Continuing to lead legal excellence in challenging times

Supporting and sustaining recovery in the legal profession and ensuring public confidence in the rule of law are key priorities for the Law Society of Scotland as we look to the future.

Against a backdrop of the economic and social challenges presented by the COVID 19 pandemic, we have today published an interim two-year strategy. Leading Legal Excellence 2020-22 sets out how we will continue to support members and build public confidence in the profession during challenging times.

Amanda Millar, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “The events of this year could not have been realistically predicted. The impact of the public health crisis and necessary restrictions on society have been enormous. Against that backdrop it would be easy to focus on immediate actions rather than strategy.

“However, with the pace of digital change accelerating due to the increase in working from home and clear challenges ahead as the legal services market and the wider economy seeks to recover the ground lost, planning has never been more important. Our strategy published today sets out our priorities for the next two years alongside an annual plan showing key objectives for 2020/21.”

Our first ‘leading legal excellence’ strategy ran from 2015-2020, and a replacement strategy for the next five years was already in development when the pandemic struck. Replacing it with a document focussing instead on the next two years allowed a strategic framework to be developed which recognises the challenges ahead while maintaining the flexibility needed for an uncertain future.

Amanda explained: “The pandemic has crystalised priorities for the profession. Throughout this crisis the Law Society has been at the forefront in advocating for our members, their clients and wider society to the heart of government. We have consistently highlighted the important role the legal profession plays in supporting businesses and individuals and the risks to justice if support to this sector fails.

“At the same time we have not lost sight of our core responsibilities. Our regulatory role remains fundamental as we maintain and support high standards for our members, for the benefit of the whole profession and the public they serve.

“Nor have we forgotten our responsibilities to equality and supporting a diverse profession which is representative of our communities. Highlighting a range of voices and working to ensure that no one with the right knowledge and skills is excluded from law as a career.

“These are a core feature of our new strategy. But, we also know that there are difficult times ahead for many. In the early stages of the pandemic we announced a £2.2m financial package to support our members by reducing core fees. We are now looking ahead to the challenges of a recovering legal services market and economy, supporting unemployed and under-employed members.

“There have also been new opportunities created out of the necessity to support new ways of working. The digitalisation of our courts is driving changes in practice and the use of artificial intelligence and digital solutions are allowing legal firms to deliver services in new and innovative ways. Embracing digital and helping members to take advantage of the technology available will be a key part of sustaining, recovering and growing the profession in the future.”