Law Society news
Local solicitors wanted for Law Society Council
Solicitors hoping to represent their local constituencies as Council members on the Law Society of Scotland’s decision making body have just two days left to submit their nominations.
Society calls for delay on SLAB code of practice
The Law Society of Scotland has called for the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) to postpone the introduction of a proposed new code of practice until new legal aid fee levels for providing police station advice are agreed.
Coding and decoding
Rob Marrs, Head of Education at the Society, reflects on the complementary rather than interchangeable relationship between technology and ‘people’.
New charity set to help legal dreams come true for Scottish students
Academically gifted students from less advantaged backgrounds can now apply for potentially life-changing funding to pursue their dreams of a legal career.
The discount rate - what next?
Kathryn Milne, a personal injury specialist at Tilney, analyses the recent discount rate announcement.
National risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing consultation
The UK Government has recently launched a consultation on a refreshed national risk assessment (NRA) of money laundering and terrorist financing.
Fake law firm calling itself ‘Taylor McGivern & Co’
We’re aware of scam involving a fake law firm calling itself ‘Taylor McGivern & Co’, who have a website claiming them to be 'the largest law firm in Glasgow, Scotland'.
Online renewal for non-practising members and roll retention
Non-practising members and individuals who wish to be retained on the roll will have to renew their membership or fees online for the first time this year.
April 2017 Lawscot News
Our newsletter, Lawscot News, is full of the latest news and views from the Scottish legal profession.
Advice for studying abroad
Caitlin Alexander a third year LLB student at the University of Glasgow, currently studying at the University of Oslo. She will undertake a Vacation Scheme with Shepherd and Wedderburn upon her return.
Reflections on the Diploma and looking to the traineeship ahead
Miranda Hughes started studying at the University of Strathclyde in 2014 and has combined the academic learning of the Graduate Entry Clinical LLB with practical experience in the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic.
Lorna Jack wins prestigious leadership award
Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, has won the UK Association Excellence Award for Leadership in a prized addition to the trophy cabinet at the Society’s Edinburgh offices.
'Law abiding citizen' and other phishing emails - 6 April 2017
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has issued an alert which explains how fraudsters are deploying banking trojans to unsuspecting victims in order to compromise their banking credentials and passwords.
Law reform round up April 2017
The Society’s committees have been working on a number of Scottish Parliament and UK Parliamentary Bills and consultations including the UK Government’s Brexit White Paper, the Scottish Government’s consultation on increasing organ and tissue donation and transplantation and the Contract (Third Party Rights) (Scotland) Bill.
Technology and the law: who, where and how?
Rob Marrs, Head of Education at the Society, discusses where and how technology fits within the legal sector.
SLP review will need to ensure legitimate Scottish partnerships can thrive while tackling criminal activity
The Law Society of Scotland has said that increased scrutiny of Scottish limited partnerships’ anti-money laundering processes could help deter criminal activity.
Survey of Scottish solicitors highlights Brexit and legal aid as key concerns
The impact of Brexit on the law and legal practice is a key issue for Scottish solicitors, according to the findings of a recent survey.
HM Treasury consults on proposals for new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures
Scottish solicitors are being encouraged to respond to two HM Treasury consultations on proposals to strengthen the UK’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist finance (AML/CTF) regime.
Trainee blog - Joan McHutchison
Joan McHutchison, a trainee solicitor at Glasgow City Council Legal Services, obtained her LLB and LLM in international law from the University of Glasgow. She worked in Brussels as part of the British civil service for a year before returning home to complete her Diploma at the University of Glasgow.
Law Society calls for urgent reform of SLCC after levy increase
The Law Society of Scotland has called for the Scottish Government to prioritise reform of the regulation of legal services after a decision from the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission to press ahead with a 12.5% rise in its levy on solicitors.
Society launches financial benchmarking survey of law firms
The Law Society of Scotland has today, Thursday, 30 March 2017, launched a new, online survey to help solicitors assess their firm’s financial health and how they are performing in the legal market.
Law Society of Scotland highlights priorities for legal profession and EU nationals as Article 50 is triggered
Commenting on the triggering of Article 50 by the UK Prime Minister today, Wednesday, 29 March, Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “Leaving the European Union is arguably the biggest constitutional change for the UK since 1945, with today’s triggering of Article 50 marking the start of serious negotiations on the terms of our withdrawal."
Update on personal injury discount
Scottish Ministers have made an order setting the discount rate for personal injury awards at minus 0.75% which comes into effect today, 28 March.
Last few days to nominate someone brilliant for In-house Rising Star Award
Your last chance to nominate someone brilliant for the 2017 In-house Rising Star Award, is fast approaching – final nominations for this prestigious award must be submitted by this Friday, 31 March.