Law Society of Scotland
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Press releases - 2010

Scottish Legal Aid Board annual report 2009/10

16 December 2010

The Scottish Legal Aid Board has issued its annual report for 2009/10

Editor of the Year Award

01 December 2010

The title Editor of the Year (Business and Professional) was awarded to Journal editor Peter Nicholson at the Scottish Magazine Awards last night.

Society to consider conveyancing practice rule change

18 November 2010

Society to consider rule change following Lloyds decision on panel

Access to justice central to debate on cuts

17 November 2010

Society comments on Scottish budget

Society seeks responses to bullying research

15 November 2010

Society seeks responses to bullying research

Emergency legislation raises concerns, says Law Society of Scotland

28 October 2010

Emergency legislation on the way police suspects are dealt with raises concerns

Supreme Court ruling on Cadder case

27 October 2010

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the appeal in Cadder v Her Majesty’s Advocate reinforces a ‘sea change in the way police suspects are dealt with.’

Law Society and Scottish Government host joint event

18 October 2010

Law Society and Scottish Government host joint event

Society welcomes High Court decision on legal aid

01 October 2010

Society welcomes the decision of the High Court in London on legal aid.

Society president comments on Lord Advocate stepping down

01 October 2010

Jamie Millar, President of the Law Society of Scotland, comments on the Lord Advocate stepping down.

Society expresses doubt over creation of new offence to protect workers

29 September 2010

Society concerned over plans to create a new offence during an evidence session on the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill.

Economy and budgets discussed at SGM

24 September 2010

The Society;s budget and corporate plan for 2010/2011 were presented at its SGM.

FSA investigation into Thorntons

23 September 2010

The FSA has investingated Thornton financial services business

New Law Society Council Member for Airdrie district

22 September 2010

Solicitor advocate Colin Dunipace has been elected to the Society’s Council to represent members within the Airdrie Sheriff Court district.

Justice Secretary to speak at Registered Paralegal Event in Scottish Parliament

22 September 2010

The new Registered Paralegal scheme, is to be marked by an event at the Scottish Parliament.

Law Society to seek further amendments

22 September 2010

The Society submit proposals for final amendments to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill prior to the Stage 3 debate in October.

Society welcomes new Judicial website

21 September 2010

The Judicial Office for Scotland launches a new website for judges

Access to justice can help protect Scots from severe welfare cuts

20 September 2010

The Society's Access to Justice committee states unprecedented welfare cuts in Scotland will cause serious hardship

Society defends the independence and integrity of its members working in-house

15 September 2010

ECJ dismisses the Akzo Nobel Chemicals appeal

New Specialists for Digby Brown and Brodies

15 September 2010

Digby Brown solicitor Dawn McCafferty has been accredited as a specialist in personal injury law and Alisdair Matheson from Brodies has been accredited as aspcialist in construction law.

Law Society comment on competence on Legal Services (Scotland) Bill and ABS in Europe

15 September 2010

Jamie Millar, president of the Law Society of Scotland comments.

Will Relief Scotland ready for September

10 September 2010

Will Relief Scotland, the Scottish Solicitors charitable venture, will be running again in September thanks to the generosity of the legal profession in Scotland.

Corporate plan

09 September 2010

Society publishes its corporate plan

Double jeopardy and forced marriage bills announced

08 September 2010

Society comments on First Minister's programme of proposed bills

Paul Anthony McConville, McConville O'Neill, Glasgow

02 September 2010

Paul McConville, of McConville O’Neill, 18 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, has been sequestrated and his practising certificate automatically suspended.

Livingston solicitor new board member

27 August 2010

Ian Bryce elected to Society's board.

Society hosts conference to examine the effects of 'transition day' one year on

26 August 2010

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is now fully in force, and the Law Society of Scotland is hosting a one-day conference.

Society takes to the road with Registers of Scotland

25 August 2010

Fraud, Home Reports and electronic land registration are among the issues up for discussion at a series of conveyancing roadshows organised by the Law Society of Scotland and Registers of Scotland.

Law Society asks – who is responsible for our understanding of the law?

19 August 2010

The Society chairs an event at the Festival of Politics

Society to research bullying in the profession

09 August 2010

Research company Equality Works is looking for participants to take part in a study on bullying

Further work on Law Society constitution

06 August 2010

Council decides to further consider proposed revisions to its constitution and standing orders

Law Society welcomes Calman Commission proposals being taken forward

26 July 2010

Law Society Director invited to sit on Calman Implemetation Group

Law Society consultation closes

23 July 2010

Society consultation on its constitution which has run for 6 weeks closes today 23 July.

New solicitor advocates introduced at High Court in Edinburgh

19 July 2010

Criminal defence solicitor Robert Mitchell of Tod & Mitchell in Greenock and Procurator Fiscal Martin Ricardo Macari were granted Rights of Audience in the High Court of Justiciary

Legal aid payment for out of hours visits

07 July 2010

The Society will inform members that the Government have agreed out-of-hours payments for solicitors

Law Society comments on Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill as Stage 2 ends

01 July 2010

The Law Society of Scotland has written to MSPs to express concerns about aspects of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill prior the stage 3 debate which took place yesterday.

MSPs back independence of legal profession in Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

29 June 2010

Justice Committee MSPs backed government commitment to secure solicitors’ independence by dropping proposals to allow ministers to set the criteria for non-lawyer membership of the Society.

Society responds to new legal aid regulations

29 June 2010

The Society expressed strong concern at the lack of consultation over proposed new regulations for payments to solicitors attending police station interviews.

Glasgow pupils win debate on European lifestyle in Society's debating tournament final

28 June 2010

The Glasgow school took the trophy for the second year running as they saw off competition from the other three teams of finalists at the Society's debating tournament.

Postal services

25 June 2010

Communicating with the Law Society of Scotland by post

Talks on police station interviews move forwards

24 June 2010

Constructive talks with the Crown Office to resolve issues around interim guidelines

Scottish solicitors to "think big" as Arbitration Act comes into force

23 June 2010

An international law conference welcomes the new Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010, which came into force on 7 June.

Constructive talks with Cabinet Secretary for Justice

22 June 2010

Law Society meets Kenny MacAskill to discuss guidelines on police station interviews.

Regulated will writers

22 June 2010

Society welcomes decision to regulate will writers

European lifestyle is up for debate in Law Society of Scotland tournament final

17 June 2010

The top four debating teams from Scottish schools will compete in the Law Society of Scotland Donald Dewar debate final tonight Thursday 17 June

Society calls for meeting with Lord Advocate over new guidelines

17 June 2010

The Society seeks to resolve conflict issues between new guidelines and solicitors' code of conduct

Society welcomes MSPs compromise on ABS ownership

16 June 2010

The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed MSPs’ decision to adopt a compromise position on ownership of alternative business structures today, 15 June.

Justice Committee MSPs to debate ownership of ABSs at stage 2 of Legal Services Bill

15 June 2010

The Justice Committee is to discuss the second set of stage 2 amendments to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill today, Tuesday, 15 June from 10am.

Law Society of Scotland welcomes Licensing review

15 June 2010

The Law Society of Scotland welcomes the Scottish Governments Regulatory Review Group review of the Licensing Scotland Act 2005.

New guidelines on interviews in police stations

11 June 2010

Law Society informed late this afternoon of new guidelines as a consequence of the Cadder v HMA case appeal.

Minimum Pricing a step closer to resolution

10 June 2010

MSPs give their backing to the Alcohol Etc. (Scotland) Bill

Justice Committee backs proposals

08 June 2010

The Parliament's Justice Committee backs the Society's proposals to Legal Services Bill

Law Society proposes amendments to Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

07 June 2010

The Society has proposed changes to Legal Services (Scotland) Bill to be discussed by the Justice Committee

Scottish solicitors have new opportunity with Arbitration Act

04 June 2010

The Law Society of Scotland welcomes the commencement of the Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010

Law Society supports proposals to regulate will writers in Scotland

02 June 2010

Law Society supports proposals to regulate will writers in Scotland

New President of The Society

27 May 2010

Jamie Millar, a partner with Lindsays solicitors, has become the President of the Law Society of Scotland.

Solicitors vote to allow minority non-lawyer ownership of law firms at AGM

27 May 2010

Two of three motions narrowly passed in favour of allowing ABSs but divisions remain .

Law Society warning over legal aid

26 May 2010

Scottish solicitors have been urged to form a united front to fight a looming threat to legal aid budgets – because any cuts will have a hugely damaging effect on access to justice.

Annual General Meeting

26 May 2010

The 2010 AGM will highlight year of change and challenge

Resounding vote for Law Society in Referendum

25 May 2010

73% vote yes to Society's dual role

Society Tax Committee recommends tax priorites to new Government

21 May 2010

The Tax Law Committee of the Law Society of Scotland has submitted a document to the new UK government setting out areas it believes the government should focus on in relation to the UK Tax System.

Three ABS motions to be debated at AGM

20 May 2010

Motions from the Society, Govan Law Centre and SLAS will be debated and voted on at AGM on Thursday, 27 May 2010

A Taxing Issue helped by the Law Society of Scotland

20 May 2010

A Scottish law firm has signed an innovative partnership deal with a world-leading Canadian company to provide specialist tax advice to businesses undertaking research and development.

Advice Sessions offered by the Society

18 May 2010

Partners in some of Scotland's major law firms were among dozens of solicitors who took advantage of one-to-one coaching designed to help them focus on the way they have been personally affected.

New Council members elected

13 May 2010

New Glasgow and Perth members join the Society's Council

Family business focus of legal seminars

13 May 2010

The legal profession has been urged to improve its service to family businesses by attending a series of training sessions aimed at raising understanding of the huge and complex sector.

Society conference looks at alternative business structures in action

07 May 2010

The founder of the world’s first virtual law firm will be one of the speakers at a conference which will look at the impact of alternative business structures on legal services in Scotland.

Solicitors to vote on role of the Society

06 May 2010

Electoral Reform Service to run referendum on the representative and regulatory role of the Society.

Law Society’s Council adopts compromise ABS policy

30 April 2010

The Council of the Law Society of Scotland today voted to change its policy on alternative business structures (ABSs)

MSPs back Legal Services (Scotland) Bill at stage 1 debate

28 April 2010

Msp's gave their backing to the Bill but agreed amendments were needed to address concerns

The Society and Scottish Parliament annual essay competition for new lawyers

22 April 2010

Law students are in with a chance of winning a rare opportunity to work in the legal department of the Scottish Parliament.

Solicitors reject compromise on ABSs at Law Society SGM

21 April 2010

Solicitors voted against the introduction of alternative business structures (ABSs) in Scotland as proposed in the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill at a Law Society of Scotland SGM today.

Law Society of Scotland comments on SLAS president resignation

16 April 2010

Ian Smart, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “We regret that the President of the Scottish Law Agents Society has chosen to step down.

Law Society reconfirms Special General Meeting on April 21

16 April 2010

The Society was advised by representatives of SLAS(Friday, April 16) that around 30 solicitors attended a meeting in Edinburgh this morning, which those present claimed was a Special General Meeting.

Reconvened Society SGM to be postponed until 21 April

13 April 2010

The Society has today (13 April) sent a notice to all members confirming that the reconvened SGM will not now go ahead on 16 April but will take place instead on 21 April.

Narrow referendum vote in favour of ABS policy

07 April 2010

Solicitors narrowly vote in favour of Society's policy on alternative business structures

Law Society of Scotland SGM to Reconvene on 16 April

06 April 2010

The date for the reconvened SGM on alternative business structures will be held at the Sheriton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh on Friday, 16 April at 9.30 am.

Law Society of Scotland fears powers to block internet users breaches human rights

06 April 2010

The Digital Economy Bill enters its second reading in the House of Commons.

Reconvened SGM date to be confirmed next week

01 April 2010

Reconvened SGM date to be confirmed next week

Society sets dates for second referendum

30 March 2010

Society is to hold a referendum on its dual representative and regulatory role following a requisition from members of the Glasgow Bar Association, MacRoberts Solicitors and others.

Law Society of Scotland SGM adjourned for further debate on legal services reform

25 March 2010

The Law Society of Scotland SGM on legal services reforms was adjourned today, 25 March. The meeting will be reconvened at a later date following further discussions.

Society to hold SGM and Referendum on Reforms to Legal Services

24 March 2010

The Law Society of Scotland is to hold a special general meeting for its members tomorrow, Thursday, March 25, to debate and vote on legal services reforms.

Law Society to respond to Scottish Government's consultation on double jeopardy

24 March 2010

The Scottish Government is today (24 March) holding a debate on double jeopardy, following the release of its consultation paper on the reform of the Law of Double Jeopardy

Society comments on stalking

23 March 2010

The Society has responded to the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Bill.

Minister announces Legal Services Bill amendment at Law Society roadshow

19 March 2010

Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Community Safety, announced to solicitors at Society event tonight, Thursday, 18 March that a contentious aspect of the Legal Services Bill is to be dropped.

ABS Roadshow - Edinburgh

18 March 2010

Scottish Government Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing MSP, will speak at a Law Society roadshow on reforms to the Scottish legal services market.

Law Society gives evidence on its concerns with the Alcohol Etc. (Scotland) Bill

17 March 2010

The Law Society of Scotland gives evidence on the Alcohol Etc. (Scotland) Bill.

Rights of Audience

17 March 2010

The Law Society of Scotland welcomed the independent Rights of Audience report by Ben Thomson, which the Society had called for in 2009.

The Law Society of Scotland welcomes the cross party support for the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

12 March 2010

The Society welcomes the cross party support for the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill, and is pleased to see the committee has taken a lot of evidence and given the bill close examination.

Law Society receives requisition for second referendum

11 March 2010

The Law Society of Scotland received a requisition calling for a referendum on its representative role today, Wednesday, 10 March.

Society calls for referendum

05 March 2010

Council calls for referendum.

Society states that independence of the legal profession is essential

04 March 2010

Ian Smart, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: From the very outset of discussions on alternative business structures, which has since led to the profession voting in favour of allowin

Law Society ABS Roadshow to start in Aberdeen

03 March 2010

The Law Society of Scotland starts its series of roadshows to debate the prospect of reforms to the Scottish legal services market in Aberdeen today, Tuesday, 2 March.

Legal Study and Careers Day

25 February 2010

The Law Society of Scotland hosted a careers event for Scottish school pupils who are interested in studying law and entering the legal profession yesterday (Wednesday 24 February).

Requisition for a Special General Meeting

25 February 2010

The Society received a Requisition for a Special General Meeting in terms of Article 12 (3) of the Constitution effective 25th February 2010 from The Scottish Law Agents Society.

Society to call SGM in March

25 February 2010

The Society President, Ian Smart, said: “The Society has now received a requisition to hold a special general meeting (SGM), to consider key aspects of plans to reform the legal services market, parti

The Law Society of Scotland comment on holding an SGM

22 February 2010

The Society has confirmed that it will hold an SGM to debate external ownership of alternative business structures once it has received a requisition from the Scottish Law Agents Society

Society launches consultation on ABS regulation

15 February 2010

The Law Society of Scotland has published a consultation on regulatory principles which could apply to Licensed Legal Services Providers as a result of the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill being passed.

Statement from the Society following today's coverage of ABS's in The Scotsman

15 February 2010

Statement from the Society following coverage of alternative business structures in The Scotsman.