Law Society news
Law Society of Scotland condemns Home Office video
The Law Society has condemned a UK Home Office video which describes legal professionals acting on behalf of migrants as ‘activist lawyers’ and called for it to be withdrawn.
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.
Consulting with legal profession is key
Consulting with the legal profession is key to delivering post-pandemic courts which are effective and fair for all.
Diploma 2020 Q&A published
Following an unprecedented number of applications to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice this year, the Law Society of Scotland has created a dedicated advice section for students who have not secured a place on the Diploma.
Response to courts COVID-19 recovery plan
President of the Law Society, Amanda Millar, says it's vital that an open dialogue with the legal profession is part of the court service recovery plan.
Roll out of High Court Jury Centres welcomed
The Law Society has welcomed news that jury trials in solemn cases will make use of remote centres to ensure cases can go ahead while preserving physical distancing.
UK Government Economic Crime Levy Consultation
The UK Government is running a consultation on the proposed economic crime levy and we would strongly encourage members with an interest in the proposals, to submit your own responses by the 13 October deadline.
New working group for COP26
A new working group is leading on the Society's work to support policy development and law reform relating to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) due to take place in Glasgow in November 2021.
Fraud alert - fake law firm
Fraud alert - we have been made aware of a fake law firm, Denton and Gardner, claiming to be based in Aberdeen
Nominations open for In-house Rising Star Award 2020
Nominations for this year's In-house Rising Star Award are now open! The award recognises the outstanding achievement of a newly qualified Scottish solicitor or trainee working in-house so let us know about your in-house rising stars of 2020.
Virtual custody courts pilot raises concerns among solicitors
The findings from a recent survey carried out by the Society on pilot virtual custody court hearings has highlighted significant issues faced by solicitors and their clients.
Lack of clarity in Hate Crime Bill could threaten freedom of expression
Plans to modernise hate crime laws in Scotland present a unique opportunity to enhance protections for those most vulnerable to prejudice in our society, however the Society has said flaws within the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill could prevent it from achieving its stated goals.
Fraudulent OPBAS email
We have been informed that members of the public have recently received emails fraudulently claiming to be from OPBAS.
Taxation by teleconferencing
The Law Society’s Civil Working Group, following discussions with Scottish Courts and Tribunal Services (SCTS), has received confirmation that the Auditor of the Court of Session and the All Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court (ASSPIC) will now conduct taxations of judicial accounts by way of tele-conference.
Law Society President congratulates new Dean of the Faculty of Advocates
Law Society President Amanda Millar congratulates the new Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, Roddy Dunlop QC
LBTT threshold increase needs to happen sooner rather than later
We are calling on the Scottish Government to prioritise implementation of the increased threshold for Land and Building Transaction Tax for residential property transactions.
Simple procedure claims can be submitted online and in paper
After discusions with the Law Society, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service have confirmed that simple procedure claims can still be submitted by both paper and online.
Criminal law and legal aid round-up July 2020
A round-up of activity undertaken by the Criminal Law and Legal Aid Committees in response to the coronavirus outbreak so far, as well as a look ahead to what challenges they are focussing on next.
Revenue Scotland update allows online ADS reclaim
Revenue Scotland has introduced new functionality to the Scottish Electronic Tax System (SETS) that allows taxpayers to claim repayment of Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) entirely online.
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.
Client communication plan wins this year’s Innovation Cup
Great client communications can help strengthen solicitor-client relationships and minimise complaints. That’s the idea behind this year’s Innovation Cup winning entry.
Urgent update on simple procedure cases
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has confirmed that simple procedure action submitted on or after 1 June 2020 must be submitted via the Civil Online plaform. The Convener of our Civil Justice Committee has written to ask for a review of this decision.
Scottish Government guidance on moving home
The Scottish Government has issued guidance aimed at ensuring that moving home in Scotland can happen safely during the coronavirus outbreak.
Law Society comment on the Lord President's statement on the impact of Covid-19 on the justice system
Amanda Millar, President of the Law Society of Scotland, comments on the Lord President, Lord Carloway’s statement of Friday 19 June 2020.