Society Bulletin

Call for referendum on Law Society’s role

WS members are among those calling for a vote on the Law Society of Scotland continuing to represent solicitors... more

WS debate on ABS and dual functions

A debate at the Signet Library 6-7.30 pm 15 March will address the pros and cons of ABS and the Law Society’s dual functions... more

More Legal Services Bill

The WS Society will hold a debate on ABS and representation of solicitors... more

Legal Services Bill latest

WS Chief Executive says Law Society can no longer regulate and represent... more


Welcome

Welcome to The Signet Accreditation – recognising excellence in legal services

The Signet Accreditation is a formal qualification for Scottish solicitors signifying proficiency in an area of legal practice. It is an initiative of The Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet, Scotland's independent association for lawyers and one of the world's oldest independent professional bodies.

It is an entirely new approach to assessing and accrediting legal services in Scotland. The assessment methodology is cutting edge, offering practical benefit to both lawyers and users of their services by assessing client-focussed skills as well as legal knowledge.

Congratulations to the 9 newly accredited solicitors who were awarded accreditation at the award ceremony on 04 March 2010.

The assessment programme commenced in 2007. In 2009, assessments were offered in the following practice areas:

  • Commercial Property
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Corporate
  • In house
  • Employment

Assessments took place between between 5 and 16 October for Commercial Property, Commercial Litigation, Corporate and In-house. The Employment assesments took place between 7 and 18 December 2009.

The assessment dates and practice areas offered in 2010 will be announced shortly.

To read more about the principles underpinning the scheme please see our aims.

To find out more about how to apply see How to become accredited.


Legal News

Clear message on knife possession

Average jail sentences for handling an offensive weapon have risen to more than eight and a half months, according to new statistics released by the Scottish Government... more

Plans to improve private rented housing

The Scottish Government is consulting on the proposed Private Housing (Scotland) Bill... more

Call to keep young people out of adult courts

Youth crime could be reduced in Scotland and vital savings made in public expenditure by keeping most under 18 year olds out of the adult court system... more

Disclosure plans go ahead

Parents all across Scotland will soon be able to get access to information about known sex offenders who may be in contact with their children. ... more