The Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Association of Law Centres have jointly written to a parliamentary committee examining civil legal aid provision in Scotland to emphasise the urgent need for an increase in legal aid fees. Both legal bodies had previously provided written and verbal evide
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The introduction of a bill aimed at simplifying the law around crofting is a welcome step towards long-awaited and much needed reform, according to the Law Society of Scotland. The Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill was introduced by the Scottish government this week and proposes to amend the law
Scottish Borders solicitor Pat Thom brings a wealth of legal experience and a unique international perspective as she takes up the reins as president of the Law Society of Scotland. Ms Thom, who succeeded Susan Murray on Friday, began her legal career in her native Canada as a solicitor and barriste
Two first-time and three returning members will represent Glasgow solicitors following a contested election for seats on the Law Society of Scotland's governing Council. New Council members Stuart Munro and Ahsan Mustafa will join returning members Amna Ashraf, Austin Lafferty and Gordon Lennox as t
The Law Society of Scotland has formally welcomed 141 new Scottish solicitors to the legal profession, marking unprecedented growth for the sector.
Lawyers have warned ministers that public inquiries are too secretive, as their costs have soared by nearly £60 million in under a year. The Law Society of Scotland raised concerns about the effectiveness of inquiries, warning that authorities are able to withhold sensitive information.
The Law Society of Scotland has hailed the signing of a new international treaty offering protection to legal professions and legal professional bodies in recognition of the vital work they do. The UK is one of 17 Council of Europe member states that have now signed the Convention for the Protection
The repeal of the majority ownership provisions were perhaps the most significant aspect of the new regulation bill, writes Brian Inkster. On 20 May, the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament. That day, the Law Society of Scotland issued a press release h
A decade of campaigning by the Law Society of Scotland has resulted in new legislation that aims to better protect legal services consumers and benefit Scotland’s legal sector. Following its final approval by Holyrood yesterday, the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill will see the Law
The rule of law is a fundamental component of a functioning democracy that must be protected, the Law Society of Scotland has told a House of Lords inquiry. The society has provided written evidence to the House of Lords Constitution Committee inquiry into the rule of law, stating that it is a funda
Proposals for new Law Society of Scotland rules aim to increase protections for people who have set up trusts with solicitors. The new rules, which will be considered by members at the Law Society’s annual general meeting in June, would require law firms to ensure they maintain a central recor
The Law Society of Scotland has warned a Holyrood inquiry of a looming ‘cliff edge’ for legal aid provision, with action urgently needed to ensure access to justice. Pat Thom, co-convener of the Law Society’s Legal Aid Committee, gave evidence this morning to the Equalities, Human
Solicitor Ben Kemp has been appointed to become the new chief executive officer of the Law Society of Scotland. Mr Kemp will join the Law Society in August from the professional body which represents and regulates actuaries, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), where he has worked primaril
An early career solicitor at a global travel company and a trainee specialising in intellectual property and data protection have been crowned the Law Society of Scotland’s In-house Rising Stars. Jamila Archibald, senior counsel at Trip.com Group, won in the "Solicitor with up to 5 years' PQE"
The Law Society of Scotland has formally welcomed 71 new solicitors to the profession at an admissions ceremony in central Edinburgh.