Law Society news
The apprenticeship levy – what does it mean for the profession and alternative routes to qualification?
In the summer of 2016, the UK Government published details on a new apprenticeship levy. This is due to be introduced in April this year (2017) aiming to raise somewhere in the region of £3 billion per year to help the government meet a target of funding 3million apprenticeships by 2020.
'Anger and frustration’ at SLCC budget proposals for 2017-18
Plans to increase the SLCC levy by 12.5% have caused unprecedented 'anger and frustration' within the profession
March 2017 Lawscot News
Read the latest news from the Scottish legal profession in March's Lawscot News
Professional Practice Updates - March 2017
It was reported to the Society that Co-operative Bank no longer accept Powers of Attorney created under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 as amended.
Trainee blog - Hannah Kemp
Hannah Kemp, a trainee at Brodies LLP, obtained her LLB from the University of Edinburgh, having studied at Lund University in Sweden for her third year. Hannah returned home to complete her Diploma at the University of Glasgow and is now in her final seat and due to qualify as a solicitor in July 2017.
NQ blog - March 2017: A rewarding career that's worth pursuing
John Brannigan studied at the University of Glasgow and completed his traineeship at Gallen & Co Solicitors. He now works at Russels Gibson McCaffrey Solicitors in Glasgow, specialising in all criminal and civil litigation matters.
Law reform round up March 2017
Our committees' work in relation to Bills and consultations including driving offences and penalties relating to causing death or serious injury, pension scams and the Commission on Parliamentary Reform.
SCTS proposals could radically reform Scotland’s summary courts
Society comments on plans to reform summary court practice
Returning to uni for the accelerated LLB
Scott King, accelerated LLB student at Glasgow University, explains what to expect on the accelerated LLB and gives advice on how to get through it.
Street Law wins title of Best Training Initiative at European Association Awards
Street Law, an education programme for pupils at Scottish schools in disadvantaged areas, has taken home the title of Best Training Initiative at the prestigious European Association Awards.
To in-house or out-house? Part one
In the first part of a two-part series, Vlad Valiente explains how Midlothian Council weighed up the potential pros and cons of bringing more legal work back in-house.
How dancing will make me a better trainee
Lorna Stephen, a diploma graduate from the University of Edinburgh who will start a traineeship at Standard Life in September 2017, explains how any skill – in her case dancing – can be transferred and applied in a work context.
Scottish legal aid system ‘needs urgent overhaul’
New report on legal aid shows some of the smallest firms are carrying out legal aid work at a loss
Specialist Accreditation Calling Regulatory Lawyers
The Society has received an application to create a new category for accreditation of ‘regulation of professional conduct’ and we are keen to measure interest from potential applicants.
Relief over pensions and bankruptcy ruling
Stephen Parker from Tilney highlights the recent ruling from The Court of Appeal in relation to bankruptcy and pensions.
Return of fraudulent bank calls to law firms - 17 February 2017
A law firm based in Inverness has received calls from a ‘Brian Johnston’ claiming to be from the ‘Bankline Fraud team’.
Email phishing attempt at Scottish law firm - 16 February 2017
We’ve been made aware that Scottish law firms have recently been targeted by a new email scam.
Brussels Agenda - February 2017
The latest news from the Law Societies' Brussels Office.
Equality and Diversity - meet our guest bloggers
We talk to Penelope Warne, head of oil and gas at CMS
Find out how you can support the next generation of Scottish Solicitors
The Law Society of Scotland is hosting a Lawscot Foundation Information evening on Thursday 21st February
Law Society and Glasgow Caledonian University to host seminar on Brexit and human rights
The Societyis partnering with Glasgow Caledonian University to host the second in a series of Brexit-themed seminars ‘Human Rights Reform: Scotland’s place in Brexit’
Scottish pupils through to semi-finals of national debating tournament
Pupils from 16 Scottish schools are through to the semi-finals of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament
Registers of Scotland - digital transformation consultation
We are encouraging our members to reply to Registers of Scotland's 'Digital Transformation: Next Steps' consultation which closes in just over two weeks on 22 February 2017.
Losing a loved one but keeping your studies on track
Kyle Dillon, a first-year LLB student at Dundee University, explains how it’s possible to experience a traumatic personal loss, but still do everyone proud by excelling at your studies.