News In Focus
31 August 2006
Society adds to recognised specialisms
The Law Society of Scotland is inviting applications from solicitors who want to become accredited specialists in discrimination law.
This is the latest specialism offered by the Society as part of its accreditation scheme, launched in 1990. Accreditation gives recognition as a specialist across Scotland. Of the 10,000 Scottish solicitors, about 400 are now accredited specialists across 23 areas of law.
A six-strong panel has been created to consider candidates’ applications. It comprises Brian Napier QC, Muriel Robison from the Equal Opportunities Commission, Lynn Welsh of the Disability Rights Commission, Shona Simon from the Employment Tribunal Service, Jill Bell, director of Anderson Strathern’s discrimination law service and employment law solicitor Stuart Robertson.
James Ness, Deputy Director of Professional Practice at the Law Society of Scotland, said that the accreditation scheme offered recognition of solicitors who had developed specialist knowledge during their careers, and also helped the public choose a solicitor with the necessary expertise, particularly in more complex cases.
“As a rule, those attaining accreditation as specialists are recognised by their colleagues within, and even outwith, their firms as especially knowledgeable within a particular area of law. They would have dealt with complex or unusual cases which has allowed them to build on and apply their expertise and also probably have contributed to the development of the area of law in articles or training.”
Solicitors who wish to apply for accreditation should visit the Society's website or contact the Professional Practice department for information and guidance (tel 0131 476 8174, or email JamesNess@lawscot.org.uk).