Law Society news
Law Society of Scotland shortlisted for UK Covid Response Award
We have been shortlisted for a national UK award for our work to support our members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Five new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Five Scottish solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by our Council to become solicitor advocates, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony at Parliament House.
Comment on SCTS contingency planning for COP26
Commenting on SCTS contingency planning for COP26, the Society's President Ken Dalling has said that it will be vital to ensure that any additional court business generated as a consequence of the conference is dealt with efficiently.
Law Society comment on Programme for Government 2021-22
Responding to today’s announcement of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for 2021-22, the Law Society's President has criticised the lack of progress on legal aid reform, saying the Scottish Government of dragging its feet on the issue.
Risk management at the heart of legal profession competition
The search for the latest ‘light bulb’ idea in risk management within the Scottish legal sector has been launched today. The Innovation Cup aims to tap into the expertise of the Scottish legal community and improve risk management across the profession. The Law Society of Scotland is running the competition in association with Master Policy lead insurers RSA and brokers, Lockton.
Society backs calls to assist Independent Afghanistan Bar Association President
The Society's president, Ken Dalling, has written to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab backing the call from the International Bar Association, to provide urgent assistance to Mr Rohullah Qarizada, President of the Independent Afghanistan Bar Association
Law Society launches COP26 & climate change competition
Should climate change be a mandatory part of legal education to prepare Scotland's lawyers of the future? Or would having a universal definition of 'ecocide' help to tackle climate change globally? Scots Law students have been challenged to write or record their views on climate change and the law in our new competition to mark COP26 taking place in Glasgow in November.
Full implications of change must be considered as solicitors show strong support for the not proven verdict
Results of a recent survey of the profession on the Not Proven verdict show support for not proven to be retained.
Law Society President speaks out about critical language
Following comments about lawyers made in a national broadcast interview this week by the Prime Minister, Law Society President Ken Dalling has spoken out about the importance of respecting the role legal professionals play in civil society.
Legal Aid Payment Review Panel report
The Society's Legal Aid Committee Co-convener, Ian Moir, comments on a report from the Legal Aid Payment Review Panel published this month
Comment on reforming the criminal justice system
The Society's President Ken Dalling, responds to Scotland’s Justice Secretary Keith Brown’s comments on potential reform of the criminal justice system.
UK-Australia trade deal: A welcome step towards greater collaborative engagement
The UK-Australia free trade Agreement in Principle offers an insight into the commitments made on legal and wider professional services provision, including recognition of qualifications, mobility and market access.
Comment on Scottish Government consultation analysis on reforming legal complaints
The Society's President Ken Dalling comments following the publication of the analysis of the Scottish Government consultation on proposals to improve the current complaints system.
Court business plan in level 0
Law Society President, Ken Dalling, responds to the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service's briefing on court business once Scotland moves into level 0.
Diversity data offers most complete picture of profession yet
Diversity data collected for the first time as part of the annual Practising Certificate renewal process offers a valuable insight into today’s Scottish legal profession.
Secondment opportunity in Brussels
The UK Law Societies' Joint Brussels Office has an exciting opportunity for trainee solicitors, newly qualified solicitors, or paralegals to gain international experience with a three-month secondment at its office.
Angus wins 2021 In-house Rising Star Award
In-house solicitor Angus Niven has been crowned as the Society's in-house rising star of 2021.
End of an era for Law Society as Chief Exec announces retiral
Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive Lorna Jack has today announced that she will retire from the organisation at the end of 2021 after 13 years in post.
Peebles High School wins national debating tournament for second year in a row
Thomas Dunmur and Laura Eggleton of Peebles High School have been crowned Scotland’s best young debaters, after winning the grand final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2020/21, organised by the Law Society of Scotland.
Fraud alert - fake law firm
We have been notified of a fake law firm named McCallum and Co which claims to offer legal advice in personal injury and accident compensation cases. There is no firm of solicitors of this name registered with the Law Society.
Qualified One Way Costs Shifting update
New rules in relation to Qualified One Way Costs Shifting (QOCS) are due to come into effect on 30 June 2021
Legal aid trainee fund launches
The Scottish Government’s £1 million fund to support 40 legal aid traineeships in Scotland has opened to applicants.
Two shortlisted for In-house Rising Star Award 2021
Two solicitors have been shortlisted for the Law Society of Scotland In-house Rising Star Award 2021 in recognition of their work as in-house lawyers.
Call for new regulatory framework for police body cameras before increasing use
The Society has said that oversight, governance and transparency will be essential in relation to police officers wearing body cameras.