In preparation for the move to ScotAccount we are holding twice weekly webinars - with a session specifically for law accountants on 4 March at 11.30.
Civil
New guidance on Curators appointed in sheriff court family actions
23 February 2026
The guidance outlines our requirements at the Applications and Accounts stages when a Curator is appointed.
All solicitor updates
Keeping LAOL secure: Are you registered with ScotAccount?
11 February 2026
We're starting twice-weekly webinars to help with the move to ScotAccount for users logging into our online system
Civil
Policy and guidance for clawback in Advice and Assistance updated
9 February 2026
Amendments to Hardship - unreasonable difficulty or delay intended to allow payments to be made within a more reasonable timescale.
Criminal
Report on findings from the Criminal Quality Assurance Scheme for Criminal Legal Assistance for 2024-25
2 February 2026
The latest Annual Report of the Criminal Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) is published setting out statistics, issues and findings for the year to 31 March 2025.
Criminal
Tips on using Criminal ABWOR in Summary Case Management cases
29 January 2026
A quick guide on how and when to submit ABWOR applications in SCM cases to help avoid any issues and ensure they are approved as quickly as possible.
As part of the move to a more secure online system we are asking all LAOL users to check the email address we have for them.
All solicitor updates
New interim fees reminder notification process – starts Monday, 26 January 2026
19 January 2026
We are introducing automated reminders for cases with interim payments but no activity in the last 12 months where a final account has not been received
Legal Aid Online
System issue: LAOL system back online
13 January 2026
The issue with LAOL has been resolved.
All solicitor updates
Introducing the new Prior Approval online form (previously known as Sanction)
5 January 2026
Access to LAOL will be down Monday 12 January, 6pm to 9pm, so we can launch new prior approval screens as part of system improvements to reduce admin for all.
