Law Society news
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.
COP26 legal aid issues are a 'generation in the making'
The Society's President Ken Dalling has met with the Scottish Government's Minister for Community Safety Ash Regan, to discuss legal aid issues surrounding COP26.
AML Certificate results 2020
Our Anti-Money Laundering Risk Manager, Bob Clark provides an update on the key insights and analysis from the data you provided in this year's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate.
St. James’s Place announced as Law Society of Scotland strategic partner
The leading wealth management business St. James’s Place is announced as a new strategic partner for the Society
Napier University student wins essay competition on climate change and the law
Napier University student Lewis Hay wins Law Society competition on climate change and the law
Nationality and Borders Bill creates threat of two-tier asylum system
The Nationality and Borders Bill could result in more unsafe and perilous journeys to the UK and put those who attempt to save the lives of asylum seekers at sea at risk of facing criminal charges for their action.
Digital Evidence Sharing - Update from COPFS
A new way to collect and share digital evidence is planned for the Scottish criminal justice sector. Read the update from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service on how this will affect criminal defence practitioners.
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.
Sign up for free mental health training
To mark World Mental Health Day 2021 on Sunday, 10 October, we're encouraging all members of the profession to undertake See Me's free, comprehensive mental health training, to help build a positive working culture where people feel able to talk openly about their mental health.
Regulatory reforms must not increase costs for consumers
While reform of legal services regulation is long overdue, we have cautioned against against changes which could increase costs for consumers and damage the competitiveness of Scottish law firms.
Legal challenge to nightclub vaccine passports
Industry body opposes Sturgeon plan
Law Society of Scotland achieves AML levy exemption for majority of Scottish law firms
In a positive response to pressure applied by the Law Society of Scotland, plans to introduce a new economic crime levy will see 97% of Scottish law firms exempted.
2021 Law student events and careers talks
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual careers talks and events, aimed at helping law students on their way to entering the legal profession.
Fraud alert
We have been informed of scam emails being sent to law firms claiming to be from Skipton's Conveyancing Panel.
Sir Charles Fraser Essay Competition: The Future of the Legal Profession
Edinburgh Law School and the Law Society of Scotland are running an essay competition for current Edinburgh Law School students to identify how the future of the legal profession looks today.