Preparing for new Summary Criminal Legal Assistance system: further updates from 14 December 2026
1 October 2026
Further details and video on Summary Criminal reform changes coming into force from 14 December 2026.
All solicitor updates
VACANCIES: Part time peer reviewers needed for Criminal and Children’s Quality Assurance Schemes
30 September 2026
Make a difference by joining our panel of peer reviewers for both the Criminal and Children' Quality Assurance Schemes.
Children's
Solicitor member wanted for Children’s Quality Assurance Scheme
27 August 2026
The Law Society of Scotland is looking for one new solicitor member to sit on the Committee as a Law Society representative.
All solicitor updates
Fee increases come into force on 1 September 2026 alongside uprates of civil and children’s templates
24 August 2026
Legal aid fees will rise by 13% from 1 September 2026, with civil Advice & Assistance/ABWOR templates uprated by a further 25% to reflect previous increases.
Criminal
Summary Criminal Legal Assistance: New single system from 14 December 2026
30 July 2026
Details and video on Summary Criminal reform changes coming into force from 14 December 2026.
All solicitor updates
Upcoming research on fee reform for adults with incapacity (AWI) cases
22 July 2026
We'll be conducting research on fee reform with legal aid solicitors who work on AWI cases to help shape our future thinking and advice to Scottish Government.
All solicitor updates
Help sought in improving guidance on collecting equality data
19 June 2026
New guidance is available to help solicitors collect equality data from legal aid clients and support future legal aid reform.
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Travel mileage rate increase (effective 1 April 2026)
12 June 2026
The travel mileage rate payable in legal aid cases has been updated in line with HMRC published rates.
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Funded legal aid traineeship scheme: applications open
9 June 2026
Apply to the Scottish Government's £1.5m fund for a supported traineeship. Applications from firms must be submitted by 15 June.
All solicitor updates
Keycards updated for new disregarded benefit – Care Leaver Payment – coming into force 1 June 2026
29 May 2026
This update explains Care Leaver payments can now be disregarded from financial assessment in all A&A/ABWOR cases, and civil and children’s legal aid cases.
