Law Society news
New faces for Law Society of Scotland Council
Iain Jane has been appointed as the new Law Society Council member for solicitors in Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven. He is joined by new lay member Lesley Watt and Scottish Government solicitor Ruaraidh Macniven, who has been reappointed for a three-year term.
The 2022 In-House Rising Star winner announced
Mariel Kaney, Deputy Legal Secretary to the Lord President’s Private Office has been named the winner of the Law Society of Scotland’s In-House Rising Star Award 2022.
Law Society comment on the First Minister's plans for a second Scottish independence referendum
Murray Etherington, President of the Law Society of Scotland has commented on the First Minister's statement today on the Scottish Government's plans for a second Scottish independence referendum.
LawCare at 25 – ahead of the wellbeing curve
As we mark the 25th anniversary of LawCare, it's a timely moment to reflect on the charity's enormous contribution supporting individuals and changing attitudes to mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession.
Human rights must not be diminished by Bill of Rights
The Law Society of Scotland has said that existing rights of those living in the UK must not be diminished by the the Bill of Rights Bill introduced by the UK Government.
Vienna Declaration standing for the Rule of Law in Europe
The Law Society of Scotland has joined its legal peers across Europe in signing the Vienna Declaration in Support of the Rule of Law.
Expression of interest: Child interview rights practitioners
The Scottish Government intends to create and maintain a register of child interview rights practitioner (ChIRPs) and are inviting expressions of interest for children’s solicitors to support children in investigative interviews.
Two Shortlisted for the In-House Rising Star Award 2022
The annual Law Society of Scotland In-House Rising Star Award is back, and two Scottish solicitors have been shortlisted for this year’s award from six nominations.
Law Society condemns inflammatory language by UK Government
The Society has spoken out to condemn a repeat of inflammatory and derogatory language about lawyers doing their jobs by UK Government ministers.
Search is on for most innovative risk management idea
We have launched our search for the latest bright idea in risk management within the Scottish legal profession today, Monday, 13 June
Fortrose Academy wins Dewar Debate final at Scottish Parliament
Scotland’s best young debaters have been crowned, with pupils from Fortrose Academy winning the grand final of this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Comment on Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill
Responding to publication of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill, the Society's Criminal Law Committee Convener Stuart Munro has said the Bill, which aims to deliver improvements to current arrangements around bail and release from custody, comes at a critical time
Nominations open for Aberdeenshire Council member
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society's Council, representing members in the Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven constituency.
Reform must ensure that law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness
The Law Society of Scotland has called for legal reforms to ensure that the law does not discriminate against people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness.
AML Thematic Review of Policies, Controls & Procedures
The Society will be launching its AML Thematic Review of Policies, Controls & Procedures (PCPs) this month, June 2022.
Solicitors urged to help clients combat conveyancing fraud
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is encouraging Scottish solicitors involved in property conveyancing to make their clients aware of the risks of payment diversion fraud.
Resource Spending Review risks 20% real terms budget cut for Scotland’s justice sector
Responding to the Scottish Government’s Resource Spending Review announced yesterday, the Society has criticised the freezing of justice budgets until 2027, saying that the government’s commitment to the recovery of the courts post-pandemic requires investment which is not evident in the review.
Law Society leads the way with Investors in Diversity accreditation
The Law Society of Scotland has been awarded a prestigious Investors in Diversity accreditation, underlining its record of leading workplace best practice for the Scottish legal profession.
Law Society of Scotland celebrates Pride Month
We wish a Happy Pride to all LGBTQ+ plus people working in the legal profession and beyond. During the month we'll be hosting an inclusion event and supporting members and others attending Pride events across the country.