Law Society news
Not yet registered with ScotLIS?
Registers of Scotland is withdrawing Registers Direct, its legacy service for accessing registers, on 30 November 2018.
Fraud alert
We have been informed of scam emails being sent to law firms claiming to be attaching a subscription invoice from Xero, stating that an amount will be debited from your credit card and inviting you to click on a link.
Five new solicitor advocates welcomed
Five Scottish solicitors, admitted by our Council as solicitor advocates with extended rights of audience, have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony on Thursday 15 November 2018.
What is vulnerability?
Research executive Nicola Johnstone asks what is vulnerability and how does it affect the experiences of vulnerable people in our criminal justice system? She also discusses a roundtable event being held by the Criminal Justice Committee and our research team to gather examples of best practice.
Meditation: Becoming a mindful lawyer, 10 minutes at a time
NQ Solicitor Tim Taylor shares his experience of mindfulness and explains how his daily meditation practise has had a positive impact on his personal and professional development.
Three Scottish solicitors awarded newly introduced accreditation
After demonstrating their vast experience and understanding of professional regulation, three solicitors in Scotland have been accredited with the Regulation of Professional Conduct Law specialism.
The law of succession - what next?
John Kerrigan, member of our Trusts and Succession Law Sub-Committee, summarises the Scottish Government's response to the consultation on the law of succession.
The importance of networking – say yes to that lunch!
Hannah Leslie, trainee solicitor at Springfield Properties Plc, discusses the importance of networking when you’re a trainee.
Let's talk about stress
Our Head of High Street Engagement, Katie McKenna, shares her personal experience of stress and calls for employers and employees to look stress in the face and take positive action.
Law Society launches rights of cohabitants consultation
We are asking the legal profession and interested stakeholders for their views on the law providing rights for cohabitants.
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.
From private practice to in-house… vision, coaching and strategy
Philip Hall, Legal Counsel at RBS, shares what his recent move in-house has taught him about the importance of vision, strategy and coaching.
Update on proposed rule change and CPD requirements for Solicitor Advocates
Proposed rule changes which aim to improve the solicitor advocate application process and continuing quality assurance, remain under consideration and accordingly the proposed CPD requirement will not go ahead in the 2018/19 practice year.
Email scam
We have been informed of suspicious emails sent to law firms looking very similar to a genuine LMS Charge Registration email.
New compulsory risk management CPD requirement
As of the 2018-19 CPD year, which begins on 1 November, Scottish solicitors will be required to include a minimum of one hour ‘risk management’ CPD as part of their annual 20 hours training.
Proposed reforms of legal services regulation pose unnecessary risk to consumer protection
You can read our response to the report published today, 23 October, on regulating legal services in Scotland.
New anti-money laundering certificate to be introduced for law firms
A new AML Certificate is to be introduced for law firms to strengthen AML procedures and meet the requirements of the 2017 Money Laundering Regulations.
LinkedIn or LinkedOut?
Arlene Gibbs, solicitor at Aberdeenshire Council and member of the In-house Lawyers' Committee, reflects on how getting more active on LinkedIn has helped to expand her network and bring a new dimension to her professional relationships.
Law Society leads innovation to Europe on legaltech trade mission
We are leading a delegation of Scotland-based legaltech companies on a trade mission to Zurich and Vienna.
Sawubona! (I see you!)
Our Head of Engagement, Katie McKenna, writes about what we can do to show we value and respect the people around us.
Moving to the mainstream
Ahead of our annual conference, DLA Piper’s John McKinlay reflects on why the last year has seen momentum grow for legal technology adoption.
What is regulated lobbying?
Ahead of our How the Scottish Parliament Works event, James Drummond from the Scottish Parliament’s lobbying register team explains how the lobbying register works and what it means for your organisation.
Giving cryptocurrency to making sure cybercrime doesn't pay
Ahead of his session at our annual conference, Professor Bill Buchanan from Edinburgh Napier University's School of Computing asks how cryptocurrency has changed cybercrime and asks what can be done to regulate this area.
Scottish outreach team Silver ‘Best Team’ award
Our Careers and Outreach team who are behind projects which help young people across Scotland engage positively with the law and achieve their legal career aspirations has won the silver ‘Best Association Team’ award in the 2018 Association Excellence Awards.