Law Society news

Law Society of Scotland pays tribute to Alison Britton
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to former Committee member, Professor Alison Britton, who sadly passed away on Tuesday 2 July.

Practising Certificate fee approved at AGM
Scottish solicitors approve Practising Certificate fee for 2024/25 at Law Society AGM.

Law Society bolsters governing Council with non-legal expertise
The Law Society of Scotland has bolstered its governing Council with the recruitment of six new non-legal members to provide additional perspective and expertise.

Mental Health and Capacity Reform Programme must be implemented without delay
The Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Capacity Reform delivery plan is an important step in the implementation of much needed modernisation of the law in this area.

Technology experts urge Scottish legal sector to embrace AI
The growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology for the legal sector has been examined at a conference hosted by the Law Society of Scotland.

New trusts and succession measures improve public protections
New measures have come into force to prevent those convicted of murder or culpable homicide from acting as an executor to their victim’s estate.

AML inspection guide released
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has released a guide to help members understand more about the AML inspections process and how to prepare for different types of inspection.

Statement on retirement announcement of Scotland’s Lord Justice Clerk
The first woman ever appointed as Scotland's Lord Justice Clerk, Lady Dorrian, has advised that she will retire in early February 2025, on the same date that the Lord President has previously indicated he will be stepping down.

Law Society crowns Cameron Ramage 2024’s In-House Rising Star
An early-career solicitor for a global technology company has been crowned the Law Society of Scotland’s 2024 In-House Rising Star.

AML regulations need greater clarity for legal sector
Money Laundering Regulations need greater clarity for the legal sector and a re-focus on key ways to mitigate underlying risk in order to strengthen the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) system, we have said in response to government proposals.

Broxburn Academy come out victorious in Law Society’s debating final
Two pupils from Broxburn Academy have been crowned the winners of 2024’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debate tournament.

Election winners should champion justice and the rule of law
The Law Society of Scotland has urged all candidates and parties for next month’s UK General Election to recognise and support the critical importance of access to justice and the rule of law.

Workplace culture recognised with Gold accreditation
The Law Society of Scotland’s commitment to its people and workplace culture has been recognised with an Investors in People Gold accreditation.

Statement on the future retirement of the Lord President
The Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General of Scotland, Lord Carloway, has advised the Law Society of Scotland that he will be retiring from his judicial duties in early 2025.

"All Too Familiar" AML training film released to members
All members now have free access to the anti-money laundering (AML) film “All Too Familiar”, a dramatised look at how firms can become unwittingly involved in money laundering.

Law Society spotlights five in-house solicitors as shortlist for award is announced
Five in-house solicitors have been announced as finalists for this 2024's In-House Rising Star Award.

Law Society statement on SSBA boycott
The Law Society of Scotland has responded to an announcement from the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association that its members will be resuming a boycott of summary domestic abuse cases.

Holiday courts damaging overstretched criminal justice system
The Law Society of Scotland has called for criminal court hearings held on public holidays to be ended, because of the severe negative impact they are having on legal practitioners and their clients.

Tribute to former Council member Janet Hood
Law Society President Susan Murray and In-house Lawyer Committee Co-convener Sheekha Saha, pay tribute to former Council member and in-house solicitor Janet Hood.

New Law Society President brings in-house perspective
NHS solicitor Susan Murray has today begun her tenure as President of the Law Society of Scotland, bringing her in-house perspective and expertise to the role.
She will be supported in the role by new Vice President Pat Thom and Past President Sheila Webster, marking the first time the Law Society's three office bearer positions have simultaneously been held by women.

New and returning Council members boost Law Society
The governing Council for the Law Society of Scotland has been bolstered with the appointment of four new members, along with the reappointment of six others.

Law Society marks 75-year anniversary with celebratory dinner
The Law Society of Scotland has marked its 75th anniversary year with a formal dinner in Edinburgh, celebrating its ongoing role supporting and overseeing the solicitor profession.

Recommended pay for trainees rises as inflation pressures persist
The Law Society of Scotland has increased its recommended minimum pay rates for trainee solicitors, in recognition of persistent inflation and cost-of-living pressures.

AML thematic review of Suspicious Activity Reports
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team will launch its next thematic review this month, examining suspicious activity reports (SARs).