News

Chris Harte has been appointed for a further three-year term as CEO with Morton Fraser. The firm has seen continued growth under his leadership over the past six years, with revenues increasing by 60 per cent over that period, topping the £20m threshold (£21.7m) in 2017/18.

Pinsent Masons has been announced as Scotland's Firm of the Year by Legal 500 UK. The firm, which has offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen and employs an estimated 500 lawyers and support staff in Scotland, was recognised for the strength of its individual specialists and practice teams a

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has stripped McDonald's of its "Big Mac" trademark following an application from Irish fast food franchise Supermac's. In a landmark ruling, the EUIPO said McDonald's had not proven genuine use of the trademark in the five years prior to the ap

Diversity in the legal profession is declining because fewer state-educated pupils are going into law than in the past, according to Cherie Blair QC. Social and economic diversity have been greater problems in law than gender, the wife of former prime minister Tony Blair said.

Legislation criminalising "upskirting" in England and Wales has been passed. Upskirting is the practice of taking a photo underneath a person's skirt without their permission.

A top Israeli attorney suspected of offering to help secure appointments to the bench in exchange for sex has been arrested. The unnamed man is alleged to have nominated a woman for appointment to a magistrates' court – in exchange for sex.

A Scottish solicitor who failed to progress a case on behalf of a client who was suing his former employer has been fined £7,500. Quinton Muir, 51, was found guilty of “professional misconduct” by the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal (SSDT) over his failure

Drug driving limits and roadside testing will be introduced on 21 October this year, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has announced. There will be a zero tolerance approach to eight drugs most associated with illegal use, including cannabis, heroin and cocaine, with limits set at a level where an

A sheriff has raised concerns about the new Universal Credit system after finding out that a woman caught shoplifting had only £90 a month to survive on, The Courier reports. Sheriff Alistair Brown at Dundee Sheriff Court was due to sentence Maria Blair, 39, for stealing steaks and chicken fro

Defence solicitor Ian Smart comments on the sexual misconduct allegations that have been made against Alex Salmond, encouraging all concerned to respect the presumption of innocence. I have tried to avoid commenting on the Salmond matter for the very good reason that I have no idea if there is a sub

Mackinnons, solicitors with offices in Aberdeen, Cults and Aboyne, has announced the appointment of Neil Torrance as a partner to the firm and of Sarah Newnham as an associate, with effect from 1st January 2019. Additionally, the business of Iain Smith Solicitors LLP, Queens Road, Aberdeen has

TLT has appointed Joanna Hamilton as legal director and Stephanie Hands as solicitor. Ms Hamilton joins TLT as a highly experienced real estate lawyer. Prior to joining TLT, she held roles at Shepherd & Wedderburn and before that, DWF.

A member of the Faculty of Advocates is playing a leading role in reforming the law to combat the scourge of puppy farming in Scotland. Scott Blair, of Terra Firma Chambers, will be among those taking part this month in Scottish government round-table discussions following a consultation on the Lice

An Irish-American lawyer and former White House adviser has said the Irish-American community could deploy its "political strength" to block a post-Brexit UK-US trade deal if a hard border returns to Ireland. Writing for BuzzFeed News, Brian O'Dwyer of New York law firm O'Dwyer & Bernstien said

A report on a consultation reviewing the civil court fees of solicitors has been published by the Scottish Civil Justice Council (SCJC) Costs and Funding Committee. The report summarises the responses received to the Consultation on the Review of Fees in the Scottish Civil Courts: Fees of