Legal Matters Scotland
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4th September 2025

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INDUSTRY
Law Society of Scotland CEO sets ambitious goals
Ben Kemp, the new CEO of the Law Society of Scotland, is looking forward to long-awaited regulatory reforms in the legal sector. In an interview with Scottish Legal News, he highlighted the importance of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025, which aims to strengthen regulation and provide greater support for members. Kemp, who previously served as interim CEO at the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, is focused on tackling challenges such as access to justice and promoting diversity within the profession. He also plans to address the ongoing decline in the number of legal aid solicitors. "Even in my brief time as CEO, I can see this has been a critical issue for the Law Society of Scotland, for the broader profession, and for society at large," he says, adding: "It's something I'm already engaged with, and we have a constructive conversation ongoing with the Scottish Government on this subject."
Private equity interest surges
The legal sector is witnessing a shift towards private equity investment, following a lacklustre response to the Legal Services Act 2007. Of the six firms that floated since the Act, just three remain- Gateley, Keystone Law and Knights. David Morley, a former partner at Allen & Overy, says private equity interest marks "a major shift," arguing that "investor appetite has surged" over the past year. However, Jeff Zindani, the managing director of Acquira Professional Services - a merger and acquisition broker for law firms, cautions that private equity firms may become "stranded assets" if not managed properly, as traditional mergers and acquisitions still dominate the market.
Law firms boost headcount by 8,000
Researchers at TBD, a legal profession marketing consultancy, report that the 100 largest law firms now employ over 200,000 people, an increase of 8,000 in the past year. The total marks a significant rise from just over 146,000 six years ago. The median headcount in these firms has grown from 720 in 2019 to 930 this year. To enter the top ten, firms need 771 more lawyers than last year. Clifford Chance leads with over 3,300 lawyers across its international offices, according to the report.

 
CASES
Sandie Peggie raises new NHS legal action
Nurse Sandie Peggie has launched new legal action against NHS Fife and senior staff, claiming harassment and victimisation after being suspended and threatened with dismissal for confronting transgender doctor Beth Upton in a female changing room. The case arises from evidence that managers supported Upton and opposed the decision to lift Peggie's suspension, with further claims expected over disciplinary actions and a controversial NHS Fife media statement. Peggie argues her gender-critical beliefs give her a legal right to single-sex changing facilities under the Equality Act 2010.
Faked death leads to rape conviction
James Clacher has been convicted of raping two women after faking his own death to evade justice. He was reported missing in May 2022 while facing trial for the charges. His car was found at Loch Long, but he was later traced to Spain. Clacher was arrested in May 2024 and extradited back to Scotland.
Albanian trio jailed for running cannabis factory
Three Albanian men have been jailed for running a large-scale cannabis factory in a derelict Irvine shopping centre, where police seized 3,058 plants valued between £611,600 and £1.83m. The operation, spanning multiple units over two floors, included living quarters and was discovered after Scottish Power raised concerns about high energy usage. Elton Skenderi, Gjovalin Toma and Eduard Daja received sentences of five years and three months, six years, and six years and nine months for drug trafficking.



 
CORPORATE
Firms flag losses from political risks
According to a report by insurer Howden, many businesses have seen losses in international projects or investments due to geopolitical and economic risks. More than half of the senior risk and treasury function decision-makers polled said their firm saw an international investment suffer political losses between 2020 and 2025. Multinational firms said they had experienced issues related to currency conversion and ownership rights. Foreign government interference accounted for the largest average loss across all companies at $20m, followed by currency exchange difficulties ($16.2m) and political violence ($14.6m). Howden noted that firms with political risk insurance coverage reported losses $1.4m lower on average than those without coverage.
FIRMS
TLT expands Glasgow office for growth
TLT has expanded its Glasgow office at Cadworks, adding 60 desks and more meeting rooms. The move supports TLT's flexible working approach and follows a record revenue of £187m for FY2024/2025, reflecting over 400% growth in turnover in Scotland over six years.
GOVERNMENT
Swinney pauses funding for arms firms supplying Israel
The Scottish Government is to pause new public funding to arms companies supplying Israel, citing plausible evidence of genocide in Gaza, according to John Swinney. He also called for the recognition of a Palestinian state and emphasised Scotland's solidarity with Palestinians, symbolised by flying a Palestinian flag above government headquarters. Addressing MSPs, Swinney said the Scottish Government could not ignore "prima facie evidence" that Israel was committing genocide.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Council's handling of exit payments 'deeply concerning'
A new report from the Accounts Commission has said it is "deeply concerning" that Glasgow City Council members were not given the opportunity to scrutinise more than £1m spent on exit packages for five senior staff, and that long-standing recommendations to be involved in early retirement deals for senior staff had not been followed. The report finds that a 2021 restructuring report appeared to have been "been approved by some individuals who then benefitted from its proposals", with councillors not given the opportunity to scrutinise arrangements. Deputy leader Cllr Richard Bell said the council has "already moved quickly to change processes and allow elected members proper oversight when senior officials leave the council".
WILLS
Majority of Glasgow adults lack wills
A survey by Will Aid reveals that 72% of Glasgow adults either lack a will or have an outdated one. The survey, which included over 2,000 participants nationwide, found that 66% of respondents in Glasgow have not created a will, while 6% have one that does not reflect their current wishes. Financial constraints were identified as the primary barrier, with 20% citing affordability issues. Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director of Will Aid, stated: "Making a will is a loving act for those you care about."
OTHER
Rayner could face fine over stamp duty error
Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has referred herself to the Prime Minister's Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests after admitting to an error in paying stamp duty on an £800,000 flat. Ms Rayner initially believed she was liable for the standard rate of stamp duty based on legal advice. However, further counsel revealed additional liabilities due to complex provisions related to a trust for her son. HMRC has launched an investigation into Ms Rayner's tax affairs. Tax experts say she is at risk of a fine from the tax authorities, with this typically 20% or 30% of the underpaid tax.
 


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