Legal news

Society sounds out solicitors on EU referendum issues
Questionnaire seeks to inform Society's role in debate

Faculty insists on inquiry rights in compulsory purchase response
Submission agrees that overhaul of law needed

Fathers call for denial of contact to be abuse offence
Form of coercive control, consultation response argues

Advocates oppose statutory directions in sex crime trials
Consultation response says trial judges should retain discretion

Gillespie Macandrew figures show mixed picture in year of choices
Revenue up 2% while profits showed dip, as strategy reviewed

Alien helps "Children's lives" primary schools law research
Leicester project brings insight into children's understanding

Banks not liable in most phone scams, Ombudsman reports
New warning over risks to elderly from “vishing” calls

Advance rent payment not a tenancy deposit, sheriff rules
Payment made to meet obligation, not give security for performance

Society backs attempt to devolve estate agency regulation
Carmichael to move amendment as Scotland Bill completes committee stage

Lindsays completes merger with Dundee's RSB Macdonald
RSB Lindsays launches as Tayside brand

Religious bodies fail to block abuse inquiry chair appointment
Judge finds no close association with party or likelihood of bias

Controversy as English MPs to gain override on exclusive measures
Concerns expressed over what is "English-only" legislation

Health and tobacco bill goes out to views
MSPs issue stage 1 call for evidence on disclosure measure

Simpson & Marwick adds to property team
Consultant and associate move from Shoosmiths

Parent snatching child should be dealt with as contempt: appeal court
Court refuses appeal against conviction for abduction

Former solicitor wins appeal against jail term for interdict breach
John O'Donnell admonished by appeal court

Ministers move to implement Commission's moveables report
Consultation opens on possession and title

Scottish Sentencing Council gears up for launch with new website
First phase unveiled ahead of October opening

Harper Macleod upgrades in Edinburgh
Office space trebled with Citypoint move

FAI Bill given stage 1 welcome
Justice Committee report asks ministers to consider further improvements

Domestic abuse disclosure scheme to be rolled out
Scotland-wide reach for "Clare's Law" by later this year

Human rights judges reject fairness complaint over reporting pre-retrial
English courts took correct approach and jury properly instructed

Fiscal framework concerns raised by Holyrood committee
MSPs question Treasury constraints on Scottish Government

Two partners named as Stronachs reveals promotions round
David Chalmers joins firm as five advance