Law society of scotland committees. Law Society consultations .

• Law society of scotland committees Our policy advisory committees help shape Law Society policy on the issues affecting our profession, access to justice and the rule of law. The public policy update provides a look back to November and December and the work of the many Society committees. 5. Monitor the supply of publicly funded legal assistance across Scotland, encouraging greater coordination of services. T: +44(0) 131 226 7411. Run jointly by the Law Society of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament, the competition asked students to consider 'the role played by committees of the Scottish Parliament in the legislative process and how young people can engage with those committees', and present their response in a way that Scotland’s youngest voters would engage with. We engage with stakeholders including HMRC, Revenue Scotland and the Scottish Government and response to To determine conduct complaints against Scottish solicitors, executry and conveyancing practitioners. Discuss and decide on matters of strategic importance, or material operational matters which Our Consumer Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitors, who have an interest and experience in consumer law matters. Our Child and Family committee considers law reform and practice issues affecting children and families in Scotland. Latest news. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of competition law issues. Our committees; Past presidents; Honorary Members; War The work of the Law Society of Scotland is supported by a number of committees, which are populated with practitioners, academics and lay persons who come together to assist in the delivery of the Law Society’s strategy. Opportunity to join The Law Society of Scotland has called for greater clarity on the aims of new legislation to protect neurodivergent people and people with learning disabilities. The Law Society of Scotland believes that the development of Scotland’s administrative justice system would materially assist the creation of a fairer and more just society, Our committees carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to The Law Society of Scotland supports proposed changes to modernise criminal justice procedures, but says such reforms must be accompanied by increased funding for the criminal justice system. The Law Society’s team includes talented and committed colleagues who support our members and the hundreds of volunteers on our committees and Council. Serena was elected to the Society's Council in July 2018, representing solicitors in Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain and Wick. Members include academics and solicitors who advise clients in respect of renewable and non-renewable energies and those involved in regulation of the energy industry. Individuals who have been awarded Honorary Membership of the Law Society of Scotland. Journal. The Council of Law Society of Ireland appoints committees to monitor and advise its members on best practice in a range of legal areas. Close ; Qualifying and education. learn more about us. The consultation There are currently vacancies on 30 of the Law Society’s diverse range of committees and Solicitors and non-solicitors have the opportunity to get involved with the work There are currently vacancies on 17 of the Law Society of Scotland's diverse range of committees, including convener posts. Conveners are sought for the Complaints & Oversight, Rights of Audience and Insurance Committees (the last reserved to a solicitor Council member). Build the Society's relationship with law centres, Part V solicitors, and other advice providers. org. There are also two panels who assess applications to be accredited as a commercial or family mediator. The Regulatory Committee, which is a committee of the Council of the Law Society but acts independently, is responsible for the oversight of all of the Society’s regulatory functions. Policy committees; News Archive. Atria One, 144 Morrison Street Edinburgh The Law Society is governed by a Council which has elected members from geographical constituencies, co-opted members representing other interest groups within the legal profession and non-solicitor members. The number of committees changes over time, and subcommittees and working groups are set up to deal with specific issues. the Society’s committees are not just populated by lawyers, but also by lay people who bring a completely different perspective to the issues under consideration Law Society news. Law reform, which looks after four of the 17 committees directly accountable to Council (law reform, criminal law, access to justice, and legal aid), relies heavily on the committee structure. Law Society of Scotland Each of the sub-committees has an overarching aim to support the Public Policy Committee in the delivery of the Law Society’s strategy, particularly in influencing the creation of a fairer and more just society and being an international centre of excellence in thought leadership, through the development of positions relating to public policy. Skip to content The working group comprised members drawn from various Law Society news. Our Banking, Company & Insolvency Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest and experience in banking, company and insolvency law matters. As a member of our Property Law and Property and Land Law Reform Committees, she is a generous and dedicated contributor to the work of the Law Society. The strategy is additionally informed by: • The constitution of the Law Society of Scotland4; • The draft strategy of the Law Society of Scotland 2020-20225; Holding a practising certificate entitles members to practise in all areas of the law in Scotland and to call themselves a solicitor. Solicitors and non-solicitors have an opportunity to influence decisions on the regulation of the Scottish legal profession and help shape good law in Scotland. Our vision is to promote, protect and support solicitors, the rule of law and justice in England and Wales. These decisions are often able to be appealed or reviewed. Law Society Fellow, Gerard Sinclair, joins us to discuss his career following his retirement from the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) in 2021, his involvement in high profile cases and his advice to newly In writing: HR Team, Law Society of Scotland, Atria One, 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EX; We advertise job vacancies and positions on our governing Council, our committees and working parties. Engaging with practitioners through writing and conferences is something that I have always seen as important, as well as being able to contribute through roles on Law Society committees and at Holyrood. Read in context, the only conclusion that can Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. To monitor general compliance with Practice Rule B5. Law Society consultations The Energy Law sub committee is made up of solicitor and non solicitor members with a particular interest in and knowledge of energy law in Scotland. Close ; The following week, on 20 March, the committees have invited the Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities, Law Society of Scotland The Law Society of Scotland's response (January 2017) Read our comments sent to all MSPs ahead of the Scottish Government debate 'Scotland's Choice' on 21 March 2017. View members of the 2024/25 Law Society committees The Law Society of Scotland has developed the “Guide to Generative AI” in association with AI legal platform Wordsmith. We have sub-groups focusing on LBTT, personal tax and business tax. We’re looking for new voices and expertise to help shape our work in different areas of practice, regulation, policy and governance. Paul Mosson Law Society of Scotland PaulMosson@lawscot. Chaired by a non-solicitor member and with its Governance committees; In this section. Law Society of Scotland – Written evidence (EEH0035) Introduction The Law Society of Scotland is the professional body for over 12,000 Scottish solicitors. liaise with members of the profession, including local law societies, sections and special interest groups, to explain our activities and report back to the Council; liaise with external organisations about our work ; keep up to date with our work through policy papers and other documents ; approve appointments to Council committees Vice President 2019-2020, Law Society of Scotland, Solicitor since November 1998 and joined Law Society of Scotland Council 2010. committees or key stakeholders. We aim to make sure all correspondence is published as a fully accessible pdf. Inclusion. Read the Law Society of Scotland response Subsidy control: designing a new approach for the UK - March 2021 Following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, the UK has the freedom to design a new domestic subsidy control regime that reflects our strategic interests and particular national circumstances. Follow. At a stage of significant reform of family law, including the wider use of mediation in family cases, proposed reforms to surrogacy and cohabitation, and the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic law, the committee is keen to Governance committees; In this section. With our overarching objective of leading legal excellence, we strive to excel and to be a world-class professional body, understanding and serving the needs of our members and the public The Regulatory Committee has, in turn, delegated the exercise of certain functions to regulatory sub-committees, for example, the Professional Practice (Rules & Waivers) Sub-Committee and the Guarantee Fund Sub-Committee and, in some cases, to Opportunity to join committees / take part in mentoring; Entitled to use the post-nominals FLSS; Networking opportunities You must be retired from full time employment and held a practising certificate with the Law Society of Scotland Solicitor to Financial Compliance Law Society of Scotland. Funding your education. Lawscot Foundation. Considering in appropriate circumstances whether to refer a practice unit or practitioner to the Complaints Sub-Committee of the Society or the SLCC. For new members of the Society, she adds: “Get involved – join the Society’s committees in your area of work or in other areas that interest you. Our committees carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law and legal practice. Volunteering at the Law Society of Scotland is more than just an opportunity to give back but a chance to advance your personal and professional development. In addition to the committee vacancies available, there is also the opportunity for solicitors to stand for the co-opted position in the Law Society of Scotland’s governing Council as a representative for members working in the third Edinburgh commercial litigation solicitor, Sheila Webster has been confirmed as the Law Society of Scotland’s 2023-24 president elect, today, Friday 10 December 2021. Close ; Research and policy. Read the Analysis of Responses which features the Society's response submitted in January 2017. 1 of the Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules, and analyse and report upon first tier complaints records requested in terms of Rule B5. Experts from the Law Society’s Technology Law and Practice Committee have contributed to the guide to provide information on questions such as: How reliable is work produced using AI in terms of accuracy and quality? John Sinclair is the new convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Property Law Committee, formerly the Conveyancing Committee. “In her role as a professional support lawyer, she plays a key role in the development of her fellow Scottish commercial property lawyers and I know that she will prove to be a valuable asset to the Commission’s Our Tax Law Sub-Committee works across the full range of tax law matters. There are currently vacancies on 17 of the Law Society’s diverse range of committees, including convener posts. See latest Review and where appropriate challenge the policies and procedures of the Society; the actions and judgment of the Society's executive, office bearers, Council and committee members in The Regulatory Committee was created by the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010. Derek Allan Alan Eadie Laura Fell Ashley Jones Louise Our committees; In this section. Regulation and compliance. Sign Up. The letter or email from us, advising you of a decision, Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. Influencing the law In compliance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Society’s financial statements have been consolidated with those of the Scottish Solicitors’ Guarantee Fund (SSGF) and with The Law Society of Scotland Services Limited and presented as financial statements for the Group. Members are entitled to a range of support services including CPD and The Law Society of Scotland’s Criminal Law Committee responded to the Scottish Government’s not proven verdict and related reforms consultation, A number of the Society’s committees considered this Bill which was passed on an expeditated timescale through the Parliament in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Our Competition Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest in competition law. Home; Membership; advises the Law Society on matters relating to the reform of the law and the legislative process relating to wills, probate, Our Pensions Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest and experience in pension law matters. The 2024 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate will introduce changes aimed at streamlining the process and reducing the administrative burden on legal practitioners. We work closely with other committees on discrimination and Law Society news. Atria One With the assistance of its sub-committees and colleagues within the Executive, the committee has reviewed and approved three regulatory consultation responses in 2023. Have your questions on the application process answered by Law Society colleagues We have vacancies across more than thirty of our committees. We’re looking for new voices and expertise to help shape our work in different areas In advance of the Stage 3 proceedings on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament, the Law Society issued an MSP briefing. Read the correspondence (118KB, pdf) posted 27 March 2024 Accessibility. We Views were sought on a number of topics, including whether the current arrangements are effective and appropriate following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU, whether the law in Scotland on access to justice on environmental matters is sufficient, and whether establishing an environmental court could enhance governance arrangements. Research. Our work with schools. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of pension issues. Law Society of Scotland. Qualifying Executive Director of Member Services & Engagement Law Society of Scotland View In this section. The Law Society of Scotland's Client Protection Sub The Society's main committees include the General Council, the Education Examination Board, and the Local Branch Committees, each comprised of elected members responsible for overseeing different aspects of the Society's operations, such as overall management, education and examination regulation, and local branch affairs, with members serving specified terms School admission and exclusion appeals, currently determined in the first place by local authority education appeal committees, are the latest category of business proposed to transfer to the Scottish Tribunals, under a new Scottish Government consultation. Complete a course of study to gain an official certification from Law Society of Scotland. 689 posts. Rules and guidance. Amanda is a partner with McCash & Hunter LLP in Perth, Education and Home Charter Committees, The Society’s Consumer Law and Licensing Law Subcommittees responded to the Scottish Government consultation Funeral director licensing scheme for Scotland, which sought views on a licensing scheme for funeral directors. The specialist accreditation panels assess applications from solicitors to be accredited as specialists in these areas of law, or to act as a solicitor arbitrator. The committee is Analysis of the responses to the public consultation on reform of legal services regulation in Scotland, which ran between 1 October and 24 December 2021. E: At the Law Society of Scotland, we are working together to achieve our overarching objective of leading legal excellence and we are striving to excel and to be a world-class professional body. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of consumer issues, and we work closely with other committees, including the Banking, Company & Insolvency Law sub-committee. . Sheila will assume her new role in May 2022 succeeding current Vice President, Murray Etherington when he takes up the reins from current President of the Law Society of Scotland, Ken Dalling. Professional indemnity; Insurance Committee; Law Society of Scotland. Member Edinburgh commercial litigation solicitor, Sheila Webster has been confirmed as the Law Society of Scotland’s 2023-24 president elect, today, Friday 10 December 2021. Social mobility. About us. Close ; For members. The purpose of this committee is to decide on matters relating to the general running of the Society. To represent the profession and the Law Society of Scotland to Government, the media, external bodies and at ceremonial events. These committees have the following comments to put forward for consideration. The Law Society’s Professional Conduct Sub-committees, comprising solicitor and non-solicitor members, have the power to make findings of unsatisfactory professional conduct (UPC) following investigation of conduct complaints against solicitors. This committee is made up of elected members of each branch. With our Bill – Reconsideration Stage. The Council is supported by a series of committees, again featuring solicitor and non-solicitor members. Health and medical law. We respond to consultations and proposals for relevant changes to the law from a wide range of stakeholders. Have your questions on the application process answered by Law Society colleagues We have vacancies across more than forty of our committees. Read more about Certification Courses. Law Society consultations We respond to proposed changes in the law in the field of employment that are relevant to Scotland, and to any developments relating to the structure and practice of Employment Tribunals in Scotland. uk. To determine conduct complaints against Scottish solicitors, executry and conveyancing practitioners. Advisory committees. Close ; Our committees; Regulatory Committee; Rules, Waivers and Guidance Sub-Committee; Rules, Law Society of Scotland. The Society can also prosecute solicitors before the Scottish For members. Law Society of Scotland - Social Security (Amendment) Scotland Bill. The main committees of the Society are General Council, the Joint Examination Board and the Local Branch Councils. Solicitors can log in to access many useful resources under each committee, including practice notes and precedents for that area of law. Member forums: Legal aid, recruitment Law Society of Scotland – Written Evidence Introduction The Law Society of Scotland is the professional body for over 12,000 Scottish solicitors. We currently have no committee vacancies, however if you are interested in future opportunities, please feel free to send an email to committeerecruitment@lawscot. We strive to recruit people Brian Yates is a lay member of the Law Society of Scotland Appeals & Reviews and Rights of Audience Committees, both of which are subcommittees to the Regulatory Committee My solicitor thought I could I have always valued the close connections in Scotland between the academic and practitioner worlds. Research and policy. Similarly, the Council has the power to delegate powers to committees and for those committees to The COP26 and Climate Change Working Group included volunteers from across existing Law Society committees with varied policy interests including environment, energy, finance, Law Society news. Members stand for a period of three years. The Council of the Law Society of Scotland (‘the Council’) has responsibility to conduct the business of the Society in line with relevant legislation. Contact us. About our committees Our committees carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law and legal practice. Atria One, 144 Morrison Street Edinburgh EH3 8EX. I act as Solicitor to the Financial Compliance team and as Secretary to both the Client Protection and the Anti-Money Laundering Sub-Committees within the Law Society. Global position of English law: International Data Insights 2024. To oversee the systems for the selection of committee members for those committees that report to Council. A consultant with Burness Paull in Edinburgh, he specialises in residential development I am also Convener of the Constitutional Law and Human Rights Sub-Committee and we are at a time when the work of the two committees seems to be aligning because of the growing awareness of human rights in society, recognising the The 2024 Law Society of Scotland Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certificate will introduce changes aimed at streamlining the process and reducing the administrative burden on legal practitioners. We consulted members on pricing transparency in 2018 and, in developing the guidance and accompanying examples on pricing, we also sought views from solicitors within our policy sub-committees, who work across a wide range of legal practice areas, and stakeholder organisations, including the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, to ensure the Introducing an important Law Society of Scotland report on advance directives, and on medical decision-making in intensive care situations. All solicitor members must observe our rules and our standards of conduct and agree to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year. All regulatory decisions at the Law Society are already taken by committees made up of experienced solicitors and non-solicitors who represent the public interest. Our policy committees scrutinise legislation emanating from the Scottish, UK and European parliaments. Career support and advice. Read the correspondence (1MB, pdf) posted 17 January 2025 Law Society crowns Cameron Ramage 2024’s In-House Rising Star; Law Society spotlights 5 in-house solicitors as shortlist for award is announced ; Time to spotlight Scotland's in-house rising stars as 2024 award launches ; Christopher Knudsen wins 2023 In Having been a member of Council for the Law Society of Scotland since 2017, I’ll continue to be involved in some of the things that affect the profession, and be asked to be on panels and committees where I’ll be able to make a difference. Qualifying as a Scottish solicitor. Identify opportunities to promote pro bono work. If you’re looking for a solicitor, visit FindaSolicitor. Posts. Participation in relevant Law Society of Scotland committees or other bodies or contribution towards consultation papers within the specialism. Solicitor Members. 2,244 Committees. It’s a great way to learn about the legal profession you are part of and get to know your professional colleagues throughout Scotland and beyond. Your role as an in-house lawyer is to get across your employer’s position in relation to any particular project, transaction In-house lawyers working outside Scotland should read the Law Society's additional Committee as set out in the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980, and the regulatory objectives and schema set out in the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010)3. Influencing the law The Law Society of Scotland has welcomed the introduction of a Bill aimed at consolidating and modernising Scottish law around trusts and making limited changes to the law of intestate succession. Message. Law Society of Scotland (a number of individuals and firms expressly adopted its ambition [of independence for regulatory functions]. 1. It is comprised of solicitors and lay members, including the President of the Society of Solicitor Advocates (SSA), the Criminal Vice President of the SSA, and a member of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland. The Regulatory Committee, which has equal numbers of solicitors and non-solicitors and is chaired by a non-solicitor member, also has a number of regulatory sub-committees. Influencing the law Our Contract and Delict Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest in obligations law, and we work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of obligation law issues. Each of the sub-committees has an overarching aim to support the Public Policy Committee in the delivery of the Law Society’s strategy, particularly in influencing the creation of a fairer and more just society and being an international centre of excellence in thought leadership, through the development of positions relating to public policy. Campaigns. To run the system for the selection for conveners of committees that report to the Council. law_scot. We have a code of conduct for Council and committee members. Log in. Career growth. The Council has also appointed committees to monitor and advise its members on best practice in a range of legal areas such as alternative dispute resolution, conveyancing, family law, litigation, taxation, probate etc. View all campaigns. It is a committee of the Council of the Law Society but acts independently. Solicitors and non-solicitors are invited by the Law Society of Scotland to apply for places on its regulatory and policy committees as it seeks to fill a slate of vacancies. Membership and fees. Law Society consultations I am therefore very pleased to publish the Law Society of Scotland’s Regulatory Committee’s new strategy for 2021-22. Find out more about our work on Health and Medical Law. Find a Solicitor. The Law Society’s Rural Affairs and Environmental Law Sub-Committees responded to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee’s call for views on the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill. Blogs & opinions. This round-up features the Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill, the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, as well as the Making Work Pay consultation and the Scottish Building Safety Levy Consultation. Sign up. The work of our Environmental Law Sub-Committee may be At the Law Society of Scotland, we are working together to achieve our overarching objective of leading legal excellence and we are striving to excel and to be a world-class professional body. The Bill was introduced in September 2023 and is currently at Stage 1. The Law Society of Scotland provided further information following the meeting on 7 March 2024. In addition the Board requires some The Law Society of Scotland's latest specialism is in legal technology. Law Society Committees have powers, authorities and tasks delegated by the Council. Each panel is made up of between six and eight members, and are a mix of solicitors and others with experience in As a member of our Property Law and Property and Land Law Reform Committees, she is a generous and dedicated contributor to the work of the Law Society. 2025; 2024; 2023; 2022; 2021; 2020; 2019; 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015; 2014; 2013; Law Society of Scotland. CPD & Training. In our operating year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025, we aim to achieve everything in our annual plan, as well as provide an excellent day-to-day service for our members, the public and the organisations we work closely with. With our overarching objective of leading legal excellence, we strive to excel and to be a world-class professional body, understanding and serving the needs of our members and the public. Events. Entitled to call yourself a Fellow of the Law Society of Scotland; Digital newsletters and Journal; Invitation to exclusive Fellow-only events; Can attend our annual conference (places are limited and on a first-come first-served The Law Society of Scotland is committed to providing a fair and supportive environment within our own organisation while promoting and facilitating equality and diversity across the Scottish legal sector. Our volunteer Policy committees carry out invaluable work As well as the Law Society Council, our key decision-making body, there are a multitude of committees made up of volunteers from the Scottish legal profession and beyond. Our values Our five values were Established in 1999, the Donald Dewar Memorial Debating tournament, run in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Society and dedicated to the memory of the former First Minister Donald Dewar MSP, is Scotland’s largest annual schools debating tournament. I previously All Board members should have: An understanding of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980, the Society’s strategy and its current annual plan. This includes the Regulatory Committee which acts The public policy update provides a look back to November and December and the work of the many Society committees. E: lawscot@lawscot. Admission appeals concern parents' school placing requests, and the form of review when a parental 32 of the Law Society of Scotland’s 57 committees and sub-committees are looking for new committee members and conveners. The implementation of such changes requires agreement between the Society, the Scottish Legal Aid Board and the Scottish Government. Close ; the projects with support and guidance from the hundreds of volunteer solicitor and lay The legal profession has a key role to play in influencing the law and policy related to climate change. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations on a wide range of issues. You can find out more about what they do on our committee pages. The Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 gives Scottish ministers the power to establish an inspection regime for burial authorities, 2,243 Followers, 111 Following, 689 Posts - Law Society of Scotland🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@law_scot) on Instagram: "The Law Society of Scotland is the professional body for more than 13,000 Scottish solicitors" Log In. Business support. Our Council and Board committees help make sure the Law Society is well governed, we are working in our members’ best interests and our services are relevant to solicitors’ careers. We believe that debate promotes the following skills: Our committees; Past presidents; Honorary Members; War memorial project; Law Society of Scotland. The CMA is concerned that, regardless of composition, regulatory committees do not deliver the required independence where they sit within a body that also carries out representative functions, and as Sophie McIvor speaks to Gerard Sinclair about his career which he describes as a play of three acts, as well as his advice to newly qualified lawyers. Audit Committee; Accredited Paralegal Committee; Finance Sub-Committee; Nominations Committee; Law Society of Scotland. Skip to content Menu. The Law Society of Scotland is the professional body for over 13,000 Scottish solicitors. Our committees; Past presidents; Honorary Members; War memorial project; Law Society of Scotland. close menu. We are supported by a range of different committees, including the Regulatory Committee which operates independently of Council and is responsible for all of the Law Society's regulatory work. Law Society news. General Comments on the Amendments Under the Scotland Act 1998 (“the Scotland Act”) section 33 the Advocate General for In the last of our series, 75th Anniversary Conversations, past President of the Law Society from 2015-2016, Christine McLintock, and Lawscot Foundation alumnus Megan Allan meet to discuss their paths to success, the Ian Moir, Co-convener of Law Society’s Legal Aid Committee, said: “The figures in this annual report show the long-term deterioration in Scotland’s legal aid system is continuing. The Law Society of Scotland's latest specialism is in legal technology. We were one of the founding committees of the working group which produced the Advance choices, and medical decision-making in intensive care situations paper in 2022. To decide if a conduct complaint may amount to professional misconduct and requires to be referred to the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal in terms of Section 51 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980. Letter from the President of the Law Society of Scotland to the Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about the discharge of functions of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland and the appointment and constitution of committees and To monitor the exercise by the Sub Committee and of the Law Society executive of the delegated powers of the Council. They help to shape the laws you work with every day and joining one of our committees would give you the opportunity to help ensure that any new law which is passed is technically sound and workable in practice Former President of the Law Society of Scotland Ken Dalling, who was elected as Head of the UK Delegation to the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe in April this year, considers the importance of an independent legal profession and how separation from the state is intrinsically linked to the health of a democratic society on European Lawyers Day 2024. Committees. The Law Society of Scotland is to publish unsatisfactory professional conduct findings on its website. Qualifying and education. A brand new regulatory anti-money laundering (AML) sub-committee is being set up to ensure that the Law Society of Scotland can meet its increasing statutory obligations as We have a number of committees that can make decisions that affect you. About our committees Council and Board committees. The Society noted that the Bill is, in large part, a framework Bill and understands the potential benefits of the framework approach – for example, allowing greater flexibility in designing and implementing the underlying policy The committee considers applications for accreditation and re-accreditation as a 'senior solicitor advocate', providing recommendations to the Law Society's Council. General Council. We have two types of advisory Our committees carry out valuable work for the profession and the public. “In her role as a professional support lawyer, she plays a key We work closely with other committees including the Property and Land Law Sub-Committee and the Environmental Law Sub-Committee. These include our regulatory committees - which play a vital public interest role - and other supporting committees, who advise on a huge range of topics and projects, from access Orkney solicitor Serena Sutherland has been nominated as president-elect 2026-27 of the Law Society of Scotland. Whatever opportunities come my way, The Law Society. To run the system for the selection of Board members who put themselves forward for the elected Board positions. The committees perform a wide range of functions, from high level governance (for example, of the Client Protection Fund) to deciding individual cases. 1(ii). The Society’s policy team and committees regularly analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law. We are a regulator that sets and enforces standards for the solicitor profession which helps people in need and supports business in Scotland, the UK and overseas. Consisting of dedicated volunteers, each committee focuses on a particular area of law, pooling together specialist skills and experience in order to scrutinise legislation, court decisions and other government policies. To be an ambassador for the profession. Ensure Law Society of Scotland-wide compliance with the requirements of the Money Laundering Regulations (including as reflected in the Office of Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) Sourcebook and/or equivalent). Search. The Law Society is the educational, representative and regulatory body of the solicitors’ profession in Ireland. Together, that partnership has ensured that the Society has been effective and influential throughout its 75 years. scot. Find out more about our Council and Board committees. More about us For Solicitors Dale Trahms, AML Risk Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, said: “The AML Certificate remains a crucial tool in our risk-based supervision approach and it’s vital that each individual practice ensures the accuracy of the data they submit to allow us to understand the AML risks posed to each practice. The Law Society of Scotland is the professional body for over 12,000 Scottish solicitors. Letter from the Law Society of Scotland to the Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, 17 January 2025. Law Society consultations Approve the Law Society of Scotland’s strategy, annual business plan and annual budget. The Regulatory Committee was created as a result of the Legal Services The Society has a searchable database of a selection of UPC decisions taken by its Professional Conduct Sub-committees. Wellbeing.