Law Society news
Be Prepared...
With people tucking into their Christmas dinners not knowing what will come of Brexit in the new year, our Head of International, Katie Hay, urges people to think about how Brexit might impact us all.
Solicitor trust is high as 2019 brings change for Scots
Scots wanting to get divorced, realise their dream of starting their own business or prepare for the future in 2019 are being urged to use a solicitor to help things go smoothly.
Change to Education Fund structure
In light of planned changes to the structure of the Education Fund, which we have overseen alongside the Society of Law Accountants in Scotland (SOLAS), SOLAS will be taking over the administration of the educational courses from 1 January 2019.
Why bother with training and development?
People performance specialist Mark Douglas looks at the importance of learning at every stage in our careers.
Law Society comment on Scottish Legal Aid Board annual report
Law Society pleased with the 3% increase in both civil and criminal legal aid rates but stress the need for a new evidence-based review system to ensure the sustainable future of legal aid.
It's Christmas! Here's how to avoid getting stressed.
Our Head of High Street Engagement Katie McKenna offers some words of advice on how to look after yourself and avoid getting stressed over the busy festive period
Amanda Millar to be next Law Society vice president
Perth solicitor Amanda Millar has been confirmed as the Law Society of Scotland’s next vice president today, Friday 14 December 2018.
The Scottish budget: at a glance
Caroline Colliston, member of our Tax Law Sub-Committee and LBTT working group, summarises the Scottish Government’s spending and tax plans for 2018/19.
UK Supreme Court rules that Scottish Parliament Continuity Bill cannot become law
Law Society comments on Supreme Court ruling on the Continuity Bill
Survey shows improving gender equality in legal profession
Almost 80% of Scottish solicitors and accredited paralegals feel that gender equality has improved in the legal profession over the past five years.
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.