A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law

The Law Society of Scotland has joined a legal challenge in the United States against executive orders issued by President Donald Trump targeting law firms over the clients they represent. The case, being heard at the Court of Appeals in Washington DC, centres on an appeal by the US Department of Justice against rulings that the sanctions imposed on firms including WilmerHale, Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block and Susman Godfrey were unconstitutional. The orders restricted the firms' access to government contracts and facilities, citing concerns over national security and alleged partisan activity linked to high-profile cases, including investigations into the 2016 and 2020 elections. Legal bodies from the UK and Europe have filed a joint submission warning that such measures undermine the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law. Patricia Thom, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said the intervention aimed to provide an international perspective, stressing that protecting lawyers’ ability to act for clients without interference is fundamental to democratic systems.

 

Herald Scotland

The Daily Record

The Scotsman

Digital Transformation in Conveyancing: A Roadmap for Scottish Property Law Firms

Conveyancing in Scotland is reaching a tipping point. While firms have access to more technology than ever before, many are still held back by manual processes, fragmented systems, and growing administrative pressure. The gap is no longer about awareness, it’s about execution. Leading firms are already taking a more strategic, phased approach to digital transformation, using technology to remove friction, improve compliance, and unlock capacity across their teams.

Those who act now are setting the pace for the future of property law.

Read more to see what the most forward-thinking firms are doing differently, and how your firm can keep up.

 

A dementia awareness initiative in Edinburgh has significantly increased legal planning for later life. The Dementia Trust's Planning Ahead campaign, launched in February 2026, saw a 56% rise in power of attorney (POA) activity compared to the previous year. Participating firms, including Ralph Sayer, McDougall McQueen, Blackadders and Balfour+Manson, supported 151 clients and raised over £7,000 for the charity. Dylan Harper, chair of The Dementia Trust, stated: "These results are incredible and demonstrate what can be achieved when the legal sector and charities work together." The campaign also provided training on dementia awareness to participating firms.

 

Herald Scotland

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, may resume his duties after a three-judge panel found insufficient evidence to support allegations of sexual misconduct. The panel's assessment, based on over 5,000 pages of evidence, concluded that the UN investigation did not establish misconduct. Mr Khan, who has denied all allegations, temporarily stepped down in May 2025. Staff members have expressed concerns about his potential return, fearing retaliation. One staff member stated: "People are deeply afraid." The Assembly of States Parties will make the final decision on Khan's future.

 

The Independent

Daily Mail

The Times

Inksters are supporting the ABS Scotland Group as founding members and with Brian Inkster being a member of the committee.

The Group was born out of frustration with the Law Society of Scotland’s delays in implementing Alternative Business Structures (or Licensed Legal Service Providers) in Scotland.

By 2025, there had already been a 15-year delay in implementation following on from the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010. There was hope that the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 would speed the process up. However, instead, the Law Society of Scotland announced a freeze of at least another two years on doing anything at all on ABS.

The main objective of the Group is to encourage and facilitate the introduction of ABS to Scotland.

You can join the ABS Scotland Group by completing the membership application form.

 

The Scottish Prison Service has said it is taking action to tackle the illegal use of mobile phones after videos emerged online appearing to show inmates partying and taking drugs inside HMP Addiewell. The footage, posted on TikTok, highlights ongoing concerns about contraband entering prisons, despite strict bans and enforcement measures. Officials said efforts are under way to improve security, including working with police and using technology to prevent smuggling via drones. Both the SPS and the prison’s operator, Sodexo Justice Services, said they take such breaches seriously and will act against those found with illicit items.

 

BBC News

The former partner of a jailed ex-police officer who carried out a car attack on a Jedburgh funeral directors has secured a civil settlement following the incident. William McBurnie was sentenced to 11 years in prison after admitting attempting to murder Zoe Turnbull and her mother, who narrowly escaped serious harm but were left with lasting injuries. Digby Brown has now confirmed the case has been settled, although the value of the payout has not been disclosed.

 

The Southern Reporter

Three men have appeared in Aberdeen Sheriff Court following a significant drug seizure valued at £1.8m. Police Scotland discovered cannabis cultivations at properties on Elmbank Terrace, Bothwell Road, and Broomhill Road. A five-figure sum of cash was also recovered during the operation.

 

BBC News

The Scotsman

Solicitor Rachael Campbell will lead a new Grigor & Young office in Buckie, opening on April 7. Grigor & Young partner Greg Robertson highlighted the firm's commitment to local talent, stating: "This is a long-term investment in Buckie and a long-term investment in Rachael."

 

Northern Scot

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has accused former Glasgow Southside candidate Mohammed Ameen of lying to party staff after claiming he stepped down to care for his unwell mother, when he had in fact been charged with fraud. Ameen, a pharmacist, has appeared in court, entered no plea and was granted bail, prompting his suspension as a candidate. Sarwar said the failure to be honest was unacceptable and insisted swift action had been taken, adding that party members would feel "badly let down".

 

thenational.scot

The Daily Record

Some of the UK's leading lenders have expressed their frustrations with UK banking regulation in a new report from the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME). The report criticises current capital requirements, saying that they misalign with actual risk and hinder economic growth. The AFME, which represents over 150 global banks, said the UK's leverage ratio is a "clear instance of gold-plating" that "penalises good risk management and creates incentives to invest in higher risk assets." The association has urged the Bank of England to reconsider the leverage ratio, saying a review by the Bank's Financial Policy Committee is "an important opportunity to improve the capital framework and enable the banking sector to further support the UK economy by removing excessive conservatism, while maintaining resilience." 

 

City AM

Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, has accused Iran of attempting to "hold the global economy hostage" and warned that the country may face additional sanctions if it continues to block the Strait of Hormuz. This came as Ms Cooper took part in discussions with over 40 nations, with the meeting exploring diplomatic and economic measures, including potential sanctions, if the Strait remains closed. Saying that Iran "must not prevail," Ms Cooper called for "the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait."

 

The Independent

BBC News

Daily Mail

The I

Donald Trump has dismissed Pam Bondi as US Attorney General, expressing frustration over the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein files. In a Truth Social post, the President announced Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General.

 

The Independent

The Daily Telegraph

The Guardian

The Times