Law Society news
Solicitor Accounts Rules consultation launched
The Law Society of Scotland is seeking law firm cashroom managers'/solicitors’ views on proposals to update its current Accounts Rules.
The proposed changes aim to modernise the rules and where possible, simplify requirements placed on members while ensuring continued high professional standards and robust protection for the public.
Scottish Government must address unregulated deprivations of liberty
The Scottish Government’s continued failure to ensure deprivations of liberty are appropriately regulated must be addressed as a matter of priority, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Law Society highlight deep concerns in responses to Scottish Government's Not Proven Consultation
Stuart Munro, Convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Criminal Law Committee has responded to the Scottish Government's publication and analysis of responses to its Not Proven Consultation and highlighted some deep concerns from those with the greatest understanding of our justice system.
HM Treasury approval for AML guidance for the legal sector
HM Treasury has approved updated anti-money laundering guidance developed by the Legal Sector Affinity Group
New report demonstrates consensus on the need to reform legal services regulation in Scotland
The Scottish Government has published its analysis of responses to its recent consultation on reforming the regulation of legal services. We welcome the high level of agreement from respondents on improving regulatory processes.
New solicitor advocates introduced
Eight new solicitor advocates granted extended rights of audience by our Council have been introduced to the Court at a ceremony at Parliament House.
Summer school gives legal inspiration to less-advantaged pupils
Nearly 100 less-advantaged pupils have shown their ambition to join the legal profession by attending a four-day virtual summer school hosted by the Society.
Law Society responds to offer on legal aid
Law Society President Murray Etherington has responded to an announcement from the Scottish Government on legal aid, saying the funding offer falls far short of the investment the Society has argued for and believes is necessary to retain solicitors in the legal aid system to ensure access to justice for all.
Law Society responds to offer on legal aid (1)
Law Society President Murray Etherington has responded to an announcement from the Scottish Government on legal aid, saying the funding offer falls far short of the investment the Society has argued for and believes is necessary to retain solicitors in the legal aid system to ensure access to justice for all.
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.