Law Society news
New Law Society President ready for challenges ahead
Leading the profession as we come out of the Coronavirus lockdown, promoting the principles of equality and diversity, the value of a viable, strong legal profession to civil society and pressing for a robust, modern regulatory system will be key issues in the year ahead, according to the new President of the Law Society of Scotland.
Solicitors approve reduction to cost of practising, in support of Society’s £2.2m financial support package
A reduction to the practising certificate fee for 2020-21 was approved by solicitors today, at the Law Society of Scotland’s first ever virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Gender equality roundtables findings published
The findings of roundtables examining key gender equality issues and attended by people from across the legal profession have been published today by the Law Society of Scotland.
Philip Yelland retires after 30 years at Law Society
Our Executive Director of Regulation, Philip Yelland, retires after 30 years at the Society
Proactive approach needed in restarting jury trials
The Society has said the profession is committed to ensuring delivery of an effective justice system during this challenging period and that it is motivated to take a proactive approach in restarting criminal jury trials.
Notarising documents via video call
A relaxation to the requirements for a notary or solicitor to be physically present for the execution of certain documents means that notarising can now be undertaken via video call.
New and familiar faces returned to Law Society Council
New Council members will represent all constituencies involved in this year's elections to the Law Society of Scotland's Council, with familiar faces also returning.
Reduction in new business due to COVID-19
The results of a survey of over 150 Scottish law firms has revealed the impact coronavirus restrictions are having on the profession.
Extension to the ADS reclaim period
Isobel d’Inverno, Convener of our Tax Law Sub-committee discusses legislative changes to the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) and Revenue Scotland’s operations arising from Covid-19
Four schools reach Dewar Debate finals
Teams from schools across Scotland have won places in the grand final of the Law Society's national debating tournament.
British Business Bank Future Fund
A new Future Fund to support innovative UK companies through the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will open for online applications on Wednesday 20 May.
Covid-19 testing for the Scottish legal profession
The Scottish Government has expanded the testing programme in Scotland and we are keen to ensure that our members understand what is available, where and how to find out if they are eligible.
Law Society to join jury trials working group
Stuart Munro from the Society's Criminal Law Committee is to join a short-term working group established by Lord Carloway to consider the practicalities of recommencing trials by jury which meet public health guidelines during the Coronovirus outbreak.
Joint statement from the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Scotland
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Scotland have reached an agreement on the collection of the levy to fund the SLCC in 2020.
Rachel joins Law Society top team
Rachel Wood joins the Law Society of Scotland next week as our new Executive Director of Regulation.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
Explore our week-long events programme during Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, May 18-22. We're hosting a free, virtual event every day, in collaboration with Clio.
Derek Ogg QC
Tribute to Derek Ogg QC who sadly passed away on Friday 1 May 2020.
Supporting the profession during the Coronavirus outbreak
We highlight some of the the support and guidance available to our members during the Coronavirus outbreak.
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.