Law Society of Scotland
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Press releases - 2011

Society informed of process for selection of new Lord President

22 December 2011

Society informed of process for selection of new Lord President

Society calls for consultation on court closure proposals

19 December 2011

Society calls for consultation on court closure proposals

Bruce Beveridge new Vice President elect

16 December 2011

Bruce Beveridge has been elected as Vice President elect of the Law Society of Scotland for 2012-13. He will take up the post in May.

Law Society responds to concerns over legal aid team

16 December 2011

Society responds to concern over legal aid team

Law Society rejects SLCC statements on the Guarantee Fund

16 December 2011

Society rejects SLCC statement on guarantee fund

Students on the write lines for reforming the law

14 December 2011

Students invited to enter essay competition on reforming the law

Winning pupils through to second round of Law Society debating tournament

09 December 2011

Pupils from all over Scotland are through to the second round of the Law Society of Scotland’s Donald Dewar Memorial Debating Tournament.

Society voices concerns over contents of a UK Bill of Rights

07 December 2011

Society voices concerns over contents of a UK Bill of Rights

Pupils to debate privacy rights

29 November 2011

Debating tournament 2011 starts - pupils to debate privacy rights

Forced Marriage Laws

28 November 2011

Law Society says new forced marriage laws will help lead culture change

Three-way contest for vice president

25 November 2011

Three-way contest for vice president

Comment on postgraduate funding

24 November 2011

Comment on postgraduate funding

Decision on complaint against past president welcomed

23 November 2011

Law Society president Cameron Ritchie welcomes decision on complaint against past president Jamie MIllar

Society comment on Supreme Court judgement on waiving rights

23 November 2011

Society comment on the Supreme Court judgements on waiving rights to legal advice

Scottish Parliament Inquiry into reform of Parliamentary business

22 November 2011

Society gives evidence to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee

President tours North East solicitor faculties

21 November 2011

Law Society president tours North East

Removal of corroboration raises grave concerns, warns Law Society

17 November 2011

Removal of corroboration raises grave concerns, warns Law Society

Law Society comment on Leslie Cumming, former Deputy Chief Executive

17 November 2011

Law Society comment on Leslie Cumming, former Deputy Chief Executive

Society comments on diploma funding

16 November 2011

Society comments on diploma funding

Former head teacher new convener of Law Society’s regulatory committee

10 November 2011

Former head teacher new convener of Law Society’s regulatory committee

Scots law good for international business IBA told in Dubai

04 November 2011

Scots law good for international business IBA told in Dubai

Society set to scrutinise Alcohol Bill

01 November 2011

Society set to scrutinise Alcohol Bill

In-house Lawyers look to the future

28 October 2011

In-house Lawyers look to the future

Evidence session before the Scotland Bill Committee

26 October 2011

The Law Society of Scotland gave oral evidence session before the Scotland Bill Committee on Tuesday, 25 October, at the Scottish Parliament.

Law Society reiterates its concerns over introduction of legal aid reforms

25 October 2011

Law Society reiterates its concerns over introduction of legal aid reforms

Vice president to meet Caithness solicitors

14 October 2011

Law Society of Scotland vice president, Austin Lafferty, is to visit Wick on Monday, 17 October to meet Caithness solicitors. The Society's vice president will highlight the organisation's plans for the future and its priorities for supporting its members, which are set out in its new strategy document ‘Towards 2020', at an event organised by the Caithness Faculty of solicitors.

Former US death row inmate to speak at Law Society charity event

12 October 2011

A former death row inmate from Louisiana in the USA is the key note speaker at a fundraising event hosted by the Society in partnership with legal charity Amicus on Thursday, 20 October.

Call for pupils to test their debating skills

11 October 2011

first call for debate teams and judges

Sons of Cadder rulings announced today

06 October 2011

Today’s rulings by the UK Supreme Court on the ‘Sons of Cadder’ cases, are a significant step in clarifying the rights of an accused in Scotland – says the Law Society of Scotland.

President kicks off faculties tour in Haddington

05 October 2011

President Cameron Ritchie visits southern faculties

Legal aid proposals require careful consideration

05 October 2011

Legal aid proposals require careful consideration

Law Society set to debate impact of forced marriage laws

30 September 2011

Lawyers, social workers and those working for women’s aid organisations are set to discuss the impact of new legislation outlawing forced marriage in Scotland at a Law Society of Scotland conference.

Agency Workers Regulations come into force on Saturday

30 September 2011

From this Saturday, 1 October, temporary agency staff will be entitled to the same pay and benefits as permanent staff, after 12 weeks of employment.

New rules on alcohol advertising come into force on Saturday

29 September 2011

New laws come into force this Saturday, 1 October 2011, which will ban “irresponsible promotions” in supermarkets and a ban on the advertising of alcohol promotions.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice to launch new LawWorks Scotland advice clinics

26 September 2011

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill is to officially open legal charity LawWorks Scotland’s first advice clinic in Haddington on Monday, 26 September.

Solicitors vote to retain current PC fee level

23 September 2011

Solicitors voted to maintain the practising fee at the current level when they met today for the Law Society’s special general meeting in Edinburgh.

Members research part two

22 September 2011

Members research part two

Law Society president to meet Western Isles solicitors

21 September 2011

Law Society of Scotland president, Cameron Ritchie, is to meet with Western Isles solicitors when he flies into Stornoway on Wednesday, 21 September.

Public spending review

21 September 2011

Comment on public spending review

Society comment on SLAB annual report 2010-11

16 September 2011

The Law Society of Scotland released the following statement today following the publication of the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s annual report 2010-11.

Lord McCluskey’s Review Group publish final report

14 September 2011

The final report by Lord McCluskey’s Review Group examining the relationship between the High Court of Justiciary and the UK Supreme court in criminal cases has been published today, Wednesday 14 September.

Law Society Access to Justice Committee members confirmed

13 September 2011

The 10 members of the Law Society of Scotland’s access to justice committee have been confirmed.

Society welcomes Rights of Children and Young People Bill

08 September 2011

The Law Society of Scotland today, Thursday, 8 September, welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Rights of Children and Young People Bill, which aims to enshrine in law the duty on Scottish Ministers to recognise the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) when exercising its responsibilities.

Society comment on Bills in legislative programme

07 September 2011

Following the First Minister’s statement this afternoon, in which 15 new bills were announced for the legislative programme for the year ahead, the Law Society of Scotland has today emphasised that the need to ensure access to justice and delivering justice should be at the heart of any legislative reform.

Law Society of Scotland looks ahead to 2020

06 September 2011

The Law Society of Scotland has today published its new strategy for the decade ahead at its annual conference, ‘Law in Scotland – One Profession’.

Changes to traineeship

01 September 2011

Changes to traineeship

Society signs information sharing protocol with SCDEA

31 August 2011

Society and SCDEA sign information sharing protocol

New Legal Domains for Registered Paralegals

25 August 2011

two new legal domains launched for Registered Paralegals

In-House Lawyers debate invite

19 August 2011

In-House Lawyers debate invite

Modernisation of IP laws up for discussion at Festival

18 August 2011

The importance of intellectual property law to Scotland’s creative industries and the need for a robust protection system which is fit for the digital age will be at the heart of the Law Society of Scotland’s seminar at this year’s Festival of Politics, at which Pete Wishart MP will be speaking.

Roaming wild in Scotland – and staying on the right side of the law this summer

16 August 2011

Scots have traditionally had the attitude that the land is there to explore and people should be free to wander - as long as of course, they act responsibly and are aware of the need to respect others, including local wildlife and livestock.

Home alone and child baby-sitters – what the law says

09 August 2011

With the school holidays upon us, parents might consider leaving children home alone or with a child baby-sitter. But they should be aware that the law does not provide a “bright line rule” on when it is acceptable to do so.

Society seeks urgent talks with Santander

08 August 2011

The Law Society of Scotland is seeking urgent talks with Santander following the bank's introduction of a compliance fee, which the Society believes is an unnecessary cost burden on solicitors and their clients.

Career Changes

05 August 2011

The Law Society of Scotland is planning a careers event for people interested in studying law and entering the legal profession this October.

Society welcomes planned improvements to police station duty scheme

04 August 2011

The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed a commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to make changes aimed at significantly improving the police station duty scheme.

Paralegals invited to join Society's Registered Paralegal scheme

03 August 2011

Stage 3 of the Registered Paralegals scheme goes live on 15 August which allows all paralegals to apply for registered status.

ABA Section of International Law Meeting

26 July 2011

International legal issues and ethics will be among the topics up for discussion at the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of International Law Meeting in Dublin this October.

Plan ahead for a stress-free break in the sun

22 July 2011

With the rise of cheaper of air travel there are more independent travellers that ever, however even if you’ve not booked a package holiday which gives you automatic cover if your holiday company or airlines goes bust, there are still options available.

Employers without a social media plan for staff could be open to risks

18 July 2011

Social media provides many businesses with the means to instantly connect with customers; never has it been easier to share, monitor and communicate information , but social media in the workplace does also come with issues and those employers who do not have a social media policy in place, could be leaving themselves open to risks

Parliamentary scrutiny required on clauses in Public Bodies Bill

13 July 2011

The Law Society of Scotland has highlighted that proposed powers to modify or abolish public bodies should undergo the same level of parliamentary scrutiny as was required to set up each of the organisations.

Business law specialists to meet at global forum

08 July 2011

Business law specialists, from around the world will be meeting in London in September, when the American Bar Association (ABA) holds its second global business law forum focusing on cross-border transactions.

Pete Wishart MP to speak at Society’s festival seminar

08 July 2011

The issues and barriers affecting the UK's current intellectual property (IP) system will be up for discussion at the Society’s Festival of Politics seminar this August, with guest speaker Pete Wishart MP.

New Scotland Bill Committee call for evidence

05 July 2011

The Law Society of Scotland welcomes new Scotland Bill Committee's call for evidence

Society calls for more information on police station duty scheme

04 July 2011

Start of police stattion duty scheme underlines need for more information

holiday travel disruptions - where do you stand with your employer?

04 July 2011

Employees stuck overseas because of airport strikes, delays or cancellations could still be entitled to payment if they can work from their laptops.

Solicitors abstain from police station duty scheme

30 June 2011

Under 15.1 percent of solicitors sign up to police station duty scheme

Society pays tribute to Lord Rodger

27 June 2011

Lord Rodger of Earlsferry, one of the two Scottish justices on the UK Supreme Court sadly died on Sunday 26 June.

Society publishes new guidance on tackling bullying in the profession

27 June 2011

The Law Society of Scotland has published new guidance on tackling bullying within the legal profession which will go to every firm in Scotland.

Society comment on Supreme Court Interim Report

27 June 2011

An interim report examining the relationship between the High Court of Justiciary and the UK Supreme Court in criminal cases was published by Lord McCluskey’s Review Group this afternoon.

Stamp Duty Land Tax system down at end of June

24 June 2011

Major changes are being made to the computer system used by HMRC to process SDLT returns.

Sectarianism Bill timetable reviewed

23 June 2011

Alex Salmond has just announced a revised timetable for the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill.

Society warns - new offences in Offensive Behaviour Bill may cause confusion

21 June 2011

The Law Society of Scotland today, Tuesday 21 June, voiced concerns over the Scottish Government's proposed new laws for tackling sectarianism, arguing the legislation may cause greater confusion rather than adding clarity.

Society concerned at Sectarianism Bill timescale

17 June 2011

The Law Society of Scotland has today expressed concerns that the Scottish Government’s bill to combat sectarianism will be pushed through parliamentary procedure too quickly and the lack of scrutiny could result in legislation that may be open to successful challenge.

Falkirk team win national debate on youth

17 June 2011

Debaters from a Falkirk school have won a national competition at their first attempt.

Joint statement from the Law Society and Faculty of Advocates

16 June 2011

Joint statement - Law Society and Faculty

Pupils to advocate youth over experience at debate final

15 June 2011

Pupils to debate youth over experience at Donald Dewar debate final

Free careers help for new solicitors

15 June 2011

Free careers events for new lawyers

Society hosts event on developing business in the Middle East

13 June 2011

Society to host event for firms looking at developing business in the Middle East

Corroboration a vital safeguard says Law Society

10 June 2011

The requirement of corroboration is an important safeguard in prosecutions and should remain enshrined in Scots criminal law, the Law Society of Scotland says today in its response to the Carloway Review.

Society reiterates deep concerns about new police station scheme

10 June 2011

Law Society president, Cameron Ritchie, has stated in a letter to Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, that ‘deep concerns’ remain about a proposed new scheme designed to provide suspects with access to legal advice when they are questioned at police stations and has urged the minister to reconsider as a matter of priority

New non-solicitor members for Law Society Council

09 June 2011

Nine non-solicitor members to join the Law Society Council

New regulatory committee meets for first time

06 June 2011

New rgulatory committee meets for first time at Law Society

Society welcomes Rome Bar Council at law seminar

03 June 2011

The Law Society of Scotland welcomed members of the Rome Bar Council today to discuss areas of mutual interest between the two jurisdictions, in the first of many meetings to explore the opportunities for Italian and Scottish solicitors to do business.

Police station duty scheme ‘unnecessary, unjustified and unacceptable'

01 June 2011

A proposed new scheme designed to provide suspects with access to legal advice when being questioned at police stations has been described by the Law Society of Scotland as 'unnecessary, unjustified and unacceptable'.

ECHR compatibility of Scots Law needed

01 June 2011

ECHR compatibility of Scots Law needed

Non-solicitor voting members to join Society's Council

27 May 2011

SGM votes to allow non solicitor voting members of the Law Society's Council

Solicitors approve consolidated rules at SGM

27 May 2011

Solicitors approve consolidated rules at SGM

Former Fiscal takes up President's role at Law Society

27 May 2011

Cameron Ritchie has taken up the reins as president of the Law Society of Scotland today, Friday, 27 May 2011.

Society comments on complaints commission budget

26 May 2011

Society comments on complaints commission budget

Society welcomes return of MacAskill to justice brief

19 May 2011

Appointment of new Scottish Government cabinet, inclding Kenny MacAskill as Cabinet Secretary for Justice

Further clarification needed on acts of the Lord Advocate clauses

13 May 2011

The Law Society of Scotland has restated its view that the devolution procedure relating to appeals, should continue to apply to the Lord Advocate as prosecutor, to ensure compatibility with EU Law and Convention Rights.

Society responds to ethnic minority research findings

09 May 2011

Society to launch action plan in reponse to ethnic minority research findings

Quality over quantity is needed when parliament legislates

04 May 2011

The Law Society of Scotland has today said that new legislation is not always the answer to society’s problem and warns that ill considered or over complicated law can lead to unwanted consequences and increased demands on the existing legal system.

New law project helps youngsters learn responsibilities

04 May 2011

New law project helps youngsters learn about responsibilities

Society's Council backs Jamie Millar as president

28 April 2011

The Society's Council gives its backing to Jamie Millar as president

Council agrees to restrict contact with Editor of The Firm

28 April 2011

Council agrees to restrict contact with Editor of The Firm

Brand and IP planning key to success

12 April 2011

Brand and Intellectual Property design, planning and assessment, will be at the heart of discussions at the World Intellectual Property Day 2011 conference in Edinburgh on Thursday 21 April.

Counsel's Opinion

06 April 2011

Counsel's Opinion

New convener for Access to Justice Committee

30 March 2011

Stuart Naismith is appointed as Access to Justice Committee convener