Law Society news
New Crofting Bill important step towards modernisation
The introduction of a Bill aimed at simplifying the law around crofting is a welcome step towards long-awaited and much needed reform,
New Law Society President set for challenges ahead
Scottish Borders solicitor, Pat Thom takes up the reins as President of the Law Society of Scotland, bringing with her a unique international perspective.
New and returning members to represent Glasgow solicitors on Law Society Council
Two new and three returning members have been elected to represent Glasgow solicitors on the Law Society's Council.
Double admissions ceremony marks unprecedented growth for legal sector
The Law Society of Scotland has formally welcomed 145 new Scottish solicitors to the legal profession, marking unprecedented growth for the sector.
Law Society celebrates members with professional recognition
A select number of the Law Society of Scotland's members have received recognition for their work as they have been accredited in their chosen fields.
UK signing of international treaty a major step for lawyer protection
The Law Society of Scotland has hailed the signing of a new international treaty offering protection to legal professions and legal professional bodies in recognition of the vital work they do. The United Kingdom is one of 17 Council of Europe member states that have now signed the Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer.
New legislation to usher in major improvements to legal services regulation
A decade-long campaign by the Law Society has brought new legislation that will better protect legal services consumers and benefit Scotland’s legal sector. The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill will see the Law Society continue as the independent regulator of Scottish solicitors, while gaining new powers to act in the public interest.
Rule of law a vital ingredient for democracy
The rule of law alone is not sufficient to make a state democratic, but a state which does not observe it cannot be a healthy democracy.
New rule proposals aim to improve consumer protections on trusts
Proposals for new Law Society of Scotland rules will increase protections for people who have set up trusts with solicitors. The new rules will be considered by members at the Law Society’s annual general meeting in June.
Ben Kemp appointed to become Law Society of Scotland CEO
General Counsel, Executive Director and dual-qualified solicitor Ben Kemp has been appointed to become the new Chief Executive Officer of the Law Society of Scotland.
Legal questions matter as MSPs consider assisted dying proposals
The Law Society of Scotland has urged MSPs to consider a number of important technical legal matters, separate from the moral and ethical questions in relation to proposed assisted dying legislation.
Holyrood inquiry warned of looming ‘cliff edge’ for civil legal aid
The Law Society of Scotland has warned a Holyrood inquiry of a looming ‘cliff edge’ for legal aid provision, with action urgently needed to ensure access to justice.
Sheriff Principal defends judicial independence in Law Society annual dinner address
Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar KC (Hon) delivered a powerful address as she spoke of her career and the motivation to be part of the justice system from childhood, at the prestigious Law Society's annual dinner on Friday, 27 April.
Two stars shine as 2025’s In-house Rising Stars revealed
An early career solicitor at a global travel company and a trainee specialising in intellectual property and data protection have been crowned the Law Society of Scotland’s In-house Rising Stars.
Law Society reminds MSPs of duty to judicial independence
Law Society of Scotland President Susan Murray has written to remind Members of the Scottish Parliament of their moral and legal obligation to uphold the independence of the judiciary.
New Scottish solicitors given ceremonial welcome to profession
The Law Society of Scotland has formally welcomed 71 new solicitors to the profession at an admissions ceremony in central Edinburgh.
Trainee solicitors supported with increase in recommended pay
The Law Society of Scotland has increased its recommend minimum pay for trainee solicitors, in response to economy-wide wages growth and inflationary pressures.
AML guidance for legal sector updated
The Legal Sector Affinity Group (LSAG) has updated its HM Treasury-approved anti-money laundering (AML) compliance guidance for the legal sector.
Kevin Lang to take up interim CEO role at Law Society
The Society's Executive Director of Externals Relations will take up post as interim chief executive when current CEO Diane McGiffen steps down on Monday 28 April.
MSPs told of hard times for justice as legal aid deserts grow
Legal aid deserts continue to grow as solicitors working on civil matters abandon the system, the Law Society of Scotland has warned a parliamentary inquiry.
Law Society members reach new career heights
A select number of the Law Society of Scotland's members have achieved new heights in their careers as they have been accredited in their chosen fields.
New partnership bolsters Law Society sustainability commitment
The Law Society of Scotland has furthered its commitment to sustainability by partnering with the global climate network, the Legal Sustainability Alliance (LSA).
Nominations to join Law Society Council open
Nominations are now open to join the Law Society's governing Council to represent solicitors across Scotland.
Law Society Council backs international calls for US government to respect rule of law
The Law Society’s governing Council, which met on Friday, 28 March, has unanimously agreed to support calls for the US government to respect the rule of law and ensure that legal professionals can carry out their work without government interference.