Law Society news
May 2015 Bulletin
Read the latest news from the Scottish legal profession in our May Bulletin.
CML updates handbook for Scottish solicitors
The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed amendments to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) Scottish edition handbook.
Law Society report shows improving fortunes for smaller law firms
The Society latest financial benchmarking report shows improving fortunes for smaller law firms.
Law Society calls for legal aid investment to protect access to justice
The Law Society of Scotland has published a package of recommendations to create a better funded and more efficient legal aid system which will protect access to justice in Scotland.
Law Society comment on 2015 SLCC budget and levy
The SLCC has published its operating plan and budget for 2015/16 today, Friday, 1 May 2015.
Professional Practice Updates - May 2015
The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed amendments to the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) Scottish edition handbook.
Trainee blog - Sarah McKeeve
Sarah obtained her LLB and Diploma from the University of Glasgow. After commencing her traineeship with Brodies in July 2013 with eight months in Glasgow’s Personal & Family team, Sarah flew her Glasgow nest to undertake a seat in the firm’s Edinburgh-based Corporate team.
NQ blog - May 2015: Practice makes perfect
John Brannigan studied at the University of Glasgow and completed his traineeship at Gallen & Co Solicitors.
New Council rep, survey, career event and more
New Council representative; Survey results and follow-up; Career event in London; A property lawyer's view of the City of London; Smartcard rollout in England and Wales
Legal aid news and updates - May 2015
In November 2014, the Law Society’s Legal Aid Committee published a discussion paper on legal assistance in Scotland. The consultation period closed on 30 January 2015.
Society staff net a profit for Kenya
They’re better known for work involving courts of law, but the Society’s staff took to the netball court last weekend at an event which raised £1,200 for families in Kenya.
Society responds to SLCC trends analysis
The Society responds to the publication of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission’s report on trends in complaints against solicitors.
Scam using the name 'Thomas Oxford, ESQ.’
We’ve been made aware of a scam involving a fake solicitor claiming to have an address in Edinburgh.
Law Society Council candidates announced
Eight of the 10 seats due to be filled on the Law Society of Scotland’s Council this year will see a contested election after 17 solicitors put themselves forward for the 2015 elections.
Recommended pay rates for trainees to increase
Trainee solicitors across Scotland are set to benefit after the Law Society of Scotland agreed a 2% increase to its recommended pay rates.
Society welcomes appointment of Neil Stevenson as SLCC chief executive
The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed the news that the organisation's current director of representation Neil Stevenson is to be appointed the new chief executive of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.
Society pays tribute to Lindsay Montgomery who is to retire as SLAB chief executive
Scottish Legal Aid Board Chief Executive Lindsay Montgomery is to retire in August.
Reappearance of scam using the name 'RTS Legal'
It’s come to our attention that a scam firm, calling itself RTS Legal (also known as Road Traffic Specialists, also known as Legally Covered), is again trying to gain business from clients via their website.
Brussels Agenda - April 2015
This is the Brussels office's monthly electronic newsletter. It summarises EU developments of interest to solicitors and their clients. It covers developments in EU law that affect professional practice and the way solicitors run their firms.
Law Society welcomes publication of post-corroboration safeguards report
The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed publication of Lord Bonomy's report on the Post-corroboration Safeguards Review.
Law Society welcomes decision to remove corroboration proposals from Criminal Justice Bill
Law Society welcomes Cabinet Secretary announcement on removing proposals to abolish corroboration from Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill
Law students and summer placements: a quick summary
Rob Marrs looks at the summer placement for law students and explains who should apply and who should steer clear for now.
Scam using the name ‘DIT & BOOI LAW CHAMBERS’
We have received a report of a fake law firm calling itself ‘DIT & BOOI LAW CHAMBERS’, which is asking the people it contacts to transfer money to their bank account.
Glasgow set to welcome 2015 Commonwealth Law Conference
Glasgow is preparing to welcome one of the most prestigious conferences on the international legal calendar, the 19th Commonwealth Law Conference.