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MacRoberts has promoted Gary Baines to the partnership. Mr Baines joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 2009 and advises on all areas of corporate law involving businesses of all sizes, from local Scottish family businesses to multinationals, frequently with a cross-border element, and including

When Janys Scott QC was asked to represent 27 church leaders in a case relating to whether the Covid-induced closure of churches was lawful, she jumped at the chance. It was, she says, not only an opportunity to test a novel point of law but to explore questions relating to her own faith as well. &l

A revision to the UK government’s right to work policy framework is bemusing some businesses – primarily because it may be seen to override some of the safety principles behind the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, says Kelly Hardman. From May 17, businesses across the UK will need to resum

A quarter of Scottish businesses plan to permanently reduce their office footprint, according to a new survey published by Addleshaw Goddard. The latest Addleshaw Goddard Business Monitor report – produced in partnership with the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Instit

The Advocates Library is at the heart of Scotland’s legal system and the heart of an advocate’s daily practice. It has played a central role in the life of the nation since it was founded in 1682 by the then Lord Advocate Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh, who had become Dean of the Facu

Sarah Gilzean explains a recent case in which a male employee on shared parental leave could not compare his treatment with a female on adoption leave. In Price v Powys County Council, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has dismissed an appeal in a sex discrimination claim by a male employee who a

A working group including lawyers, prosecutors and police is set to be established to identify practical measures to reduce the number of non-jury trials taking place in Northern Ireland. Under the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, the Director of Public Prosecutions can direct that

Heavy metal band Twisted Sister has won a payout of nearly €1 million after an Australian politician ripped off the lyrics to We're Not Gonna Take It for his election campaign. Clive Palmer, a billionaire mining magnate whose right-wing United Australia Party failed to win a single seat in

A sheriff in Dundee Sheriff Court has found that the dominant proprietor of a servitude right over castle grounds in Cupar did not have his rights interfered with by the installation of gates along a road he used to access his property and interdicted him from further damaging or removing them. Dona

The Law Society of Scotland has announced reductions in fees it charges to practitioners. The professional body’s governing Council has agreed the following recommendations for the 2021/22 practice year:

Retired advocate Andrew Hajducki QC has passed away. Dean of Faculty, Roddy Dunlop QC, extended his condolences to Mr Hajducki's family and his many friends, saying: “Andrew was for many years a leading practitioner, especially (but not solely) in the field of personal injury. His work on

The goodwill, work-in-progress and certain assets of historic Scottish law firm McClure Solicitors have been acquired by Jones Whyte LLP. The transaction sees the existing partners and staff, comprising 84 people, transfer to Glasgow-based Jones Whyte with immediate effect. They will join the c

The number of Scottish firms facing insolvency is expected to increase sharply as government loans require to be paid. R3, trade body for insolvency and restructuring accountants, said the first quarter of 2021 had seen a sharp fall in companies and individuals becoming bankrupt.

Nicola Rylatt has been appointed principal solicitor at Lanarkshire Community Law Centre, a legal practice based in Airdrie Citizens Advice Bureau that works in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureaux across North Lanarkshire. The law centre serves North Lanarkshire residents who may be vulnerable

Malcolm McMillan, chief executive of the Scottish Law Commission, is to retire at the end of June. Mr McMillan has been chief executive since 2008, ably supporting commission chairs Lord Drummond Young (2008), Lady Clark (2012), Lord Pentland (2014), and Lady Paton (2019 to date), commissioners and