Law Society of Scotland

16/10/2026

18 October is World Menopause Day. This exists to raise global awareness of menopause and to support women's mid-life health.

As research continues and understanding of menopause deepens, we've refreshed our menopause support guide to reflect this. Find the Guide here 👉 https://bit.ly/4jlyEnm

You can also join us online on 28 October at 12noon at our Menopause Awareness at Work webinar to gain essential insights around menopause in the workplace. Register here: https://bit.ly/4jv2qWZ

14/10/2026

In our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on reforms to legal aid we have said there must be a fairer and less complex system to restore access to justice.

Our President Serena Sutherland has highlighted the two most fundamental problems with the current system - the level of complexity, both for clients and the solicitors who help them, and failure of legal aid fees to reflect the time and expertise being provided

She said: “The current complexity of legal aid makes it hard for people to understand what kind of support is available and whether they’re eligible to receive help. For solicitors, the administrative burden and regular challenges to receive payment are a further deterrent to taking on legal aid work at all.

“In relation to legal aid fees, years of underfunding and other pressures have made delivery unsustainable for many providers and contributed to legal aid deserts. This Bill must ensure there is a mechanism for sustainable fees to be set and periodically reviewed.

“We will be providing the Scottish Parliament with ongoing encouragement and support on this important Bill to ensure that our justice system is accessible to everyone, regardless of their personal or financial circumstances.”

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4hKEMnY

The Law Society of Scotland has said Scottish Government reforms to legal aid must produce a fairer and less complex system to restore access to justice.

14/10/2026

⚠️ Need to complete your annual Risk Management CPD?

Our Identifying and Managing Conflicts of Interest webinar explores how conflicts can arise across different practice areas and the steps solicitors can take to identify and manage them effectively.

Hear from our expert speakers on protecting yourself and your firm against the risks associated with conflicts of interest.

Book now ⬇️

Solicitors are under a duty to not act for any client in matters which conflict with the interests of another client, their practice unit, or their own interests. However, conflicts of interest are not always immediately apparent, and therefore solicitors must be extremely vigilant to prevent and mi...

13/10/2026

📚 There’s still time to fit in your CPD before the end of the 2025/26 practice year.

Catch up on recorded webinars and conferences from our on-demand library, or choose a Bitesize CPD course for shorter sessions you can fit around your working week.

With flexible options available, you can find training that fits around your schedule.

Explore our on-demand CPD ⬇️
https://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/cpd-training/online-cpd/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=online_cpd&utm_content=fb_general

13/10/2026

✍️ In our latest blog, Emma McCutcheon, Co-President of the Scottish Paralegal Association, reflects on her career journey from studying beauty, hair and makeup at college to building a career as an Accredited Paralegal.

Emma discusses how an administration apprenticeship provided her entry point into the profession and why recognising a range of career pathways is important for the future of the legal sector.

Read more about Emma's story 👉 https://bit.ly/4ydroNW

12/10/2026

Next week we are heading to Stirling 📣

There is still time to register your spot for our free half-day conference for smaller firm solicitors. You will get expert in-person advice, an opportunity to share your views in our roundtable discussion and log 3.5 hours of CPD 🔽.

Are you a smaller firm solicitor looking for support?

Our Business of Law Roadshow continues in Stirling next month on 21 October. The free half-day conference is designed to give you in-person training on:

💰 Anti-money laundering
✍️ Account rules and financial compliance
🔒 Cyber security
🖥️ Technology

Register your spot now 👉 https://bit.ly/4xcR8K4

12/10/2026

📣 Would you like to help promote a career in law to schools across Scotland?

We're looking for debate judges as we kick off this year's Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament next month. Whether you're a law student, trainee, a practising or retired solicitor, or you just have a keen interest in debating, we'd love to hear from you.

Register your interest on our website 👉

Information for those interested in registering as a judge in the Donald Dewar Memorial Debate Tournament.

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day 💚

Take a moment to check in with yourself. Whether it's stepping away from your desk, taking a walk, talking to someone you trust, or simply giving yourself a few minutes to breathe, small actions can make a real difference to your wellbeing.

Remember, support is available whenever you need it. LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, and Lawscot Wellbeing offer a range of resources, guidance and support to help you look after your mental health.

Most importantly, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need support. You are not alone.

💜 Visit Lawscot Wellbeing here: https://bit.ly/4q4K3sw
💛 Find LawCare details here: https://bit.ly/3Wj9x89
💙 Read LawCare's latest research, Life in the Law 2025, here: https://bit.ly/47jP74Y It sets out practical steps to embed wellbeing into everyday legal practice.

09/10/2026

⏰ Last chance to book

When clients have more choice than ever, being able to communicate the value of your advice and build strong relationships can make a real difference.

This practical half-day workshop will help you develop your approach to client conversations, identify opportunities for new work, ask for referrals and network with purpose.

Book now 👇

Build stronger relationships, communicate your value with confidence, and create more opportunities for growth in your legal practice.

07/10/2026

⚖️ Develop your advocacy skills through practical, hands-on training.

Taking place in Edinburgh, this two-day course combines practical exercises, observation and expert feedback from Angus Crawford of Expert Advocacy to help you refine your approach and build confidence.

You’ll work on examination in chief, cross-examination, questioning techniques and communication skills, with plenty of opportunity to put your learning into practice.

💬 “An invaluable course that I wish I had attended earlier in my career.”

Book now and save 20% ⬇️

This is an interactive 2-day course to provide lawyers with the skills to conduct effective Examination in Chief and Cross Examination in criminal trials and civil proofs.