About Scottish Legal Insights | Journal of the Law Society of Scotland
The Scottish Legal Insights podcast from the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland delivers expert legal insights, Scottish legal news and updates and practical guidance for today’s legal professionals.
Step inside Scotland’s legal world, from blockbuster movie deals to the marketing of solicitors or the decisions being made in the highest courts. The Scottish Legal Insights podcast from the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland brings you leading voices from the profession for in-depth analysis and perspectives on the issues shaping modern legal practice.
Scotland’s Rental Housing Crisis with Elaine Elder
Why are landlords in Scotland waiting up to a year to regain possession of their properties, and what impact is this having on the private rented sector?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights Podcast, Elaine Elder, Partner at Aberdein Considine and a Legal 500 recommended dispute resolution lawyer, joins us to discuss the growing backlog in Scotland's housing tribunal system and its consequences for landlords, tenants and the wider housing market.
We explore why delays in landlord and tenant disputes are becoming increasingly common, the challenges faced by property owners seeking possession of their properties, and the impact of lengthy proceedings on rent arrears and housing supply.
Elaine also explains the legal process involved in housing and tenancy disputes, the pressures facing the tribunal system, and why some landlords are choosing to leave the private rented sector altogether.
Listen for expert insights on landlord and tenant law, housing tribunals, rent arrears, dispute resolution and the future of Scotland's private rented sector.
6 Jul 2026
Social Mobility in Law and the Lawscot Foundation with Christine McLintock
How can the legal profession become more accessible to talented people from all backgrounds?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, Christine McLintock, former President of the Law Society of Scotland, former General Counsel and Partner at Pinsent Masons, and founding force behind the Lawscot Foundation, reflects on her remarkable career and the importance of widening access to the legal profession.
Over more than a decade, Christine helped establish and lead the Lawscot Foundation, supporting aspiring solicitors from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter, thrive and succeed in legal careers. She shares insights into social mobility in law, the barriers many students still face, and the responsibility of the profession to create opportunities for future generations.
We also discuss leadership, mentoring, diversity and inclusion, and the lasting impact of investing in young people with the potential to shape the future of Scottish law.
Listen for expert insights on social mobility, access to the legal profession, diversity and inclusion, legal careers and the future of Scotland's legal sector.
29 Jun 2026
Are solicitors happy? Jan Cutting on the Journal’s 2026 Employment & Salary Survey
Are Scottish solicitors happy with their pay and stress? What about bonuses, work-life balance or home-working arrangements? Earlier this year, the Journal invited every solicitor in Scotland to help build a picture of the profession’s pay and job satisfaction. The results are out.
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, Jan Cutting, Executive Director of Membership Experience at the Law Society of Scotland, shares her insights on the eye-opening findings of the survey – one of the most comprehensive of its kind ever undertaken in Scotland.
We discuss stress, pay and the challenges ahead for the profession. Jan outlines the Society’s plans to support members and understand what practitioners at every level of the profession need to boost their job satisfaction.
Listen for expert legal insights, career advice and practical guidance for solicitors, trainees and anyone interested in in-house legal careers and Scottish law.
22 Jun 2026
From Law Firm Founder to Broadcaster with Austin Lafferty
What does a long and varied legal career look like, and what can today’s lawyers learn from it?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, Austin Lafferty, consultant solicitor, broadcaster and Past President of the Law Society of Scotland, joins us to reflect on a career spanning more than four decades across legal practice, business and media.
From building his own law firm to working in broadcasting with the BBC and STV, Austin shares insights into the changing nature of legal careers, the skills needed to adapt and the opportunities available beyond traditional paths.
We also discuss entrepreneurship in law, the value of communication and media experience, and how lawyers can build fulfilling and unconventional careers while staying rooted in the profession.
Listen for expert insights on legal careers, building a law firm, media and communication, and the evolving role of lawyers in modern practice.
15 Jun 2026
Space Law and Scotland’s Space Sector with Dr Alexander Simmonds
What does a lawyer do in the space industry, and why is Scotland becoming a hub for this rapidly growing sector?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, Dr Alexander Simmonds, space law academic at the University of Dundee and author of The Space Legislation of the United Kingdom, joins us to explore the legal frameworks shaping the future of space.
From the day-to-day role of space lawyers regulating commercial and governmental activity, to Scotland’s emergence as a key player in the global space sector, Alex shares practical insights into a fast-evolving area of legal practice.
We also discuss the significance of major developments such as the Artemis missions, and what they mean for international cooperation, regulation and the future of space law.
Listen for expert insights on space law, Scotland’s space industry, international regulation and emerging career opportunities for lawyers in the space sector
8 Jun 2026
Marketing for Lawyers and Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn with Helen Burness
What does it take for lawyers to build visibility, credibility and influence in a digital world?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, Helen Burness, marketing strategist and founder of Saltmarsh Marketing, joins us to explore how legal professionals can develop their voice and stand out online. With more than two decades of experience across global law firms, chambers and start-ups, Helen shares practical insights into legal marketing, personal branding and digital strategy.
From using LinkedIn effectively to building a consistent presence and engaging the right audience, we discuss how lawyers can position themselves as trusted experts in an increasingly competitive and content-driven environment.
We also explore why visibility matters more than ever for legal careers and businesses, and how lawyers can confidently take the mic without feeling inauthentic or overly self-promotional.
Listen for expert insights on legal marketing, personal branding for lawyers, LinkedIn strategy and building influence in the legal profession.
1 Jun 2026
Chris Duffy on Sports Law and Legal Challenges in Global Sport
What does it take to succeed in the fast-moving world of sports law?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, Chris Duffy, Legal Director at Centrefield LLP and former senior legal leader at Celtic Football Club, joins us to discuss the realities of working at the intersection of sport and law.
From the legal complexities of organising major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup in North America, to the details behind successful football player transfers, Chris shares practical insights into the commercial, regulatory and governance challenges facing sports lawyers today.
We also explore career pathways into sports law, the skills required to succeed, and why the sector continues to attract legal professionals looking to work at the heart of global sport.
Listen for expert insights on sports law, football governance, player transfers and the evolving role of lawyers in the sports industry.
26 May 2026
AI, Lawtech and the Future of Legal Practice with Christina Blacklaws
How can the legal profession embrace new technology without widening the diversity gap?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, solicitor, business leader and diversity champion Christina Blacklaws joins us to discuss the future of legal technology, inclusion and transformational change across the legal profession. Christina is chair of LawtechUK, former President of the Law Society of England and Wales, and founder of Blacklaws Consulting, where she advises organisations on strategy, innovation and leadership.
We explore how emerging technologies are reshaping modern legal practice, why diversity and inclusion must remain central to legal innovation, and how law firms can use technology to create more equal and supportive workplaces.
Listen for expert legal insights, practical guidance and perspectives on lawtech, leadership and the future of the legal profession.
26 May 2026
Wellbeing, Leadership and Inclusion in the Legal Profession with Amanda Millar
What does a healthy legal profession look like — and how do we build one?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Millar, leadership coach, consultant and the first openly LGBTQ+ President of the Law Society of Scotland. Founder and Director of Buchanan Millar Ltd and an accredited specialist in mental health law, Amanda has been a leading voice on wellbeing, inclusion and legal reform throughout her career.
We discuss leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of creating safe and supportive workplaces for solicitors, and why wellbeing, diversity and access to justice are essential to a healthy legal system. Amanda also reflects on her experiences breaking barriers within the Scottish legal profession and the changes still needed across the sector.
Listen for expert legal insights and thoughtful discussion on leadership, mental health, diversity and the future of Scottish law.
26 May 2026
From Uber to Fremantle: Matthew Wilson on In-House Law and General Counsel Leadership
What does it take to become a leading in-house lawyer at some of the world’s biggest brands?
In this episode of the Scottish Legal Insights podcast, Matthew Wilson, chief legal officer at global TV production giant Fremantle, and former senior lawyer at Uber and Arsenal FC, shares insights into life as an in-house solicitor working across media, sport, technology and global commerce.
We discuss the leadership, commercial and boardroom skills modern lawyers need, the realities of advising high-profile businesses, and how the role of general counsel is evolving in today’s legal profession.
Listen for expert legal insights, career advice and practical guidance for solicitors, trainees and anyone interested in in-house legal careers and Scottish law.
21 May 2026
Welcome to Scottish Legal Insights
The Scottish Legal Insights podcast from the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland delivers expert legal insights, Scottish legal news and updates and practical guidance for today’s legal professionals.
Step inside Scotland’s legal world, from blockbuster movie deals to the marketing of solicitors or the decisions being made in the highest courts. The Scottish Legal Insights podcast from the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland brings you leading voices from the profession for in-depth analysis and perspectives on the issues shaping modern legal practice.
Contact Scottish Legal Insights | Journal of the Law Society of Scotland
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