Law Society news
Role of ADR and pro bono in legal services provision to be examined
Access to Justice consultations open to better understand the use of alternative dispute resolution and pro bono work
Support your local faculty
Sharon Wares, a solicitor with The Highland Council and member of the Society's in-house lawyers committee, tells us why she is a proud member of the Faculty of Solicitors of the Highlands
International solutions required to protect privacy rights
Our response to the UK Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into whether new safeguards are required to regulate the use of personal data by private companies.
Partner, GC, specialist, freelancer? Inspirational speakers lined up for our career development roadshow
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer at the Law Society, talks about our upcoming career development roadshow and reveals our fantastic line-up of panel members so far for each location.
2019 financial health check for Scottish law firms launched
The 2019 financial health check for Scottish law firms opens - watch for your firm's email about this year's survey
Innovation Cup invites bright ideas for risk management
Risk management is at the heart of the annual Innovation Cup competition launched today by the Law Society of Scotland, in association with Master Policy lead insurers RSA and brokers, Lockton.
CPD…. what CPD?
Janet Rieu-Clarke, our Accredited Paralegal answers the most frequently asked questions about CPD.
Secret in-house lawyer - an employer's perspective on the traineeship interview
Our secret in-house solicitor contemplates what the employer can do to help candidates overcome their nerves for that all-important traineeship interview.
Public awareness crucial to proposed organ donation system
Our comments on proposals to move to an “opt-out” system for organ donation in Scotland.
Why we should celebrate mentoring
Two weeks after ACOSVO’s first cross-sectoral mentoring conference in conjunction with the Law Society, Phili Wetton, ACOSVO’s Engagement Manager, and mentoring programme co-ordinator, reflects on the event and the impact mentoring has for individuals, no matter what stage of life they are at.
Committee opportunities for influence and development
There are currently vacancies for solicitor and non-solicitor members on 17 of the Law Society’s wide range of committees.
Thinking of studying the Diploma?
If you’re a final year LLB student and an aspiring solicitor, the next stage of the qualification process is the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Applications open this week, so make sure you know what your options are ahead of time.
Exciting secondment opportunity in Brussels
Our Brussels office is offering UK trainee solicitors, newly qualified solicitors and paralegals from the UK a unique opportunity to undertake a three to six-month secondment starting in April/May 2019.
Have your say on in-house traineeships
Our new survey aims to provide a better understanding of the in-house traineeship market - let us know your views.
Are you listening?
Janet Rieu-Clarke, our Accredited Paralegal looks at the art of constructive listening and how we can make a positive difference difference to our colleague's wellbeing.
Trainee statistics reflect a varied traineeship marketplace across Scotland
Recent figures have revealed an increase in the number of solicitor traineeships offered by law firms in towns and more rural areas of Scotland, such as Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, Highlands and Islands, and Lanarkshire.
AML Certificate, where are we now?
The AML landscape is changing and coming under ever growing scrutiny at national and international level. As the AML supervisor for law firms across Scotland it is vital that the Law Society of Scotland continues to deliver a robust regulatory regime which benefits both our members and members of the public.
Need support dealing with a client with mental health issues?
Recent stats suggest that around one in three people are affected by mental illness in any one year, so it doesn’t take a genius to work out that a significant proportion of clients who walk in to a solicitor’s office looking for help, will be in someway affected by mental health issues or suffering from poor mental health themselves.
Tell us your thoughts on BAME representation in the profession
Rob Marrs, Head of Education and Policy at the Law Society, explains why we're keen to hear from BAME students, trainees or NQs who have had previous careers prior to studying law.
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.
How fair is your traineeship recruitment pipeline?
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer at the Law Society, talks about whether employers are really engaged with fair access and highlights some of the pitfalls that are still regularly identified in the traineeship recruitment process.
Law Society of Scotland launches reporting concerns line
Individuals with concerns that members of the legal community are involved with financial improprieties or money laundering, can now anonymously report their concerns to the professional body for Scottish solicitors.
SLCC budget rise risks higher costs for consumers
The proposed budget, which includes a 9.2% rise in income funded by a levy on solicitors and advocates, comes on the back of a series of double digit percentage rises over recent years.
What can you offer as an in-house lawyer?
David Bryson, In-house Lawyers’ Committee vice convener, shares his experience of chairing a recent in-house roundtable and highlights his three key takeaways.