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The number of traineeships offered by solicitors fell by more than a quarter in the last practice year, as the effect of the coronavirus pandemic took its toll, the latest figures show. Traineeship statistics from the Law Society of Scotland reveal that the number of training contracts started in 20

The Law Society of Scotland has set out a comprehensive programme for reform in the run up to this year’s Scottish elections, which includes measures to enhance access to justice, boost economic recovery, improve diversity and drive legislative change. In its wide-ranging programme published t

The Law Society of Scotland is inviting nominations for honorary membership for outstanding service for the public good by a Scottish solicitor. Honorary membership has been awarded to 18 solicitors in its 72-year history. The most recent recipients, Alistair Cockburn, Sheriff Brian Kearney and Dame

The Scottish government's revised legal aid package has been welcomed by the Law Society of Scotland. Amanda Millar, president of the Law Society said: “This revised package is one we support as a positive step forward. £20 million of new money is a significant investment in a vital part

The Law Society of Scotland has raised issues over solicitors' ability to perform their jobs properly in courts with the courts service. Amanda Millar, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said practitioners had expressed concern with the current arrangements and "their ability to play a full a

The Scottish government's announcement that legal aid solicitors will benefit from a 10 per cent uplift in legal aid fees and access to a £9 million fund to help those experiencing hardship as a result of Covid-19 has received a cautious response. Following meetings with the Law Society of Sco

The Scottish government has launched a consultation seeking views on potential improvements to the legal complaints system, within the current legislative framework of the Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007. The government said there is a compelling case for the consideration of amen

The Law Society of Scotland has said that small, high street law firms should not be hit with an economic crime levy. The Law Society is strongly opposed to the legal profession paying such a levy as solicitors are subject to stringent anti-money laundering requirements, but has stated that if it is

Lawyers have been warned about their behaviour on social media. Guidance from the Law Society of Scotland cautions against unprofessional behaviour such as indicating to clients that they are “awake and online at 4am” amid worries it may lead people to wonder whether their solicitor is &

A survey carried out by the Law Society of Scotland ahead of the 26th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP26) shows that climate change raises a number of issues for the legal profession. This includes practical issues around the conference itself, which is likely to impact on local businesses and t

While workloads for Scottish legal firms have increased since the early part of lockdown, turnover has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels. A situation most firms expect to see continue into 2021. The Law Society of Scotland has published its second survey into the financial impact of Covid-19

Dundee-based solicitor Murray Etherington has been nominated as a future president of the Law Society of Scotland. The nomination covers a three-year term, beginning as vice president from 31 May 2021, becoming president the following year, and then serving a third year as past president.

Evidence is urgently required to show whether all hospital patients discharged to care homes during the height of the coronavirus pandemic were moved lawfully, the Law Society of Scotland has said. The society has called on the Scottish government to provide data on the legal basis of the transfers,

Guidance for Scottish solicitors on publishing pricing, which aims to help consumers better understand the cost of legal advice and services, is due to come into effect in January 2021. Under the new price transparency guidance, firms will publish indicative price information about their services. T

Prompt action is needed by the Scottish government to reform the law of crofting, the Law Society of Scotland has said. In a report, the Law Society sets out recommendations detailing proposed solutions to issues in four areas of crofting law: aspects of succession, owner occupier status, statutory