Law Society news
Irreparable damage to access to justice without immediate action
The Scottish Government’s historic and continued neglect of the Scottish Legal Aid system will result in people who cannot afford legal advice being denied access to justice, according to a letter from the Law Society of Scotland President to the Scottish Government.
Law Society renews partnership with Amiqus
We have renewed our strategic partnership with Amiqus to support Scottish solicitors in meeting anti-money laundering compliance requirements through use of technology, while the Leith-based tech company also engages in research and development to improve access to legal services.
Law Society invites nominations for Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Council member
Nominations are now invited for solicitors aspiring to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body, representing their colleagues in the Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy constituency.
Feedback invited on external walls assessment form
Scottish solicitors are invited to comment on the Scottish Government’s first iteration of an external wall appraisal form.
Urgent need for justice sector reform highlighted by Scottish Parliament report
The Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee report into reforming the criminal justice sector is an important recognition of critical issues facing the sector and the urgency required for solutions.
Collaboration and understanding of increased pressures needed during rise in Covid cases
The Society's President has written to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) encouraging continued collaboration and the need to acknowledge and show understanding of the increasing pressures on the profession during a period of rising Covid-19 cases.
Authorisation marks significant step towards alternative legal businesses in Scotland
The Society has been authorised as a regulator of Licensed Legal Services Providers in Scotland, marking a further step towards solicitors and non-solicitors being able to set up businesses together to provide legal and other business services to consumers in Scotland.
Law Society cautions against change which could risk higher legal bills for consumers
While we want to see major reforms to the way legal services are regulated, we have cautioned against measures which could damage the competitiveness of Scottish law firms and increase the cost of legal advice for consumers.
Read more about our response to the Scottish Government consultation on legal services regulation reform.
Legal aid spending drop highlights funding crisis in the sector
Following publication of the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s annual report, which shows a fall in legal aid spending from £130.9m in 2020 to £99.1m in 2020-21, we have said the drop in funding emphasises the urgent need for a long term funding plan for the sector to ensure those in need can access legal advice and services.
Saltcoats solicitor for Law Society Council
A local Saltcoats solicitor has been appointed to the Law Society of Scotland’s governing Council.
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.