Law Society news
Traineeships outside 'the big cities'
Mallorie Sullivan, a trainee at Perth & Kinross Council is originally from Boston, MA, USA. She came to Scotland in 2005 and went on to obtain her Law degree from Edinburgh Napier University and later her Diploma from Glasgow University.
AML Certificate... According to Fraser
Earlier this year, firms covered by the scope of the 2017 Regulations completed the AML registration process and as the next major step as a Professional Body Supervisor, those same firms are required to complete a compulsory questionnaire, the AML Certificate. Fraser Sinclair, our AML Auditor, explains how he came to be involved and why it's so important.
Future of legal services regulation
Carole Ford, lay convener of the Regulatory Committee, writes about the need for reform of legal services regulation which ensures robust public protections.
Two nominations for the Law Society of Scotland vice president
Amanda Millar and Paul Matthews have been nominated to become the next vice president of the Law Society of Scotland.
Christine McLintock: Independence of legal profession under threat
Christine McLintock, former General Counsel of Pinsent Masons and member of the Roberton review panel, discusses Esther Roberton's report on the regulation of legal services.
Christmas campaign launched to support legal stars
Caroline Court, partner at law firm Davidson Chalmers in Edinburgh, was joined by two Lawscot Foundation students, Demi and Alisha, to launch this year’s BaubleFest campaign.
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.
I'm a solicitor - and a carer
Solicitor Gordon Lennox writes about combining full-time work with the responsibilities of being a carer on Carers Rights Day 2018.
Plans for legal aid reform published
Implementing new, evidence-based review system must be a priority in plans to modernise legal aid system
Law Society staff raise £8669 for Ovarian Cancer Action
Marathon relays, walking the Water of Leith in the snow and numerous bake sales, are just a few of the fundraising activities Law Society of Scotland staff have undertaken to raise a total of £8669 over the last year for Ovarian Cancer Action.
61 new solicitors welcomed to profession
61 new solicitors were admitted to the profession at our latest Admission Ceremony which took place today at the Signet Library in Edinburgh.
Not yet registered with ScotLIS?
Registers of Scotland is withdrawing Registers Direct, its legacy service for accessing registers, on 30 November 2018.
Fraud alert
We have been informed of scam emails being sent to law firms claiming to be attaching a subscription invoice from Xero, stating that an amount will be debited from your credit card and inviting you to click on a link.
Five new solicitor advocates welcomed
Five Scottish solicitors, admitted by our Council as solicitor advocates with extended rights of audience, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony on Thursday 15 November 2018.
What is vulnerability?
Research executive Nicola Johnstone asks what is vulnerability and how does it affect the experiences of vulnerable people in our criminal justice system? She also discusses a roundtable event being held by the Criminal Justice Committee and our research team to gather examples of best practice.
Meditation: Becoming a mindful lawyer, 10 minutes at a time
NQ Solicitor Tim Taylor shares his experience of mindfulness and explains how his daily meditation practise has had a positive impact on his personal and professional development.
Three Scottish solicitors awarded newly introduced accreditation
After demonstrating their vast experience and understanding of professional regulation, three solicitors in Scotland have been accredited with the Regulation of Professional Conduct Law specialism.
The law of succession - what next?
John Kerrigan, member of our Trusts and Succession Law Sub-Committee, summarises the Scottish Government's response to the consultation on the law of succession.
The importance of networking – say yes to that lunch!
Hannah Leslie, trainee solicitor at Springfield Properties Plc, discusses the importance of networking when you’re a trainee.
Let's talk about stress
Our Head of High Street Engagement, Katie McKenna, shares her personal experience of stress and calls for employers and employees to look stress in the face and take positive action.
Law Society launches rights of cohabitants consultation
We are asking the legal profession and interested stakeholders for their views on the law providing rights for cohabitants.
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.
From private practice to in-house… vision, coaching and strategy
Philip Hall, Legal Counsel at RBS, shares what his recent move in-house has taught him about the importance of vision, strategy and coaching.
Update on proposed rule change and CPD requirements for Solicitor Advocates
Proposed rule changes which aim to improve the solicitor advocate application process and continuing quality assurance, remain under consideration and accordingly the proposed CPD requirement will not go ahead in the 2018/19 practice year.