Retail trade union Usdaw is concerned by the continued growing trend of shoplifting incidents in Scotland, which have more than doubled since the pandemic, alongside a persistent decline in police ‘clear-up’ rates for the offence. The union welcomes that the protection of retail workers
Appointments
See all articlesAxiom is delighted to announce two new members calling today, Ysabeau Middleton and Karen Forbes, both of whom bring a wealth of experience to the practice. Ms Middleton is experienced in public and commercial law civil litigation. Prior to calling, she gained invaluable experience as law clerk to t
Miller Samuel Hill Brown has announced the promotion of Chloe Crawford to senior solicitor. Audrey Junner, head of the licensing division, said: "I am delighted to congratulate Chloe on her promotion to senior solicitor. Throughout her time at the firm, Chloe has made a significant impact, represent
Thorntons has expanded its commercial real estate team with two appointments. Simone Young, who has more than 25 years’ experience of advising all parties involved in the construction sector, joins as partner, and Stephanie Zak, who has worked in both practice and industry during her 17-year c
DLA Piper Scotland has bolstered its senior ranks with promotions in its Edinburgh office. Tony Holloran (litigation and regulatory), Jamie O'Neill (intellectual property and technology), Seb Galastro (real estate), and Jacques Camilleri (projects) have been promoted to legal director alongside seni
Faculty welcomed 27 new members at calling ceremonies held last week.
Raeburn Christie Clark and Wallace has announced the appointment of Hannah Cruickshank as the newest member of its residential conveyancing team. She joins the firm as an associate and brings with her a wealth of experience to the firm.
Legal Aid
See all articlesDefence solicitors in Dundee are stepping up industrial action after what they described as “fruitless” talks with the Scottish government over criminal legal aid funding. Members of the Dundee Bar Association (DBA) have voted to withdraw from a scheme operating at Dundee Sheriff Court t
The number of solicitors registered to provide legal aid in Scotland has fallen by more than 12 per cent in just three years, according to new figures. As of 26 May, there were 1,122 solicitors registered to provide criminal and children’s legal aid, while 450 firms were registered for civil l
A survey of Scottish legal aid solicitors has revealed further evidence of a deepening crisis in access to justice, with 41 per cent of respondents either planning to stop legal aid work within two years or unsure whether they will continue. The findings come from a Law Society of Scotland survey of
Scotland’s criminal defence solicitors are to withdraw from a new flagship summary justice scheme in protest at the Scottish government’s failure to increase legal aid rates. The Scottish Solicitors Bar Association (SSBA) has confirmed that its members will no longer participate in imple
Solicitors employed on the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s emergency helpline have backed strike action over changes to shift patterns, The Scotsman reports. Sixteen solicitors working on the Solicitor Contact Line voted for industrial action following complaints that management had imposed 12-hour
Universities
See all articlesProfessor David Garland, one of the world’s most influential criminologists, was awarded an honorary doctor of laws by the University of Edinburgh on Tuesday, in recognition of his contributions to the study of punishment and social regulation. An Edinburgh Law School graduate, Professor Garla
The University of Strathclyde Law Clinic has negotiated a significant five-figure settlement in a disability discrimination and unfair dismissal case brought before the Employment Tribunal. The clinic's client alleged that their dismissal was both unfair and discriminatory. Central to the claim was
A law graduate from Glasgow Caledonian University has become the first recipient of an academic award in memory of the late Professor Alison Britton. Zoe Bolton received The Alison Britton Prize for Advanced Healthcare Law and Ethics after being chosen as the best final-year undergraduate medical la
One of the world’s foremost experts in forensic investigation will deliver a public lecture at the University of Dundee later this month exploring how science and technology are used in criminal investigations. Dr Sheila Willis, former director general of Forensic Science Ireland, will deliver
Public law faces a puzzle prompted by the rise in populism and political polarisation in recent times: on the one hand, the values of public law including the rule of law, fundamental rights protections, the separation of powers and democratic government generally celebrate and provide structures to
And Finally
See all articlesNew legislation forbids schools in a US state from displaying the words "everyone is welcome here" in classrooms. A law which came into effect on Tuesday bans schools in Idaho from displaying flags or banners "representing a political, religious, or ideological expression".
A teenage influencer who is trying to become the first pilot to fly solo to every continent has been detained by Chilean authorities after an unauthorised trip to Antarctica. Prosecutors allege that 19-year-old Ethan Guo deliberately deviated from his flight plan over the southern Chilean city of Pu
A man who convinced thousands of followers that he was the reincarnation Christ has been imprisoned in Russia. Sergei Torop, a former traffic cop, founded the "Church of the Last Testament" in 1991 and recruited thousands of members in Siberia.
A viral video clip has captured the moment a man joined a remote court hearing while using the toilet. Footage of the man clearly sitting on a toilet seat and making full use of the facilities was broadcast to the public via the YouTube stream from Gujarat High Court in India.
More than £348 million worth of illegal drugs went up in thick smoke in major cities across Myanmar as part of a day of action against drug abuse. Heroin, opium, speed, crystal meth, kratom, cannabis and ketamine were among the drugs put to the pyre as part of a ceremony that has raised eyebro