Legal news

"Gay cake" case rejected by Strasbourg court
Case inadmissible because Convention rights not invoked before UK courts

Local bars quit duty schemes in legal aid protest
Borders and Aberdeen solicitors announce withdrawal from all schemes

GBA backs Society on regulation reform
Response emphasises efficient regulation of independent profession

Three join SLCC board
Richard McMeeken, John Stevenson and Jean Grier begin five-year terms

Review ordered of Crown handling of sex offence cases
Lord Advocate announces inquiry as case numbers rocket

Faculty strongly opposed to new regulatory body
Consultation response claims proposed regulator would be "act of vandalism"

ABS era dawns as Society appointed approved regulator
Move enables licensed legal services providers to be set up

Faculty cautions against radical data protection reform
Consultation response questions basis for wholesale changes in approach

Shepherd & Wedderburn achieves STEP platinum standard
Firm rises to top accreditation level in Employer Partnership Programme

Society, SLCC still at odds over regulation reform
Responses to Government consultation support opposing models

Scottish court fees proposed to rise in April
Consultation running on 2% increase along with other changes

Rented sector strategy paper goes out to views
Ministers consult on new housing standard, tenant freedoms and rent control

Legal aid spending falls £31.8m in first COVID year
SLAB accounts for 2020-21 show unprecedented fall in payments

Commission consults on standard security creditor remedies
Scottish Law Commission issues second heritable securities discussion paper

Law firm’s charity auction raises £73,000
JEL gives funds to pancreatic cancer group

Scottish courts tackle Omicron with new COVID measures
Increased physical distancing and reduced attendance planned

November court data show COP26 effect
High Court business well ahead, but sheriff court figures hit

Supreme Court refuses appeal for non-gendered passport
Court finds policy within UK Government's margin of appreciation

House price growth still strong in October: latest data
Year-on-year rises seen right across Scotland

Lady Poole to chair COVID-19 inquiry
Draft terms of reference cover 12 key areas

Appointments, promotions at Road Traffic Accident Law
Associate and paralegals join firm as two promoted

Susanne Tanner QC appointed to Crown counsel role
Lord Advocate awards commission as Assistant Principal Crown Counsel

Tony Graham QC to chair Faculty Services Ltd
Criminal silk elected to succeed Geoff Clarke QC

Sheriff Appeal Court civil rules restated for 2022
Amendments designed to achieve more rapid and flexible progress