Legal news

Gilson Gray opens in Aberdeen
Two partners lead further full service office

Pinsent Masons wins WELL certification for new office
New Edinburgh base accredited for wellbeing standards

Criminal trial backlog reducing, SCTS claims
Monthly figures show variable performance in June, but overall queue falls

Supreme Court to hear full argument in referendum case
Question of prematurity to be heard along with substantive issues

Employers warned over health and safety as heat bites
Workers may be entitled to leave unless protective measures in place

Record financial year for TLT
Law firm enjoys major growth in revenue

Andrew Masraf named as next Pinsent Masons head
Private equity specialist succeeds Richard Foley from 1 October

Judges change views on not proven, corroboration reform
Consultation response reveals majority now favour double abolition

Practice note directs in-person child welfare hearings
Second all-Scotland directive applies to actions raised from 13 July

UK asks Supreme Court to decline indyref bill hearing
Initial response seeks to have case put off until bill finally passed

Supreme Court "thriving" despite COVID: annual report
Cases heard and decided in 2021-22 slightly up on previous year

Four more sheriffs named temporary judges
Appointments to help deal with High Court jury trials

Majority favour two verdicts: Scots consultation report
Analysis finds preference for guilty/not guilty, and jury size still 15

MSPs call for views on National Care Service Bill
Stage 1 public consultation runs until 2 September

LSA project aims to break offender disadvantage cycle
Three year project will work on support needs for those in two prisons

Heritable court practice note is first for all Scotland
Joint guidance from sheriffs principal aims for greater consistency

Regulation views still polarised: consultation analysis
Government's middle option finds little favour as opinion stays split

Attempt to speed up child case was flawed: Appeal Court
Case to be reheard as sheriff's decision failed to address issues

Award success for Turcan Connell
Honour as law firm celebrates 25th anniversary

Domestic slavery exempt from diplomatic immunity: UKSC
Supreme Court allows tribunal claim of forced trafficking and slavery

Reference reveals Lord Advocate's indyref bill doubts
Published document sets out question Supreme Court asked to determine

Balfour+Manson promotes three to senior associate
James Hyams, Carolyn Jackson, and Peter Littlefair recognised

Land reform back on the agenda in new consultation
Rural land ownership under scrutiny ahead of "ambitious" bill

Gibson Kerr promotes Nadine Martin to partner
Family law specialist heads round of promotions and appointments