Legal news

Two renewables appointments at Burness Paull
Partner and senior associate lateral hires

Same sex marriages to be legal from Hogmanay
Commencement date will make 31 December ceremonies possible

High Court accused must have informed choice of lawyer: appeal court
Practice rules “inadequate” to ensure accused properly advised

Appeal to take part in Scottish Arbitration Survey
Joint project attempts to assess scale of use of arbitration

Ministers to propose candour duty for health and social care
People would have to be told when harm has occurred

Pinsent Masons appoints new Glasgow head
Barry McCaig steps up as Fraser McMillan takes global role

Eight associate promotions at Harper Macleod
Firm also planning recruitment as part of growth plans

Holyrood backs petition for register of judges' interests
Ministers consider current safeguards sufficient to ensure impartiality

MSPs call for financial devolution submissions
Finance Committee to inquire into possible new Holyrood powers

Ministers propose new wilful neglect in healthcare offence
Consultation opens on how to deal with Mid-Staffs type situations

Scottish Arbitration Centre moves up in the world
New Princes Street premises offer improved facilities

Proposed property transaction tax rates show steep payment curve
Lower priced houses to gain, but dearer ones to pay much more

Macmillan outlines MacRoberts' growth plans
10% headcount rise targeted in next year, following stable results

Justice Secretary survives "No confidence" vote
62-54 majority as MSPs reject Labour motion

Registers opens short-run survey on 2012 Act awareness
"All affected by the change" invited to complete online form

Holyrood passes Courts Reform Bill
Unopposed decision after stage 3 amendments

Entries open for Scottish Legal Awards
Society's Lorna Jack to chair judging panel

Draft Scottish tax regulations published
Ministers prepare for April 2015 date for new taxes

MacAskill to face "no confidence" vote
Labour tables motion following police firearms policy shift

Smith Commission invites public to send in views
Call for individuals' ideas for further devolution

Ministers propose private sector tenancy shakeup
Terms, security, notice, grounds for removal all set to change

Council solicitor takes In-house Rising Star Award
Midlothian's Vlad Valiente becomes second winner

Judges should consider Jury Manual directions for themselves: appeal court
"Ultimate responsibility for analysing legal issues" remains with judge

Cable to push for minimum apprentice wage rise
Proposal to bring rate up to that for 16-17 year olds