Law Society news
New and familiar faces returned to the Law Society Council
Two brand new faces are returned to the Law Society of Scotland Council along with a more familiar face, who returns for a second term.
Welcome for Justice Committee recommendations on reopening courts
The Society has welcomed Justice Committee recommendations on reopening Scotland’s courts and tribunals system.
Scottish Government confirm home moves permitted under new restrictions
The Scottish Government has updated its guidance on moving home and confirmed that all home moves will continue to be permitted, provided they can be carried out safely.
Five finalists shortlisted for In-house Rising Star Award 2020
Five newly qualified, in-house solicitors have been shortlisted for the Society's In-house Rising Star Award 2020. Read more about this year's award finalists.
Law Society welcomes plans to amend hate crime bill
We have welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement that it is to amend key aspects of the hate crime bill to address concerns we have raised.
Opportunity to support Scotland’s small businesses back to business
We are pleased to invite our members to join and take part in the Recovery Advice for Business scheme by offering free support and advice to help small businesses recover from the impact of Coronavirus.
100 days until the transition period ends
With 100 days to go until the end of the transition period, Michael Barnier, Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom, warns that ‘Nobody should underestimate the practical, economic and social consequences of a “no deal” scenario."
Diversity data collected at PC renewal for first time
Diversity data will be collected as part of the annual Practising Certificate (PC) renewal process for the first time this year, in order to support and advance the Law Society of Scotland’s equality and diversity work.
External wall systems update September 2020
Law Society of Scotland Property Law Committee member, Brian Smith, sits on a Ministerial Working Group set up to consider the issues with External Wall Systems and has written a discussion piece looking at some of the recent developments in this area.
In-house legal teams prove their value during pandemic
Recent surveys we have carried out highlight that organisations are increasingly turning to their in-house legal professionals to support them with meeting their legal and regulatory obligations during the coronavirus outbreak.
Law Society letter to Justice Committee on post-pandemic courts
The Society's President Amanda Millar has written to the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee on developing solutions for the courts in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Law firms aim to drive diversity in trainee recruitment
Following a successful pilot, Morton Fraser and Dickson Minto have committed to using of the Law Society of Scotland’s contextualised recruitment scheme, in partnership with RARE, in their latest graduate recruitment rounds, helping to drive workplace diversity and social mobility.
Law Society report recommends change for Scottish planning process
Amendments should be made to the Scottish Government Planning Circular 3/2012, to improve the efficiency and transparency of the planning process, according to recommendations made by the Law Society of Scotland.
New guidance on client accounts for banks
The Joint Money Laundering Steering Group has issued new guidance for banks and financial institutions regarding client accounts’. The new guidance will mean that practice units can expect more contact from their client account holder about potential Anti-money Laundering risks.