Law Society news
Simple free checklist wins this year’s Innovation Cup
A comprehensive and cost-free checklist to check a property’s title when buying a domestic property is the winner of this year’s Innovation Cup.
Conveyancing Direct FAQs
Conveyancing Direct has ceased to practice. The Law Society has been appointed to access all of the files, documentation and the client account and have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Law Society virtual fundraising efforts raise over £9000 for Camphill Blair Drummond
Virtual team walks from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, step challenges, online bake sales and through the keyhole competitions have been just a few of the virtual fundraising efforts of Law Society staff throughout the pandemic, raising money for their charity partner of the year, Camphill Blair Drummond.
Law Society comment on Human Rights Act Reform
In response to the UK Government’s publication of proposals to reform the UK Human Rights Act, the Law Society of Scotland has said while it is reassuring that the proposed Bill of Rights will retain substantive rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), it will be vital to ensure that some existing rights are not diminished.
Fundamental principles of the Scottish criminal justice system must be maintained
The Society has responded to the launch of the Scottish Government’s consultation on13 December, on Scotland’s three verdicts and other aspects of Scotland’s criminal justice system, stating that fundamental principles must be maintained in any future considerations for change.
Sheila Webster confirmed as 2023/24 president elect of the Law Society of Scotland
Edinburgh commercial litigation solicitor, Sheila Webster has been confirmed as the Law Society of Scotland’s 2023-24 president elect, today, Friday 10 December 2021.
Sheila will assume her new role in May 2022 succeeding current Vice President, Murray Etherington when he takes up the reins from current President of the Law Society of Scotland, Ken Dalling.
Solicitors protest reform of a system at breaking point
Our President, Ken Dalling, reiterates that the Scottish Government must take action on legal aid.
Paisley Greenock and Kilmarnock by-election to be held for Law Society Council
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing the Greenock, Kilmarnock and Paisley constituency. The previous Council member, Waqqas Ashraf, resigned his seat after setting up his own practice in the Glasgow constituency.
Local pupils win opening round of national debating tournament
Pupils from 32 teams from schools across Scotland are through to the second stage of our annual Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Public trust in Scottish solicitors remains high
New figures showing over 90% client satisfaction with Scottish solicitors represent a ‘huge vote of confidence’ in the profession.
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.
Nominations for 2023/24 president elect
Philip Lafferty, Susan Murray and Sheila Webster have been nominated as 2023/24 president elect of the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society says proposed court rules are premature and lack solid evidence base
The Scottish Civil Justice Committee’s (SCJC) consultation on rules covering the mode of attendance at court hearings is premature and without a solid evidence base to inform the proposed rules, according to our response.
Next solicitor advocate introductory course now available to book
The next introductory course for prospective solicitor advocates, run by the Society of Solicitor Advocates, will take place on Friday, 14 January via Zoom.
Profession holds steady against Covid
The majority of private practice firms in Scotland appear to have overcome the negative economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, our recent survey has found.
Traineeship numbers bounce back from Covid lull
The number of traineeships begun in the last practice year totaled 744, a significant increase on the 434 started in the previous practice year, our latest figures show.
Updated SCTS Court Guidance
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has provided an update on Court Guidance, for the Supreme Courts, Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts, effective from Monday 15 November.
Diane McGiffen announced as next CEO
Diane McGiffen will be appointed as our new chief executive. She succeeds Lorna Jack, who will leave after 13 years at the professional body of Scottish solicitors.
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.
Law Society of Scotland calls for an explanation for weekend court incident
Our President, Ken Dalling, calls for an explanation after reports of a solicitor being removed from Edinburgh Sheriff Court
Declining to appear in custody cases update
Our Director of Professional Practice, Fiona Robb clarifies the implications of declining to appear in custody cases with reference to our rules and guidance.
UK law societies host joint conference on climate change and the law, ahead of COP26
High profile speakers will address an in-person and online audience at a conference hosted jointly by all three UK Law Societies to examine the role of the law and lawyers in tackling climate change.
AML annual report 2021
We have updated our AML Supervisory Annual Report building on the interim version published in February 2021.
With a foreword from our CEO, Lorna Jack, the report highlights the work we have undertaken between April 2020 and April 2021 in fulfilling our supervisory obligations as per the requirements of the Money Laundering Regulations 2019.