Committee vacancies

We all need the help of a solicitor at some point in our lives. Whether buying a home, setting up a new business, dealing with the complex processes from the death of a loved one, or handing a dispute in the workplace, we all need access to legal advice and the help of qualified legal professionals.

As the regulatory of over 13,000 Scottish solicitors, the Law Society works to make sure the standards in the profession are high. We want to make sure people get a quality service, and that the hard-earned reputation of our members is maintained. 

Our Regulatory Committee plays a critical leadership role in this work. With a range of new and important powers from legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2025, the committee will be driving forward improvements in the way solicitors are regulated, including complaints handling and creating a whole new system of business level standard setting.

We are seeking dedicated and committed individuals to fill up to five solicitor members and up to two lay (non-solicitor) members.

By joining the Regulatory Committee, you will:

• Play a key role in shaping the implementation of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 from the start, modernising and improving the way solicitors are regulated. 

• Contribute your knowledge and expertise to guide regulatory policy and decision-making.

• Collaborate with a diverse group of professionals.

• Gain valuable experience in regulation and oversight.

• Help establish a strong foundation for the committee's work.

What will you be responsible for?

The Regulatory Committee is responsible for delivering key regulatory objectives and plays a leadership role in setting the priorities and strategic approach. While regulatory sub-committees are responsible for taking individual decisions, the Regulatory Committee plays an essential oversight role in the Society's work, including on:

• Setting, enforcing and monitoring standards, including agreeing new practice rules.

• Investigating complaints about solicitor conduct and where appropriate prosecuting before the Scottish Solicitors' Discipline Tribunal.

• Proactively inspecting the finances of hundreds of legal firms to ensure client money is protected.

• Intervening directly in firms when there is a critical need to do so, including appointment judicial factors.

• Processing Client Protection Fund claims efficiently to ensure people who are the victims of a solicitor's dishonestly get the appropriate compensation.

Key Changes

The Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 was 10 years in the making and delivers significant changes to the way the Law Society handles regulatory functions. The Act:

• Sets new regulatory objectives for the Law Society and new regulatory principles, including supporting the rule of law and the interests of justice, protecting the interests of consumers and the wider public interest, and promoting and independent, strong and diverse legal profession.

• Reaffirms that all regulatory functions must be administered by the Regulatory Committee, making the committee the autonomous decision-making body on the regulatory matter relating to Scottish solicitors. 

• Gives the Regulatory Committee (and its sub-committees) a range of new powers including creating and implementing a new system of firm level "entity" regulation, wider powers to suspend a solicitor, and a new ability to require information from a solicitor and firm before a complaint is made.

• Requires that the Regulatory Committee report to the Scottish Parliament for the first time on an annual basis, setting our how the public interest is being maintained.

• Empowers to appoint its own members once the new committee is established.

Time Commitment and Expenses

The new committee is expected to commence and start work formally from January 2027. New members will be invited to attend the current Regulatory Committee for the remainder of 2026 as part of a managed induction and transition process.

The successful candidates are required to attend committee meetings are scheduled. The Committee currently meets on average 6-7 times per year, with meetings typically lasting around 2.5 hours. Meetings are usually held on Thursdays between 10.00am and 12.30pm, and meeting dates are scheduled up to 12 months in advance.

As this is a new Committee, meeting arrangements may be reviewed once it is established, and there may occasionally be a need for ad-hoc meetings.

In addition to attending meetings, members should allow time to read papers and supporting information in advance and to respond to emails relating to committee business.

Meetings are held on a hybrid basis, via MS Teams and in the Society's office. Members are encouraged to attend in person whenever possible.

These positions will receive an honorarium payment, and reasonable expenses in attending meetings will be reimbursed.

Length of Term

Appointments normally run for a three-year term and will commence on 01 January 2027.

As all members will be appointed at the same time, it may be decided that terms of office are staggered to support continuity. 

Following formal approval, successful candidates will be invited to attend Committee meetings as an observer on 8 October and 3 December, as part of the induction process prior to taking up their role.

Application Process

Applications will be considered by the Nominations Committee who will put their selection forward to the Society's Council for approval. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

The Nominations Committee secretary will confirm the appointments in writing shortly after formal approval had been given, including the approved term of office and other key information.

To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter (as one combined document) here. We also request that you complete an Equality Form as part of the process, this can be downloaded here and a completed copy should be emailed to [email protected]

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching details given in their CV and covering letter / supporting statement against the role profile. We would therefore ask applicants to provide clear evidence to show how your experience, skills and knowledge match those requirements as well as why you are interested in the role. We would also be grateful if you could also include details of two referees (please note that referees will not be contacted until offer stage or without prior consent).

Please note that you will receive an automatic acknowledgment of your application - if you do not receive this please contact Hannah Farman on 0141 212 7555.

We have provided below a note of the critical dates within this recruitment campaign which will help you plan your diary:

Closing date for applications: Friday 12th June

Interviews: Week Commencing 22nd June and Week Commencing 29th June