Legal news

Commissioner fears as ministers' FoI extension powers "woefully underused"
Special report to MSPs calls for new approach to designation

Swinney to unveil revised LBTT rates this week
One year agreement on block grant reached with UK Government

Immigration controls feature in next round of Dewar Debate
64 schools to debate whether to abolish controls

Decrofting policy dispute to go to Court of Session
Commission seeks special case after Land Court reversal

Shawlands wins COPFS-backed Glasgow schools contest
Public speaking competition final took hate crime theme

Eyewitnesses remember better with eyes closed, study finds
"Building a rapport with witnesses" also a benefit

"Making Advice Work" evaluation reports positive results to date
SLAB-run scheme makes difference to people struggling with welfare cuts

Intervention by Society in Borders legal firm
Partner absence forces professional body to act

SLAB wins ruling in dispute over fee following change of plea
Only half the fixed fee payable, even for plea to part of complaint

Council workers win judicial interest on equal pay award
Employment tribunal rejects bid for damages for hurt feelings

Anderson Strathern unveils growth results
Turnover recovers and profits 12% up

Morisons makes property associate hire
Claire Reid joins from Bannatyne Kirkwood France

Call for evidence goes out on Human Trafficking Bill
Justice Committee keen to hear from those directly affected

Ministers' prison monitoring plans approved
New service will replace prison visiting committees

Renewables specialist to join Brodies
Kirsty Macpherson moving from Gillespie Macandrew

Legal bodies renew calls for Assisted Suicide Bill clarity
MSPs hear evidence at stage 1

Double arbitration catch for Shepherd & Wedderburn
Two join as London partners from US firm

Weightmans hires insurance team for Glasgow office
Partner and two associates join from Anderson Strathern

First Scottish "Justice First Fellowship" appointee announced
Deirdre Flanigan to benefit from support

ECHR concerns over Counter-Terrorism Bill, Society claims
Questions raised over temporary exclusion and passport seizure powers

Burnett & Reid announces promotions round
Partner and associate promotions as senior partner moves to consultant

International firm Kennedys moves into Scotland
Frank Gill and Rory Jackson to lead offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow

Scots LawCare users up in 2014, against national fall
Solicitors and trainees make proportionately more calls to helpline

Abuse accused fails to recover Crown psychiatric report on wife
“Fishing” diligence where accused had complainer's medical records