Law Society news
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.
Admissions ceremony welcomes 46 new Scottish solicitors
Forty-six new Scottish solicitors have been formally welcomed to the profession at an admissions ceremony held at the Signet Library in central Edinburgh.
Spring celebrations for newly accredited Law Society members
Spring celebrations are in order for our solicitors and paralegals who have received recognition in their chosen area of practice.
Law Society to highlight civil legal aid crisis at Holyrood inquiry
The Law Society of Scotland will ensure a newly launched Holyrood inquiry understands the extent of the crisis in civil legal aid, and the changes required to restore the system.
Celebrations at first banking and finance paralegal accreditation
A senior paralegal in Edinburgh has become the first person to receive the Law Society of Scotland’s new paralegal accreditation in banking and finance.
Online teaching motion decides school debate finalists
A hotly contested debate on the rise of online teaching has sent four schools from across Scotland to the final of this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.
Social media debate decides Donald Dewar semi-finalists
Semi-final teams are preparing for the penultimate stage of this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating tournament next week, after debating the merits of social media verification.
Scottish Government’s legal aid plans fail to reflect urgency of crisis
The Law Society of Scotland says newly announced plans for legal aid fail to reflect the urgency and scale of the crisis in access to justice.
The Scottish Government has today released a legal aid discussion paper alongside plans to reduce the administrative burden of legal aid, but has remained silent on the key issue of inadequate fees driving solicitors to exit and putting the system into crisis.
Double solicitor admissions ceremony sets new record
Scotland’s legal sector has set a new record as more than 140 new solicitors were formally welcomed to the profession in central Edinburgh yesterday.
New solicitor advocates introduced to Court
The Law Society of Scotland granted extended rights of audience to 11 new solicitor advocates today, joining the 11 who were introduced last week.
More stars to rise as in-house solicitors’ award expands
The Law Society of Scotland has expanded its prestigious In-house Rising Star Award with a new category to recognise trainees, in addition to spotlighting newly qualified solicitors.
Extended rights of audience granted to 11 new solicitor advocates
The Law Society of Scotland has granted extended rights of audience to 11 new solicitor advocates at a ceremony held at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Friday, 14 February 2025.
AML round up: February 2025
Catch up on all the latest anti-money laundering (AML) updates, news and guidance from the Law Society's AML team.
Lord Beckett appointed as Lord Justice Clerk
The Law Society's President has congratulated the Rt. Hon Lord Beckett on his appointment as Lord Justice Clerk.
Law Society celebrates members with professional recognition
Solicitors and paralegals have celebrated the new year with recognition in their chosen area of practice.
Tributes paid to former Law Society secretary Kenneth Pritchard
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to its longstanding former Secretary, Kenneth Pritchard OBE, who has died at the age of 91.
Companies House ID verification checks changes
Firms that fall under anti-money laundering (AML) supervision and wish to provide identification verification checks to Companies House on behalf of their clients will soon be required to register as Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs).
Modernisation bill a positive step for criminal justice in Scotland
The Law Society of Scotland supports proposed changes to modernise criminal justice procedures, but says such reforms must be accompanied by increased funding for the criminal justice system.