The Law Society of Scotland has introduced a new certification for lawyers focusing on fertility law, addressing growing needs tied to legal updates. This development comes after the 2023 review of surrogacy law revisions, which pointed out deficiencies in specialized legal assistance for clients managing detailed family-building procedures. The certification applies to surrogacy, donor-assisted conception, reproductive technology cases, and international adoptions—areas where legal and emotional risks are significant.
Lawyers seeking this certification must demonstrate strong expertise in these fields, providing clients with advice suited to delicate issues such as parental rights, international agreements, or custody conflicts. Beverley Addison, a family lawyer and head of the Law Society’s Fertility Law and Family Creation Committee, described the need for such specialists as “urgent and expanding.” She added that upcoming surrogacy law changes will likely push even more cases toward solicitors already managing high caseloads in fertility-related matters.
“Clients facing these challenges require full trust in their legal representative,” Addison stated. “This credential goes beyond recognizing competence—it offers families certainty during stressful times.” The certification process ensures only those with verified experience in fertility law can earn it, a measure the Law Society says will improve professional standards in an area where errors can have long-term effects.
Jan Cutting, the Law Society’s head of member services, described the accreditation as a way to highlight lawyers who have dedicated themselves to this specialized field. “These attorneys often drive advancements in fertility law, not only through casework but by influencing how these legal areas develop,” she explained. The accreditation requirements, detailed on the Law Society’s website, include assessments by expert panels to verify applicants’ experience and knowledge.
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Though aimed at solicitors, the certification reflects broader changes in family law practice. Fertility cases have become more frequent as reproductive assistance grows more available, yet legal rules, particularly for surrogacy, vary widely across regions. The designation may help establish consistent expertise at a time when clients increasingly prefer specialists over general practitioners. Its effectiveness will depend on whether it adapts quickly to future legal shifts, especially as surrogacy regulations develop.
The first lawyers to receive the certification will be evaluated by a team of fertility law specialists, confirming that only those with proven qualifications can meet the standards. Applications are assessed based on case history, ongoing professional training, and contributions to advancements in fertility law.
Addison emphasized that the accreditation process will also encourage solicitors to deepen their knowledge in emerging areas, such as cross-border fertility disputes. “As laws change, the ability to adapt becomes just as important as foundational expertise,” she noted. The Law Society plans to review the certification’s impact within two years to determine if adjustments are needed to maintain relevance.
Cutting added that the initiative aligns with the society’s broader goal of ensuring clients have access to highly qualified legal representation in complex family matters. “This isn’t just about meeting current demand, it’s about preparing for the challenges ahead,” she said. The first accredited solicitors are expected to be announced by mid-2025, with the full program rolling out later that year.
