Law Society news
LGBT+ History Month: Equality for all under the law
In a statement to mark the end of LGBT+ History Month, Law Society President, Amanda Millar confirms the Society's principles for equality for all under the law and our belief in the worth, value and inclusion of all trans people in the legal profession and wider society.
Maintaining respect for the rule of law in public debate
In public debate it is important to continue to respect the rule of law and our independent legal system, says Amanda Millar, President of the Society.
Public Policy highlights - February 2021
The Society’s policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law. Key pieces of work completed in February are highlighted in our latest update.
Bookings open for solicitor advocate introductory course
Bookings are now open for the introductory course for solicitor advocate applicants that will take place on Friday, 12 March 2021 via Zoom.
Eight new solicitor advocates introduced to Court
Eight solicitors, granted extended rights of audience by the Law Society of Scotland’s Council, have been introduced to the Court at a virtual ceremony on 19 February.
Inaugural AML supervisory report and Risk Appetite statement published
In February 2021, we published our inaugural annual anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory report, highlighting the breadth and range of AML initiatives that the Law Society of Scotland has recently undertaken, along with our first supervisory AML Risk Appetite statement.
Fraud alert - fake solicitor stamp and signature
We have been alerted to a scam involving the misuse of the name of a retired English-qualified solicitor as a witness to a signature on a Scottish residential lease.
Law Society calls for Scotland-wide high-rise cladding assessment following new funding announcement
We have welcomed the UK Government’s recent announcement on making further funding available for removing dangerous cladding on high rise buildings and called for a Scotland-wide assessment of high-rise buildings.
Court business reduction extended throughout March
The safety of court users remains of primary concern as the Lord President announces that the current reduction in court business will remain in place throughout March 2021.
Dewar Debate semi-finalists confirmed
Pupils from schools across Scotland debated the motion “This house would abolish the Olympic Games” to win a place in the semi-finals of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Payments to the Law Society
Members are reminded that all payments should be made via bank transfer or over the phone via credit or debit card. We are unable to process and bank cheques.
Scottish Government legal aid resilience fund open
We're encouraging legal aid firms to look closely at the criterial for the Coronavirus Resilience and Recovery Fund for legal aid and apply if they are eligible.
Public Policy update January 2021
Our policy committees analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law - read more about the key pieces of work they completed in January.
Racial Inclusion Group launches
The Law Society of Scotland’s new Racial Inclusion Group has officially launched, with Tatora Mukushi, a solicitor with Shelter Scotland, appointed as convener.
Traineeship numbers hit by pandemic
Our latest figures show that the number of traineeships offered by solicitors fell by more than a quarter in the last practice year, as the effect of the coronavirus pandemic took its toll.
Our priorities for the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections
The Law Society has set out its priorities for 2021 Scottish Parliament election