Legal news

Glasgow and Edinburgh planning Scottish Bar Association
Nationwide body would seek to negotiate on legal aid

Thompsons appoints Glasgow partner
Alan Rodgers joins from Drummond Miller

Four lawyers among Pensions Appeal Tribunal appointments
Fourteen chosen by Lord President for Scottish body

Islands Bill must reflect residents' priorities, MSPs report
Bill endorsed but local decision making crucial

Scottish social security appeals rules go out to consultation
Ministers propose procedure for new First-tier Tribunal chamber

MEPs propose new European Parliament makeup after Brexit
Numbers to be cut, some seats shared out, and new EU-wide list

Modern slavery could be far bigger problem than realised, expert claims
Abuse is not confined to gangs trafficking people from overseas

SYLA announces two new career events
Advice on offer from in-house lawyers and Supreme Court judicial assistants

Urquharts hires private client partner and manager
Two join Edinburgh firm from Shoosmiths

Member's bill proposal seeks to counter abuse of retail staff
Threats following age challenges a particular concern

MSPs to examine how Holyrood stands up for human rights
Committee calls for evidence from those who fight for their rights

Advocates call for clarity over CJEU role – but deal must come first
Submission argues relationship terms must precede dispute mechanism

Non-harassment order competent when sentence deferred: appeal sheriffs
Judges distinguish ASBOs and see no practical difficulties

Harper Macleod hires partner for Lerwick office
Stewart MacGregor returns to Shetland

Guidance published on instructing parliamentary counsel
Scottish team joins UK initiative to share knowledge

Scots welfare claimants to have right to support at health assessments
Bill amendment claimed to make Scotland different; DWP disagrees

Society hits back at "inflation-busting" SLCC levy plan
President calls for "proper independent oversight" of complaints body

SLCC proposes further 8.5% levy rise
Complaints body calls for public debate about funding

Justice Committee in split decision to back Offensive Behaviour Act repeal
SNP minority would seek "constructive amendments"

MSPs in Westminster talks over EU Withdrawal Bill
Cross-party group meeting peers and MPs to avert "constitutional crisis"

MSP consults on bill for social housing sprinkler systems
David Stewart wants fire suppression in all new-build social housing

Grahame chairs as Sturgeon opens series on Scotland After Brexit
Five party leaders invited to share hopes and concerns

Holyrood waves Civil Litigation Bill through at stage 1
Unopposed approval after first debate, but amendments likely

Blackadders hires Glasgow residential property head
Karen Fulton joins from Harper Macleod