The UK needs “Australian-style” compulsory voting to combat the “disastrously low” voter turnout seen at the last general election, according to a new report. YouGov polling, commissioned for the report published by the Constitution Society, shows that a plurality of the publ
Appointments
See all articlesThe Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) has appointed three new lay trustees to its board of trustees, including the Lord Lyon, Dr Joe Morrow CVO CBE KC. As a lay trustee, he will support the college to serve its 21,600 members and promote the voice of psychiatry in the UK and internationally t
Gillespie Macandrew has announced the appointment of Frank Blin CBE as its new chair. He takes on the role from Michael Shaw, who retires after a three-year term in the position during which the firm has seen significant growth.
Axiom 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
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 articlesRenewable energy practitioners, academics and policy-makers gathered at the University of Aberdeen for an event focused on advancing community-led energy initiatives in the region. Community Renewables in the North East of Scotland: Looking Back, Moving Forward, held on 27 June, explored how communi
Former Irish president Mary Robinson has been awarded an honorary doctorate of laws by the University of Strathclyde. Mrs Robinson received the honour during Strathclyde Law School’s summer graduation ceremony, in recognition of her lifetime commitment to defending the rights of marginalised c
Gaining a diploma in legal practice has required true grit and determination for Abbie Coull, who has battled a brain tumour and radiotherapy in her journey to becoming a trainee solicitor. When Abbie commenced her studies in 2020, she thought her biggest challenge would be adapting to online and so
Professor 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
And Finally
See all articlesA man who allegedly stole a tourist train and took it for a joyride, picking up two bewildered passengers along the way, told police he was celebrating his birthday. Florida man Jonathan Winslow allegedly stole the Conch Tour Train – a popular tourist attraction since 1958 – on 4 July, w
A lawyer who left a hurried note on another lawyer's car after "dinging" it was entering into a binding contract to pay them, a tribunal has ruled. Carly Peddle wrote and left a note which read "I dinged your back passenger door / happy to pay for!" after accidentally denting Richard Brooks' car doo
Ferrari has lost a David and Goliath trademark battle with a small energy drinks company which it accused of infringing on its iconic prancing horse logo. The Italian luxury sports car maker took action in Malaysia against local drinks company Sunrise-Mark Sdn Bhd, which uses two prancing horses in
A furniture store has been ordered to pay damages to a couple who bought a sofa without knowing its feather cushions would need to be regularly fluffed. Canadian couple Donna and Thomas Dobko launched civil proceedings against Muse & Merchant after being disappointed with the floppiness of their
New 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".