New Amendments in Scottish Parliament Aim to Thwart Government Power Grab Over Legal Regulation

The Law Society of Scotland is urging the Scottish government to deliver on its promise to reverse proposed political controls over the way lawyers work, as new amendments to the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill have been lodged in the Scottish Parliament.

Last year, the bill was met with criticism for granting sweeping new powers to the government to directly control and involve itself in the work of Scottish lawyers. The Scottish judiciary warned that this could lead to the country being viewed internationally as open to political abuse, while the International Bar Association described the proposed interference as disturbing and shocking.

Over 300 government amendments to the bill have been published this week, with more expected to follow. Susan Murray, president of the Law Society of Scotland, emphasized the importance of scrutinizing these amendments to ensure they address all concerns raised since the bill was first introduced.

The Law Society is also advocating for additional regulatory powers to act in the public interest, including the ability to suspend solicitors, conclude complaints cases more quickly, and place conditions on law firms’ practices. David Gordon, convener of the Law Society’s Regulatory Committee, highlighted the need for updated legislation to better protect the public and uphold the reputation of the Scottish solicitor profession.

As stakeholders continue to monitor the progress of the bill and advocate for necessary changes, the legal community in Scotland remains focused on preserving the independence of the legal profession and ensuring the rule of law is upheld.