Law Society news
Supreme Court judgment on independence referendum bill
Following the Supreme Court judgment on Wednesday, 23 November 2022, that taking forward a Bill providing for a Scottish independence referendum is not within the competence of the Scottish Parliament, the Society's Murray Etherington said that the judgment provided definitive clarification on the law.
Charity reform must go further than Bill proposes
The Law Society of Scotland has praised the introduction of new legislation to better support and regulate the charity sector, but raised concerns it does not go far enough in reforming areas including transparency and oversight.
Law Society set to introduce new AML supervisory attestation process
The AML team is launching a new supervisory attestation process. This will be an ongoing piece of work reaching all practices who may not fall under the scope of our full high-risk AML inspection process.
AML Certificate Results 2021
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 Certificate.
New record set for number of trainee solicitors in Scotland
A new record has been set for the number of trainee solicitors registered in Scotland, with Law Society of Scotland figures showing 788 traineeships began in the 2021-2022 practice year.
Campbell Connon FAQs
Campbell Connon has ceased to practice. A Judicial Factor has been appointed to access all of the files, documentation and the client account and we have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Rule changes set to bolster complaints process and modernise Accounts Rules
The Society's Regulatory Committee is set to take forward changes to solicitor practice rules following its SGM on 26 October 2022. The changes will further strengthen the sector’s robust standards by bolstering the legal complaints process and modernising Accounts Rules.
New strategy launched for thriving, diverse and sustainable Scots legal sector
The Law Society of Scotland has launched its new five-year strategy, underpinning its commitment to a thriving, diverse and sustainable legal sector to support Scottish communities and businesses.
Legal aid crisis hitting Scotland's most deprived families
New data reveals hundreds of legal aid ‘not-spots’ – deprived communities with no civil legal aid firms.
Law Society Council motion on abuse against solicitors
The Law Society of Scotland's governing Council agreed a motion at its meeting today Friday, 14 October, that any and all forms of abuse against the profession is wholly wrong and should be condemned, and has set out four points of action.
Law Society pays tribute to Council member David Mair
The Society's president Murray Etherington pays tribute to Council member David Mair who passed away recently.
Cashroom Manager Assessment Q&A
Following on from our consultation earlier this year on our proposals to update the Society's Accounts Rules, we have compiled a Q&A in advance of our SGM this month on what the proposed changes, which would see the introduction of a Cashroom Manager Assessment, will mean for cashroom managers at law firms.
Court of Session rules legal professional privilege not overridden by third party complaint
A new and important Court of Session judgment has today reaffirmed the principle of legal privilege between solicitors and their clients.
Scottish Government must avoid delays in moving the Scottish Mental Health Law Review report to the implementation phase
The Law Society of Scotland has congratulated the Scottish Mental Health Law Review on the publication of its final report and urged the Scottish Government to avoid delays in moving to the implementation phase.
Proposed fee increase marks progress but more action needed to resolve legal aid crisis
The Law Society of Scotland has stated that a proposed rise in legal aid fees is a step in the right direction, but further action is urgently needed to resolve the long-term crisis in the sector.
Law Society of Scotland calls for views on principles-based approach to administrative justice
The Law Society of Scotland is calling on the legal profession, stakeholders across the justice system and members of the public for their views on proposals for a principles-based approach to administrative justice in Scotland.
Law Society steps up efforts over climate crisis
The Law Society of Scotland is stepping up its efforts to lead and support the legal sector in tackling the climate crisis by launching a new Sustainability Committee.
Bail bill only a partial solution to unjust remand numbers
We've given broad support for proposed changes to bail and release from custody arrangements, but remain deeply concerned at the high number of accused people being held on remand.
Law Society of Scotland statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Like the whole country, the Law Society of Scotland mourns the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the members of the Royal Family, who will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.
AML Round up
The ever increasing importance and visibility of AML and other economic crime issues at international, domestic and sectoral level means that it's vital for solicitors to be aware of the latest developments. Our latest AML round up provides the latest updates and news for the legal sector.
Programme for government 2022-23 comment
The Society's President Murray Etherington has commented on today's Scottish Government programme for government for 2022-23.
Justice not served by Scottish sexual offence proposals
The Law Society of Scotland has raised serious concerns about a possible move to judge-only sexual offence trials in Scottish courts, and the creation of additional courts outside the existing judicial structure.
