February feature: On-going regulatory reform

This month’s feature looks at a few of the jurisdictions currently engaging in a review of the legislative framework for the regulation of legal services. These reviews cover issues ranging from a restatement of the objectives of lawyer regulation through to a fundamental redesign of the architecture of regulation and the roles and responsibilities of…

We need to talk about mental health in the Scottish legal sector

Scotland’s legal sector, while making progress in addressing mental health issues, is facing an accelerated crisis that demands urgent support. Mental health problems, affecting one in three people annually, have worsened in recent years, requiring comprehensive support across sectors, particularly in the legal profession. The demanding nature of legal work, long hours, high workloads, and…

The Law Society of Scotland launches new guide for creating a wellbeing strategy

The Law Society of Scotland has launched a new resource called the Guide to creating a Wellbeing Strategy to support the mental and physical wellbeing of legal professionals. The guide outlines a three-step process to develop a wellbeing strategy, including securing the support of senior workplace leaders and consulting with colleagues on the wellbeing support…

The Law Society of Scotland continues work on regulatory regime for Licensed Legal Service Providers

The Law Society of Scotland has provided an update on the status of licensed legal services providers. Traditionally legal practices can only be owned by lawyers holding a practice certificate, these new Legal Service Providers can be owned by non-lawyers, though they still need to be majority (51%) owned by solicitors or members of specified…

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation has set up a new legal sector engagement forum

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, a division of HM Treasury UK, has set up a new legal sector engagement forum. The OFSI helps ensure financial sanctions are understood, implemented and enforced. The forum has been set up to enhance the direct engagement between the OFSI and the legal sector. The forum is an opportunity…

Scottish Parliament introduces Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill

The Scottish Parliament has brought in a new regulatory framework to change the way the Scottish legal market is regulated. The Bill provides for more competition and innovation in the regulation and provision of legal services. Existing regulators will retain their regulatory function but must become independent from other functions such as representing the membership…

Legal Sector Affinity Group of the Law Society of Scotland implements updated AML guidance

The Legal Sector Affinity Group has implemented it’s updated guidance on anti-money laundering. The guidance has been approved by HM treasury. The updates reflect changes in the Money laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. These include: Guidance on the new requirement to carry out proliferation financing risk assessments, either as part of…

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