Law Society news
Legal Aid Payment Review Panel report
The Society's Legal Aid Committee Co-convener, Ian Moir, comments on a report from the Legal Aid Payment Review Panel published this month
Comment on reforming the criminal justice system
The Society's President Ken Dalling, responds to Scotland’s Justice Secretary Keith Brown’s comments on potential reform of the criminal justice system.
UK-Australia trade deal: A welcome step towards greater collaborative engagement
The UK-Australia free trade Agreement in Principle offers an insight into the commitments made on legal and wider professional services provision, including recognition of qualifications, mobility and market access.
Comment on Scottish Government consultation analysis on reforming legal complaints
The Society's President Ken Dalling comments following the publication of the analysis of the Scottish Government consultation on proposals to improve the current complaints system.
Court business plan in level 0
Law Society President, Ken Dalling, responds to the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service's briefing on court business once Scotland moves into level 0.
Diversity data offers most complete picture of profession yet
Diversity data collected for the first time as part of the annual Practising Certificate renewal process offers a valuable insight into today’s Scottish legal profession.
Secondment opportunity in Brussels
The UK Law Societies' Joint Brussels Office has an exciting opportunity for trainee solicitors, newly qualified solicitors, or paralegals to gain international experience with a three-month secondment at its office.
Angus wins 2021 In-house Rising Star Award
In-house solicitor Angus Niven has been crowned as the Society's in-house rising star of 2021.
End of an era for Law Society as Chief Exec announces retiral
Law Society of Scotland Chief Executive Lorna Jack has today announced that she will retire from the organisation at the end of 2021 after 13 years in post.
Peebles High School wins national debating tournament for second year in a row
Thomas Dunmur and Laura Eggleton of Peebles High School have been crowned Scotland’s best young debaters, after winning the grand final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament 2020/21, organised by the Law Society of Scotland.
Fraud alert - fake law firm
We have been notified of a fake law firm named McCallum and Co which claims to offer legal advice in personal injury and accident compensation cases. There is no firm of solicitors of this name registered with the Law Society.
Qualified One Way Costs Shifting update
New rules in relation to Qualified One Way Costs Shifting (QOCS) are due to come into effect on 30 June 2021
Legal aid trainee fund launches
The Scottish Government’s £1 million fund to support 40 legal aid traineeships in Scotland has opened to applicants.
Two shortlisted for In-house Rising Star Award 2021
Two solicitors have been shortlisted for the Law Society of Scotland In-house Rising Star Award 2021 in recognition of their work as in-house lawyers.
Call for new regulatory framework for police body cameras before increasing use
The Society has said that oversight, governance and transparency will be essential in relation to police officers wearing body cameras.
Recommended trainee pay held for second year
The recommended rates of pay for trainee solicitors will not change for the second year in a row, due to the ongoing economic impact of coronavirus, the Society has confirmed.
Law Society makes UK Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces index
The Law Society of Scotland has been named one of the UK's Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces at the National Centre for Diversity's 2021 FREDIE Awards.
Diversity and inclusion on the agenda for Scotland’s in-house lawyers
In-house solicitors are set to hear from expert speakers and panellists covering a range of topics, including the impact of Covid-19, wellbeing and sustainability, at the online In-house Annual Conference on 16 and 17 June. The winner of this year's In-house Rising Star Award will also be announced.
Pride 2021
As Pride month 2021 begins, our new President Ken Dalling sends his best wishes to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Solicitors approve continued financial support for profession
Scottish solicitors have voted this evening to approve a practising certificate fee for 2021-22 of 10% less than the pre-pandemic cost in 2019-20.
Scottish solicitor at heart of Malawi independence story receives Law Society lifetime honorary membership
An eminent Scottish solicitor, who was instrumental in establishing the independence of Malawi, will be awarded honorary life membership of the Law Society of Scotland later today.
New report confirms alarm of Scottish solicitors over discharges to care homes
A report published by the Mental Welfare Commission confirms concerns previously raised by the Law Society's Mental Health and Disability Committee about the circumstances in which the transfers of vulnerable people from hospital to care homes were carried out.
Statement on the nomination of Keith Brown as Cabinet Secretary for Justice
Keith Brown MSP has been nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for Justice.
Fraud alert - business development
Read our latest fraud alert about an organisation offering business development opportunities for a brokerage fee.