Law Society news
Proposed SLCC budget risks increased costs for consumers
We have criticised the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission's plans for a third consecutive above-inflation levy on solicitors which risks rising costs for legal services consumers.
Accredited Paralegal blog: March 2019
Janet Rieu-Clarke, our Accredited Paralegal has been out and about this week, meeting Accredited Paralegals, solicitors and paralegals who are not accredited... Yet! She's had her pic taken for the First 100 Years project, shares some great news in numbers and invites you to get involved and share your own stories.
Minimising risks in a high risk area
The legal sector’s provision of Trust or Company services as an inherently high risk area of business and one which will provide the focus for our next phase of AML supervisory activity.
International Women’s Day 2019 President’s Speech
International Women’s Day 2019 President’s speech delivered at the President’s Annual Dinner in Edinburgh, by our President, Alison Atack.
Majority of solicitors say Law Society should continue to regulate the profession
93% of respondents in our Annual Members' Survey agree that the Law Society should continue to be responsible for representation, support and regulation of solicitors in Scotland, according to independent research by Mark Diffley Consultancy and Research and Survation.
Law students! Win Scottish Parliament work experience and £500 cash
If you’re a Diploma student, or an LLB student in your final or penultimate year, this is your chance to win three weeks’ paid work experience in the Office of the Solicitor to the Scottish Parliament as well as a £500 cash prize.
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.
Establishing legal aid fee review panel a positive step
The conveners of the Law Society’s legal aid committees are among members of the Scottish Government’s Legal Aid Payment Framework Review Panel, announced today.
Email scam
We have been informed of scam emails sent to law firms and claiming to be from a client in connection with the purchase of a property.
First female solicitor appointed Dean of Greenock Faculty of Procurators
Law Society president Alison Atack congratulates Jill Carrick, the first woman to be appointed Dean of the Faculty of Procurators in Greenock
Consultation on proposed practice rule changes
The Society is consulting on proposed rule changes in advance of the 2019 AGM on 30 May.
Reform required to strengthen cohabitants’ rights
The laws on cohabitation in Scotland are problematic and disadvantageous to vulnerable and grieving people, according to a report by the Law Society of Scotland.
Flash, bang, wallop what a picture! Be a part of history
It's International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March 2019 and we're taking part in a UK-wide photography project and we need female solicitors, paralegals, trainees, law students and any woman working for a law firm or legal team to pop into our offices to have their photo taken.
Role of ADR and pro bono in legal services provision to be examined
Access to Justice consultations open to better understand the use of alternative dispute resolution and pro bono work
Support your local faculty
Sharon Wares, a solicitor with The Highland Council and member of the Society's in-house lawyers committee, tells us why she is a proud member of the Faculty of Solicitors of the Highlands
International solutions required to protect privacy rights
Our response to the UK Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into whether new safeguards are required to regulate the use of personal data by private companies.
Partner, GC, specialist, freelancer? Inspirational speakers lined up for our career development roadshow
Olivia Parker, Careers Development Officer at the Law Society, talks about our upcoming career development roadshow and reveals our fantastic line-up of panel members so far for each location.
2019 financial health check for Scottish law firms launched
The 2019 financial health check for Scottish law firms opens - watch for your firm's email about this year's survey
Innovation Cup invites bright ideas for risk management
Risk management is at the heart of the annual Innovation Cup competition launched today by the Law Society of Scotland, in association with Master Policy lead insurers RSA and brokers, Lockton.
CPD…. what CPD?
Janet Rieu-Clarke, our Accredited Paralegal answers the most frequently asked questions about CPD.
Secret in-house lawyer - an employer's perspective on the traineeship interview
Our secret in-house solicitor contemplates what the employer can do to help candidates overcome their nerves for that all-important traineeship interview.
Public awareness crucial to proposed organ donation system
Our comments on proposals to move to an “opt-out” system for organ donation in Scotland.
Why we should celebrate mentoring
Two weeks after ACOSVO’s first cross-sectoral mentoring conference in conjunction with the Law Society, Phili Wetton, ACOSVO’s Engagement Manager, and mentoring programme co-ordinator, reflects on the event and the impact mentoring has for individuals, no matter what stage of life they are at.
Committee opportunities for influence and development
There are currently vacancies for solicitor and non-solicitor members on 17 of the Law Society’s wide range of committees.