Law Society news
Justice not served as legal aid ignored again in Scottish Budget
The Scottish Government’s 2024-25 Budget continues its distorted and shortsighted approach to criminal justice, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
AML Certificate 2022 results
Our anti-money laundering (AML) Risk Manager, Jenni Rodgers, provides an update on the key insights and analysis from the data that practices provided in the 2022 AML Certificate.
Admissions ceremony 2023
Christmas has come early for 66 new Scottish solicitors, as they were formally welcomed to the profession at an admissions ceremony in Edinburgh. Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster presented each with a certificate of enrolment at the historic Signet Library, and they will now be entered into the roll of Scottish solicitors.
2023 annual members survey launches
The Law Society’s annual survey of its membership has been launched. It aims to provide a better understanding of members’ views on a wide range of topics, including where they believe the focus of the Society’s work should be.
Ceremony celebrates new solicitor advocates in 30th anniversary year
The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to seven solicitors, with the new solicitor advocates introduced to the Court in a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Fraud alert - Law Society
A fraudulent email has been sent to some solicitors purporting to be from the Law Society.
Rwanda Bill would undermine international law and judicial independence
The Law Society of Scotland has raised serious concerns about the likely legal ramifications of the UK Government’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.
Updated UK AML guidance published
The Legal Sector Affinity Group has published an important update to its anti-money laundering (AML) guidance for the UK legal profession, including proposed changes to the identification and verification approach.
Tributes to former Labour and Conservative Ministers
Our President has paid tribute to former Labour Chancellor, Lord Alistair Darling and to former Conservative Minister, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, long serving Edinburgh MPs and former lawyers: ‘This week we have lost two elder statesmen of Scottish and UK politics. Both were deeply committed public servants and highly regarded across the political spectrum.’
Law Society colleagues raise £3,606.40 for Scottish Autism
Law Society of Scotland colleagues have shown their support for autistic people by raising £3,606.40 for the charity Scottish Autism.
Law Society announces next phase of climate crisis response
The Law Society of Scotland has announced further steps in response to the escalating climate crisis, seeking to act and lead change across the legal sector.
Cross Party MSP report shows why Bill on legal services regulation must change
A critical cross-party MSP report on the Scottish Government’s new legislation on regulating legal services has shown why the Bill needs to change.
Pat Thom nominated as Law Society president-elect 2025/26
Solicitor Pat Thom has been nominated as president-elect 2025/26 of the Law Society of Scotland.
New look Journal set to go live in 2024 with Think Publishing
A new look Law Society of Scotland Journal is set to go live in 2024. The move follows the appointment of Think Publishing following a competitive tender process earlier this year.
Journal Editor receives Lifetime Achievement award
Peter Nicholson, editor of the Law Society of Scotland’s Journal magazine has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Herald Law Awards.
Law Society publishes annual plan for 2023-24
Supporting the legal profession and protecting the public interest lie at the heart of the Law Society’s annual plan for 2023-24.
Survey shows mental health issues widespread in legal profession
Results from our Profile of the Profession research suggest that nearly two out of three Scottish legal professionals have experienced mental health issues in the past five years, underlining the importance of our sector-wide focus on wellbeing.
AML annual supervisory report 2023
Read our 2023 anti-money laundering (AML) annual supervisory report, covering the AML work we've undertaken over the past year and key stats on the regulated population.
Legal aid reform is long overdue
The Society's President Sheila Webster comments on the Scottish Legal Aid Board annual report, saying reform of legal aid is long overdue.
Law Society supports IBA statement on Israel and Gaza conflict
The Law Society of Scotland has today supported the International Bar Association condemnation of the attacks by Hamas along with its call for urgent talks to restore peace.
New guide a watershed moment for law sector wellbeing
The Law Society of Scotland has underlined its commitment to the mental health of legal professionals with the launch of a new resource to guide workplaces.
