Law Society news
Gender equality roundtables findings published
The findings of roundtables examining key gender equality issues and attended by people from across the legal profession have been published today by the Law Society of Scotland.
Philip Yelland retires after 30 years at Law Society
Our Executive Director of Regulation, Philip Yelland, retires after 30 years at the Society
Proactive approach needed in restarting jury trials
The Society has said the profession is committed to ensuring delivery of an effective justice system during this challenging period and that it is motivated to take a proactive approach in restarting criminal jury trials.
Notarising documents via video call
A relaxation to the requirements for a notary or solicitor to be physically present for the execution of certain documents means that notarising can now be undertaken via video call.
New and familiar faces returned to Law Society Council
New Council members will represent all constituencies involved in this year's elections to the Law Society of Scotland's Council, with familiar faces also returning.
Reduction in new business due to COVID-19
The results of a survey of over 150 Scottish law firms has revealed the impact coronavirus restrictions are having on the profession.
Extension to the ADS reclaim period
Isobel d’Inverno, Convener of our Tax Law Sub-committee discusses legislative changes to the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) and Revenue Scotland’s operations arising from Covid-19
Four schools reach Dewar Debate finals
Teams from schools across Scotland have won places in the grand final of the Law Society's national debating tournament.
British Business Bank Future Fund
A new Future Fund to support innovative UK companies through the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will open for online applications on Wednesday 20 May.
Covid-19 testing for the Scottish legal profession
The Scottish Government has expanded the testing programme in Scotland and we are keen to ensure that our members understand what is available, where and how to find out if they are eligible.
Law Society to join jury trials working group
Stuart Munro from the Society's Criminal Law Committee is to join a short-term working group established by Lord Carloway to consider the practicalities of recommencing trials by jury which meet public health guidelines during the Coronovirus outbreak.
Joint statement from the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Scotland
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Law Society of Scotland have reached an agreement on the collection of the levy to fund the SLCC in 2020.
Rachel joins Law Society top team
Rachel Wood joins the Law Society of Scotland next week as our new Executive Director of Regulation.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
Explore our week-long events programme during Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, May 18-22. We're hosting a free, virtual event every day, in collaboration with Clio.
Derek Ogg QC
Tribute to Derek Ogg QC who sadly passed away on Friday 1 May 2020.
Supporting the profession during the Coronavirus outbreak
We highlight some of the the support and guidance available to our members during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month analysing and responding to proposed changes in the law to positively influence the creation of a fairer and more just society.
AML Registration Requirements during the Covid-19 crisis
Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the Disclosure Scotland service is currently only processing applications for people working on sectors deemed vital at this time. HM Treasury are content that, on a temporary basis, firms or new sole practitioners can provide a statutory declaration that the BOOM(s) does not have a relevant criminal conviction as part of the application.
£2.2 million package of financial support for Scottish solicitors
The Law Society of Scotland has announced an "unprecedented" package of financial support for members in recognition of the critical situation which faces individuals and firms.
SLCC budget ‘tone-deaf’ to the financial crisis facing the legal profession
The SLCC has laid its final budget for 2020/21 before the Scottish Parliament, increasing the levy which must be paid by every practising solicitor by 3.5% and making no recognition of the impact of COVID-19 on the profession.
Registers of Scotland digital submission service
We have updated our property guidance in light of the launch of Registers of Scotland's digital submission service, which will enable Scottish solicitors to submit scanned deeds for registration with effect from Monday 27 April 2020.
Gradual extension of court business is positive development for access to justice
The staggered reopening of the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) for civil business will have a positive impact on access to justice for the vulnerable families, individuals and businesses served by the Scottish legal profession, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
Newest legal technology specialist accredited by the Law Society
Legal technology specialist Andre Boyle has been awarded Accredited Legal Technologist status by the Law Society of Scotland.
Update on civil business
Our chief executive, Lorna Jack, has now written to the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service with feedback on their urgent civil business protocol gathered from members of our Civil Justice Committee.