Law Society news
John O’Donnell receives prison sentence for holding himself out as a solicitor
John O’Donnell was sentenced today, 27 February 2015, to a three-month period of imprisonment without the possibility of early release for breaching a court order against him holding himself out as a solicitor entitled to practise.
Law students: Making the most of your online presence
Rob Marrs discusses how a strong online presence can help law students make a name (or Twitter handle) for themselves and maybe even land the traineeship they've always wanted.
Law Society tribute to Joe Beltrami
President of the Law Society of Scotland, Alistair Morris, pays tribute to Scottish solicitor Joe Beltrami
Fake law firms ‘on the rise’
Scottish solicitors and members of the public are being warned to be on the alert for fraudulent law firms by the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society comment on SLCC complaints figures
Law Society of Scotland chief executive, Lorna Jack, comments on latest figures from the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission
Law Society of Scotland to research homebuyer experience
Homebuyers in Scotland are being asked to take part in a new research project to help find out more about what they think are the key issues involved in buying or selling a property.
Brussels Agenda - February 2015
This is the Brussels office's monthly electronic newsletter. It summarises EU developments of interest to solicitors and their clients. It covers developments in EU law that affect professional practice and the way solicitors run their firms.
Online LBTT sign up now live
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (“LBTT”) will replace Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”) in Scotland from 1 April 2015. All firms intending on submitting online LBTT returns will require to sign up to use Revenue Scotland’s Online LBTT Portal.
Law Society launches new equality standards and equal pay guidance
The Law Society of Scotland has published new equality standards for the legal profession along with a guide on carrying out an equal pay audit.
Law Matters - February 2015
Law Matters keeps MSPs and parliamentary staff abreast of the Society's work at the Scottish, UK and European parliaments, highlighting key issues about the justice system and legal profession.
Law Society pays tribute to Leslie Cumming
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to former Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Executive, Leslie Cumming, who passed away last week.
Society appoints Wesleyan as practice finance expert
Wesleyan, the specialist financial services provider for lawyers, has been appointed as the Law Society of Scotland’s first expert partner providing financial advice to sole practitioner solicitors and high street law firms.
The elusive criminal defence traineeship - how to make a good case for yourself
The Law Society's Rob Marrs explains how to go about securing the most elusive of all legal traineeships.
Society publishes independent review of consumer protections for homebuyers
The Law Society of Scotland has published a report today, 12 February, following an independent review of consumer protections for people buying and selling property in Scotland.
Convener of Society's Property Law Committee to speak at Unifi conference
Ross Mackay, convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Property Law Committee and chair of the Society’s Future of Conveyancing working party, will be speaking at a conference hosted by Unifi Scotland on 10 March 2015.
Scottish land law reform must be coherent, clear and workable, Law Society says
Scottish Government proposals for land reform need to be coherent, clear and workable, the Law Society of Scotland has said today, February 9.
Society to consult with solicitors on 2015 SLCC budget and levy
The Law Society has today, 6 February, launched a two-week consultation with its members on the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission's (SLCC) draft operating plan and budget for 2015/16.
Registers of Scotland rejection fee alert
From Monday 9 February 2015, firms will be charged a £30 rejection fee for failed applications to Registers of Scotland. This follows the end of the grace period in which rejection fees were not charged.
Scottish solicitors can register as gender neutral
The Law Society of Scotland has responded to growing use of gender neutral titles to include ‘Mx’ among the option of titles available as part its registration process.
February 2015 Bulletin
Read the latest news from the Scottish legal profession in our February Bulletin.
March 2015 Bulletin
Read the latest news from the Scottish legal profession in our March Bulletin.
Traineeship numbers “on the rise”
The Law Society of Scotland has reported a rise in the number of traineeships available for aspiring solicitors.
Registration opens for Global Law Summit
Scottish solicitors are being invited to attend the Global Law Summit which takes place in London from 23-25 February.
Law education project set for expansion in Scotland
An innovative legal education programme is set for expansion in Scottish schools.