Law Society news

SLCC report underlines need for regulatory reform
A new report from the SLCC has underlined the need for substantial reform to the processes for handling legal complaints.

Minister praises legal sector and pledges collaboration at Law Society dinner
The Minister for Community Safety Elena Whitham has praised Scotland’s legal profession and committed to working constructively in a speech at the Law Society of Scotland’s annual dinner.

Law Society Council renews support for Ukraine over Russia’s invasion
The Council of the Law Society of Scotland has renewed its condemnation of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, passing a new resolution on the ongoing conflict.

Fraud alert – bogus solicitor
We have been alerted to a fake law firm called 'Dorfman, George & Partners LLP', claiming to have offices in Aberdeen and London.

Law Society comment on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
Law Society President Murray Etherington comment on Scotland's longest serving First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, following her decision to stand down.

The Society tenders for the Journal Magazine contract
Opportunity for contract publishers with experience in professional services magazines.

New opportunities to help shape Scots Law and practice
Experts from the legal sector and beyond are being urged to get involved in work to shape Scots Law and legal practice.

Fraud alert - scam WhatsApp messages
We have been alerted to a scam involving WhatsApp messages that falsely claim to be from McGlashan MacKay Solicitors in relation to health and social care visas.

Law Society pays tribute to Professor Gerry Maher KC
The Society's Director of Law Reform Michael Clancy has paid tribute to Professor Gerry Maher, KC, Edinburgh Law School's Professor of Criminal Law, who passed away recently.

Law students sought for New Lawyers Reference Group
We are currently looking for LLB or DPLP students to join our New Lawyers Reference Group.

Long-term change to save legal aid must be fast-tracked
The Law Society of Scotland has described the Scottish Government’s confirmation of an additional £11 million for legal aid as ‘a step in the right direction’ but called for urgent progress on a formal review mechanism to ensure the sector remains sustainable.

Law Society Council by-election in Glasgow and Strathkelvin constituency
Solicitors have an opportunity to put themselves forward to represent members in the Glasgow and Strathkelvin constituency on the Law Society's Council in an upcoming by-election

Solicitors jailed for fraud
Iain Robertson, Alastair Blackwood and David Lyons were among a group of five men jailed for fraud following a nine-week trial.

Scottish Secretary order on Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill
Law Society of Scotland comment on the order made by the Secretary of State for Scotland to block the Scottish Parliament's Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

New accreditation launched for paralegals working in immigration
The Law Society of Scotland has expanded its accreditation programme for paralegals with a new accreditation in immigration law.

New Statutory Instrument comes into force for Overseas Entities
New Statutory Instrument comes into force on 12 January which makes some amendments to the requirements on relevant persons who verify an Overseas Entity.

Mandatory solicitor advocate introductory course now available
The Society of Solicitor Advocates will be running a solicitor advocates introductory course on 3 February 2023, which is required for those wishing to seek extended rights of audience.

Hendrie Legal Limited
The Society has stepped in to ensure that clients are protected while appropriate managerial arrangements are put in place to cover the absence of a director at Hendrie Legal Limited. The Society’s petition for a judicial factor on the client account of the practice was granted by the Court of Session on Wednesday, 21 December.

Government reforms on legal regulation good news for consumers and the Scottish legal sector
Scottish Government plans to bring forward new legislation to reform and modernise the regulation of legal services are good news for consumers and the Scottish legal sector.

Seven new solicitor advocates granted extended rights of audience
Another seven new solicitor advocates have been introduced to the Court in a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh today.

Susan Murray confirmed as President-elect for 2024/25
NHS in-house solicitor Susan Murray has been named as the Law Society of Scotland’s President-elect for 2024/25.

Diploma changes to aid clarity and inclusiveness
The Law Society of Scotland has launched consultation on proposed minor changes to modernise the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice required to undertake a solicitor traineeship.

Law Society backs call for urgent reform to legal aid system
The Law Society of Scotland has backed the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s call for urgent reform to address the crisis facing the legal aid system and access to justice as a whole.