2019 In-house Rising Star winner
Strathclyde University student wins competition
This year’s annual student competition run by the Law Society in partnership with the Scottish Parliament invited students to look at significant legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament in its first 20 years of and how it has made a positive different to the lives of people of Scotland.
The power of role models in instigating change
Our Chief Executive Lorna Jack looks at the importance of role models in encouraging equality in the legal profession.
Bearsden pupils win national debating tournament
Matthew Burton and Michael Dunn from Bearsden Academy have earned the title of Scotland’s best young debaters in the final of the Law Society of Scotland’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament, in the tournament's twentieth anniversary year.
Pupils from four Scottish schools through to final of national debating tournament
Pupils from four Scottish schools are preparing for the final of this year’s Donald Dewar memorial debating tournament in its twentieth anniversary year.
2019 In-house Rising Star Award finalists
Five newly qualified, in-house solicitors have been shortlisted for the 2019 Law Society of Scotland In-house Rising Star Award.
New planning legislation must deliver
In our briefing issued to MSPs, we have warned that the Planning (Scotland) Bill is currently unworkable and risks adding significant additional costs on local authorities, developers and communities.
Broadening Horizons, Creating Opportunities
Our Head of International, Katie Hay, updates us on trade missions and other resources available for firms looking to expand into overseas markets.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month responding to proposed changes in the law. Recent highlights include responses on succession law, vulnerable witnesses and environmental protections after Brexit!
New president for Law Society
Falkirk-based solicitor John Mulholland is the new President of the Law Society
Dame Elish Angiolini awarded honorary membership
Dame Elish Angiolini has been awarded Honorary Membership of the Law Society in its 70th year
Zambian law leader chooses Scotland for executive internship
A leading figure from a law association in Africa has chosen Scotland and its Law Society for a three-week executive internship in Scotland to learn lessons on how to build capacity in his home country.
Council election rounds sees new and familiar faces and co-conveners elected to the In-house Lawyers Committee
One brand new member and four familiar faces have been elected by their peers to join the Law Society of Scotland’s Council, in the latest round of contested elections.
SSDT consultation: standard of proof
The Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal (SSDT) is consulting on the standard of proof which it applies in professional misconduct cases.
Giuseppe Pia: Decoding legal tech
Giuseppe Pia, trainee at Burness Paull, is the first person to undertake a legal tech seat at the firm; a dual role with the Tech & Commercial team and the firm’s innovation manager. Over the course of three blogs, Giuseppe will de-code the hot topic of legal tech and explain what he’s learning about this growing area of legal service.
Greater publicity required on importance of making a will
In our response to a Scottish Government consultation, we have stressed the importance of making a will and keeping it updated.
Law Society launches first sector-wide survey on mental health
We are urging everyone working in Scotland’s legal sector to take part in a new survey on mental health in the workplace.
Law Society tribute to Dr Iain Macmillan CBE
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to its former President Iain MacMillan CBE, who passed away on 8 May 2019.
Loss of EU environmental governance could see drop in current protections in UK post-Brexit
We have called for current environmental protections to remain intact after the UK leaves the European Union.