Law Society news
Thinking of studying the Diploma?
If you’re a final year LLB student and an aspiring solicitor, the next stage of the qualification process is the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Applications open this week, so make sure you know what your options are ahead of time.
Exciting secondment opportunity in Brussels
Our Brussels office is offering UK trainee solicitors, newly qualified solicitors and paralegals from the UK a unique opportunity to undertake a three to six-month secondment starting in April/May 2019.
Have your say on in-house traineeships
Our new survey aims to provide a better understanding of the in-house traineeship market - let us know your views.
Are you listening?
Janet Rieu-Clarke, our Accredited Paralegal looks at the art of constructive listening and how we can make a positive difference difference to our colleague's wellbeing.
Trainee statistics reflect a varied traineeship marketplace across Scotland
Recent figures have revealed an increase in the number of solicitor traineeships offered by law firms in towns and more rural areas of Scotland, such as Ayrshire, Argyll and Bute, Highlands and Islands, and Lanarkshire.
AML Certificate, where are we now?
The AML landscape is changing and coming under ever growing scrutiny at national and international level. As the AML supervisor for law firms across Scotland it is vital that the Law Society of Scotland continues to deliver a robust regulatory regime which benefits both our members and members of the public.
Need support dealing with a client with mental health issues?
Recent stats suggest that around one in three people are affected by mental illness in any one year, so it doesn’t take a genius to work out that a significant proportion of clients who walk in to a solicitor’s office looking for help, will be in someway affected by mental health issues or suffering from poor mental health themselves.
Tell us your thoughts on BAME representation in the profession
Rob Marrs, Head of Education and Policy at the Law Society, explains why we're keen to hear from BAME students, trainees or NQs who have had previous careers prior to studying law.
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.
How fair is your traineeship recruitment pipeline?
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer at the Law Society, talks about whether employers are really engaged with fair access and highlights some of the pitfalls that are still regularly identified in the traineeship recruitment process.
Law Society of Scotland launches reporting concerns line
Individuals with concerns that members of the legal community are involved with financial improprieties or money laundering, can now anonymously report their concerns to the professional body for Scottish solicitors.
SLCC budget rise risks higher costs for consumers
The proposed budget, which includes a 9.2% rise in income funded by a levy on solicitors and advocates, comes on the back of a series of double digit percentage rises over recent years.
What can you offer as an in-house lawyer?
David Bryson, In-house Lawyers’ Committee vice convener, shares his experience of chairing a recent in-house roundtable and highlights his three key takeaways.
Join me on the mentoring platform
Accredited Paralegal, Janet Rieu-Clarke has decided that 2019 is the year when she will take better care of herself and her career development. Taking the plunge and signing up to our mentoring platform she encourages other Accredited Paralegals to do the same.
Business development and networking - why it’s never too soon to start
Leadership trainer Paul Horwood looks at why young professional should develop networking skills early on.
The privilege of honorary membership
Ken Pritchard, former Secretary of the Law Society, tell us about the honour of being appointed honorary member of the Society in 1997
Law Society agrees strategic partnership with award-winning fintech, Amiqus Resolution
Our new strategic partnership will us work more closely with Edinburgh-based technology company, Amiqus Resolution.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
We're bringing our career development roadshow back this year, designed to showcase career options in the legal profession. Do you aspire to be a partner, senior manager in-house or an accredited specialist, or are you not quite sure? Come along and hear from our panel of solicitors who have carved out their own unique careers.
New Year resolutions
Our Head of High Street Engagement, Katie McKenna, considers what brings her joy as she contemplates new resolutions for the year ahead.
Have you thought about becoming a mentor or mentee?
Are you enthusiastic, passionate and have a desire to make a difference and help people? Why not consider becoming a mentor in 2019 and share your experience, skills and knowledge to encourage and support a mentee.
Former Citizens Advice director set to lead Society's regulatory work
Craig Cathcart, senior lecturer at Queen Margaret University’s Business School, has been appointed convener of the Law Society’s Regulatory Committee.
Time to delegate?
Executive coach Russell Borland examines how delegation, done well, can benefit all concerned.
Thinking about mentoring?
Charlotte Edgar, now a qualified solicitor working at Morisons LLP, shares her experience of participating in the student:trainee mentoring scheme. Charlotte participated in the pilot programme and mentored an LLB student to offer support with early career development and the traineeship search.
A career outside a big firm
Are you an LLB or DPLP student who's keen to find out about working in-house or for a high street firm? Our annual roadshow for students is bringing employers to you!