Legal news

Solicitor owed duty to lender when seeking discharge, court rules
Majority find liability for negligently stating full loan to be repaid

Commission discussion paper proposes new prescription rules
Latent damage and contracting out among topics covered

Right to die campaigner's challenge to Lord Advocate fails on appeal
Non-publication of prosecution policy not a breach of human rights

Volunteers to watch over courts' treatment of women
New attempt to understand sentencing decisions

High Court affirms correct bail hearing forum
Sheriff has no locus once case called in High Court

Commission's annual report marks achievements of 50th year
Chairman welcomes progress under new parliamentary procedures

Blackadders achieves Glasgow base with Boyle Shaughnessy merger
Tayside based firm now in Scotland's four main cities

Scottish ministers steer clear of charity lobbying conditions
UK funding terms not to be copied

Supreme Court restates English "joint enterprise" law
Intent to assist or encourage, not foresight, is proper mental element

Real estate senior associate appointment for Weightmans
Afshan Khan returns to private practice

SYLA announces Civil Day Conference details
Wide ranging programme covers court craft and civil law

Bolder action needed on digital subscription portability: Society
Proposed EU regulation should have wider scope

Glasgow Sheriff Court "appalling" for female prisoners, inspectors find
"Degrading and inhumane" sanitation among facilities criticised

Auto-enrolment easier than expected for small employers, NEST reports
National scheme provider claims smooth process for 2015 starters

No Maclays-Addleshaws merger in prospect
Reported talks come to nothing

Protective expenses hearings are not detailed inquiries, judges warn
Appeal court expresses concerns over lengthy procedure

OPG fees to rise from 1 April
Small rises for most power of attorney applications

Aberdeen Law Project names new student director
Louise Sloan to take over from Lindsay McCormick

Murray Beith Murray acquires tax consultancy
Neil Ross & Co joins forces with private client firm

Complainer wins legal aid to object to medical record release
Court agrees article 8 requires minimum disclosure necessary

Swinney defends LBTT record
Government insists tax "on track", despite lower than expected receipts

Presumed liability petition nears 10,000 mark
Campaign for Holyrood to change 'inherently unjust' system

Questions for Scottish Court Service
SCS criticised for repeating offensive material in full on its website

Community Justice Bill given final approval
Reform creates combination of national and local approaches