Legal news

Society underpins trainee pay rates with living wage
Recommended rates also to rise from June

Miller Samuel and Hill Brown announce merger
Glasgow firms join forces from today

Community ownership on the rise, Land Reform Minister claims
Government halfway towards 1m acres target

Research first, says Minister as jury verdicts bill lost
Presiding Officer denies opportunity for separate vote on not proven

Anderson Strathern boosts construction practice with ADLP acquisition
Alistair Dean returns to former firm as partner

Blackadders wins Insider's "Newcomer" award
Firm named best of new additions to SME300

Mandates, restrictions and legal aid in proposed practice rule changes
Society opens consultation ahead of AGM discussion

Summary sheriff appointed in Glasgow
Advocate Walter Mercer to take up office

SCTS evidence review turns to children and digital summary justice
"Next Steps" report calls for radical new measures

Maternity rights
New help for working mothers

Human Trafficking Act commencement date set
31 May date for new offences and support duties

Debt subsists despite discharge from trust deed, sheriff rules
Bank entitled to set off unpaid loan against PPI award

Holyrood to be given power to enact member's Parking Bill
Footway and double parking difficulty to be resolved

CALM launches website to encourage family dispute mediation
Aim to improve knowledge and numbers of referrals

Budget Bill passed despite argument over cuts
Dispute over effect of local authority funding proposals

UK setting "dangerous precedent" on human rights: Amnesty
Report points to global impact of Government policy

Supreme Court overturns cases on loss of dependency multiplier
Calculation should now run from date of trial, not date of death

Wildlife crime penalties to rise following review group proposals
Minister confirms plan to increase fine and jail term limits

Discrimination continues in job adverts, Equality Commission warns
Gender and other protected characteristics still prevalent

Lawyer warns of tougher privacy regime
Turnover-based fines present increased risk for large businesses

Conviction figures creep up again
Breach of the peace and sexual offences behind overall rise

Crime victims given new code setting out rights
Document aims to provide clear advice on support available

EU judge questions lack of referrals from Scotland
Ian Forrester lecture notes greater number from other small countries

Gillespie Macandrew appoints two Glasgow associates
Additions made to litigation and land/rural teams