Law Society news
Honorary Membership awarded to Peter Nicholson
Long-standing editor of The Journal, Peter Nicholson, has been conferred Honorary Membership of the Law Society of Scotland, becoming just the 21st person to be given the prestigious award.
AI and the courts – will machine decision-making ever replace judges?
Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice in England and Wales Sir Geoffrey Vos highlighted the role AI could play in the justice system in his keynote speech at the Society's Law and Technology Conference on 14 June 2023.
Scotland’s best high school debaters crowned in tense final
Scotland’s best high school debaters have been crowned, with two pupils from Broxburn Academy winning the 2023 final of the Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament.
Bright ideas in risk management sought for Innovation Cup
The search for the latest bright idea in risk management within the Scottish legal profession returns for another year.
Law Society acts to ensure students not impacted by marking boycott
The Law Society of Scotland has moved to support law students by advising universities that a marking and assessment boycott should not impede progress from undergraduate studies to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP).
In-House Rising Star Award heats up with shortlist announced
Four up-and-coming Scottish solicitors have been shortlisted as finalists for this year’s In-House Rising Star Award.
The judging panel will now select a final winner to be announced by Law Society of Scotland President Sheila Webster at the Society’s In-house Annual Conference on 20 June, 2023.
Solicitors invited to vote on PC fee at AGM
Solicitors are invited to vote on four resolutions at the Law Society of Scotland annual general meeting this month, including the proposed Practising Certificate fee for 2023/24.
Michael Samuel joins prestigious ranks with Honorary Membership
The Law Society of Scotland’s Council has selected respected Glasgow solicitor Michael Samuel as just the 20th person to receive Honorary Membership.
Moveable Transactions Bill: Get involved
The Moveable Transactions Bill seeks to modernise and reform Scots Law in relation to security over and assignation of moveable property. Registers of Scotland are inviting members of the legal profession to get involved in user testing of the related registers.
New Law Society President ready for challenges of year ahead
The Law Society's new President for 2023/24, Sheila Webster has pledged to fight for the independence of the legal profession from government, describing this as a critical time for the profession and the rule of law in Scotland.
Sheila takes up the presidency today, 19 May, with NHS Scotland solicitor Susan Murray becoming the Society's new Vice President.
Law Society joins international call for protection of lawyers’ independence following Scottish Government reform proposal risks
The Society has signed up to an international declaration on protecting the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession. The move follows our warnings about new proposals to reform regulation of legal services, which could see unprecedented direct intervention from Scottish Government ministers in our regulatory work, seriously risking the independence of the legal profession.
New legal sector engagement forum
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has set up a new legal sector engagement forum, which practices are being encouraged to join.
Cost-of-living pressures prompt recommended pay boost for trainees
The Law Society of Scotland has approved an unprecedented 10 per cent uplift in recommended pay for trainee solicitors to help with ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 - Programme of events
This year to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we've focused on the official theme of anxiety. Sessions include looking at different therapies to tackle anxiety, advice to support children, yoga flow and how nutrition can impact your mental health. Sessions take place 16-19 May, free of charge during lunchtimes.
Criminal justice reform must not undermine the right to a fair trial
Proposals to reform Scotland's criminal justice system must not undermine the fundamental right to a fair trial, according to the Law Society of Scotland.
New Bill to reform legal services regulation ‘seriously risks undermining the independence of the legal profession from the state’
New legislation published by the Scottish Parliament today, 21 April 2023 risks seriously undermining the independence of the legal profession from the state, the Law Society has warned.
Results of AML thematic review of Policies, Controls and Procedures published
Our anti-money laundering (AML) team has published the findings of its major thematic review into practices' Policies, Controls and Procedures (PCPs). All practices in scope of the money laundering regulations are recommended to fully consider the findings of this report and review their AML PCPs accordingly.
Time to shine for Scotland's in-house rising stars as 2023 award launches
It’s time for the best junior in-house solicitors in Scotland to shine, as the Law Society of Scotland has launched its In-House Rising Star Award for 2023.
AML attestation initial findings
The anti-money laundering (AML) team reveals the initial findings of its new supervisory attestation process, which was launched in November last year and is an ongoing piece of work reaching all practices who may not fall under the scope of our full high-risk AML inspection process.
Law Society invites nominations for new Council members
Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision-making body.
Hendrie Legal FAQs
Hendrie Legal has ceased to practice. We have put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to support clients of the firm.
AML breach reporting form updated
The Law Society of Scotland’s anti-money laundering (AML) team has released an updated breach reporting form.
