Law Society news
New planning legislation must deliver
In our briefing issued to MSPs, we have warned that the Planning (Scotland) Bill is currently unworkable and risks adding significant additional costs on local authorities, developers and communities.
Broadening Horizons, Creating Opportunities
Our Head of International, Katie Hay, updates us on trade missions and other resources available for firms looking to expand into overseas markets.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month responding to proposed changes in the law. Recent highlights include responses on succession law, vulnerable witnesses and environmental protections after Brexit!
New president for Law Society
Falkirk-based solicitor John Mulholland is the new President of the Law Society
Dame Elish Angiolini awarded honorary membership
Dame Elish Angiolini has been awarded Honorary Membership of the Law Society in its 70th year
Zambian law leader chooses Scotland for executive internship
A leading figure from a law association in Africa has chosen Scotland and its Law Society for a three-week executive internship in Scotland to learn lessons on how to build capacity in his home country.
Council election rounds sees new and familiar faces and co-conveners elected to the In-house Lawyers Committee
One brand new member and four familiar faces have been elected by their peers to join the Law Society of Scotland’s Council, in the latest round of contested elections.
SSDT consultation: standard of proof
The Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal (SSDT) is consulting on the standard of proof which it applies in professional misconduct cases.
Giuseppe Pia: Decoding legal tech
Giuseppe Pia, trainee at Burness Paull, is the first person to undertake a legal tech seat at the firm; a dual role with the Tech & Commercial team and the firm’s innovation manager. Over the course of three blogs, Giuseppe will de-code the hot topic of legal tech and explain what he’s learning about this growing area of legal service.
Greater publicity required on importance of making a will
In our response to a Scottish Government consultation, we have stressed the importance of making a will and keeping it updated.
Law Society launches first sector-wide survey on mental health
We are urging everyone working in Scotland’s legal sector to take part in a new survey on mental health in the workplace.
Law Society tribute to Dr Iain Macmillan CBE
The Law Society of Scotland has paid tribute to its former President Iain MacMillan CBE, who passed away on 8 May 2019.
Loss of EU environmental governance could see drop in current protections in UK post-Brexit
We have called for current environmental protections to remain intact after the UK leaves the European Union.
How to get a more diverse group of people applying to your organisation
Rob Marrs, our Head of Education, talks about the recent roundtable we hosted for people from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background, and explains the steps you can take to get a more diverse group of people applying to your organisation.
Public policy highlights
Our policy committees have had a busy month responding to proposed changes in the law. Recent highlights include responses on redundancy protection for women and new parents, defamation, charity law and more!
Glasgow and in-house solicitors voting open for Council seats
Voting is open for the Law Society of Scotland Glasgow & Strathkelvin constituency and for the In-house Lawyers Committee (ILC) convener elections, with all Glasgow and in-house solicitors being encouraged to make the most of their vote.
Greater consistency needed for vulnerable accused people
Report sets out five key steps to ensure greater consistency for vulnerable accused people
Career development mentoring - is it for you?
Nadine Martin, an associate in the family law team at Harper Macleod, explains why she wanted to become a mentor within the profession and tells us about the training required to do so.
Will I be replaced by a robot, or worse, an algorithm?
Digital expert Craig Paterson examines the challenges - and significant opportunities - of data and artificial intelligence in the legal sector
Pay boost recommended for trainee solicitors
Our governing Council agreed that the recommended remuneration for trainee solicitors should be £19,500 for those in their first year and £22,500 for second-year trainees, an increase of £500.
Legal aid fee increase must be part of wider reform
With a global 3% increase to legal aid fees taking effect from today, 26 April 2019, we have highlighted that this fee increase must be part of a wider package of reform.
Law Society criticises SLCC for failing to listen over budget plans
The Society has criticised the SLCC for failing to listen to concerns over its plans to impose a third consecutive above-inflation rise in its budget and levy, and has highlighted the need for improved oversight of the organisation.
Devolved taxes - tell us your views!
Our policy sub-committees are responding to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Devolved Taxes: Policy Framework and we would be pleased to hear from you with any views and experiences.
New rules provide greater clarity for Scottish solicitors
Changes to Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules will provide Scottish solicitors with greater clarity on what is expected of them in their interactions with the Society and their duty to comply with the 2017 Anti-Money Laundering Regulations.