Features

Sophie Pike’s instructive blog about childcare and how the costs might be shared between separated parents sets out possible legal routes to resolve disagreement. We agree with her conclusion that it is far better for parents (and their children) to reach agreement and to steer clear of the c

It is estimated that 80 per cent of the UK's building stock will still be here 50 years from now, therefore improving the sustainability of real estate cannot be limited to design and construction of new buildings. The industry must consider the sustainable long-term use of existing assets and how t

The family of a man who died of mesothelioma that alleged his condition was caused by asbestos exposure have lost an Inner House appeal against a decision that his former employer was not responsible for his condition. Nicola Watt and other pursuers averred that Lend Lease Construction Ltd, which pr

Sophie Pike explores the cost of childcare and how that should be shared between separated parents. The cost of childcare in the UK is reported to be amongst the most expensive in the world, with an average full time nursery placement costing nearly £15,000 per child per year. In Scotland, fun

At our times of greatest need – whether personally or in our communities – it’s very often charities who are there for us. We place our faith in them. In doing so, it’s so important that we trust those to whom we turn, writes Helen Kidd. Trust in our charities is, of course,

Caroline Carr and Katie Hendry highlight the key consideration to be addressed by housing associations when dealing with settlement agreements. As employment lawyers, we regularly receive instructions (from employees and businesses) to advise on exits, “protected conversations” and Settl

The accused in the under-25 rape case, Sean Hogg, may be considering an appeal against conviction. It is unlikely that he will appeal the sentence, but the Crown may do so. The sentencing judge came in for a lot of criticism for not imposing a custodial sentence, but we should not rule out the

Jimmy Black meets corporate lawyer Robert Pirrie WS, chief executive and in-house lawyer of the Society of Writers to the Signet. Deep in the cellars of the Signet Library, there are caverns with sturdy doors, guarding some of the Scottish legal profession’s most fascinating historical treasur

Government immigration fees can add significant costs to UK energy projects, particularly for companies that previously relied on European nationals pre-Brexit. A recent government policy change could result in significant savings whilst continuing to ensure compliance, writes Sean Rhodes. Energy co

The National Security and Investment Act 2021 celebrated its first anniversary in January. The UK government has not been shy about using it, imposing 15 final orders either blocking or placing conditions on deals: in almost 20 years of the previous national security screening regime, fewer than 20

Barristers and advocates appeal to the cab-rank rule whenever the UK government complains that they are a left-wing nuisance. They are professionally bound to represent their clients, they say, and are agnostic as to the moral content of their cases.

I’m following with interest the current debate around a declaration of around 291 English barristers and solicitors refusing to prosecute climate change protesters and further refusing to act for clients in the fossil fuel industry on new projects. The Daily Mail made this declaration the subj

The Scottish Law Commission and the Law Commission of England & Wales have published their joint report, Building families through surrogacy: a new law, together with a draft bill for the reform of the law on surrogacy. This followed a consultation process which ran from 6 June to 11 October 201

New rules which won't ap­ply north of the bor­der will mark the most sig­nif­i­cant change to pro­cure­ment law and prac­tice for a gen­er­a­tion, writes Wendy Ni­col­son. The Cabinet Office has issued its latest update on the UK government&rs

Law Society of Scotland president elect Sheila Webster reflects on a visit to Edinburgh Central Mosque. It’s always an honour to be welcomed with hospitality and generosity, and that’s even more the case when it comes to events that hold special significance for your host. So i