Law Society news
Gordon MacNeil FAQs
Cowdenbeath law firm Gordon MacNeil Solicitors has ceased to practise. A Judicial Factor has been appointed and is working to ensure secure transition of all files, documentation and the client account and we have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
2025-26 Practising Certificate fee approved at AGM
Three resolutions were passed at the Law Society AGM on 19 June, including the Practising Certificate fee for 2025-26.
Fraud alert: Fake standing orders
We have been alerted to an attempt to defraud a firm’s client account using multiple fake standing order mandates.
Legal aid crisis to deepen with 41% of solicitors considering exit
A survey of Scottish legal aid solicitors has revealed further evidence of a deepening crisis in access to justice, with 41% of respondents either planning to stop legal aid work within two years or unsure whether they will continue.
Nairn Academy wins 25th anniversary Dewar debate final
Two pupils from Nairn Academy have won this year’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debate tournament, as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Law Society President pays tribute to Lauren Fowler
The Society's President Pat Thom has paid tribute to Council member Lauren Fowler who passed away recently.
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,
Joint letter calls for urgent increase in Scottish legal aid fees
The Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Association of Law Centres have jointly written to a parliamentary committee examining civil legal aid provision in Scotland to emphasise the urgent need for an increase in legal aid fees.
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.