Nominations open

Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society of Scotland's decision-making body, representing members working across the UK.

Becoming a member of the Law Society Council provides an opportunity to influence key decisions, contribute to the work of the Society and help to represent and support local solicitors.

As a Council member you will expand your network, broaden your understanding of issues affecting the legal profession and the clients they serve and represent the views of solicitors from your region. 

Seats are available in the following geographical constituencies:

• Ayr, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Stranraer (2 seats available until May 2026)
• Airdrie, Hamilton and Lanark (1 seat available until May 2026)
• Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain & Wick (1 seat available until May 2027)

Seats are also available in the following co-opted representative seats:

• New lawyers, less than 5 years PQE (2 seats available)
• Solicitor Advocate (1 seat available)
• Scottish Solicitors outside the UK (1 seat available)

Council members for the available co-opted seats will be elected for a three-year term to 31 October 2028. 

The nominations period opens on Friday 12 September 2025 until Friday 10 October 2025. In the event of a contested election, online voting will open on Monday 20 October 2025 and close at noon on Friday 31 October 2025.

The successful candidates will be invited to attend their first Council meeting on Friday 12 December 2025. 

There are 10 Council meetings a year and most meetings are hybrid, with the option to join via MS Teams or attend in person at the Law Society of Scotland, Atria One, 144 Morrison street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EX. There is a longer meeting in January at which in-person attendance is encouraged.

You can see more about the role of our Council members here.

Members nominated as candidates for election must have their place of work in the relevant constituency. A nomination must have two proposers both of whom are also based in the relevant constituency and must be practising or non-practising members of the Law Society. Proposers of those submitting a nomination for a co-opted position must also be practising or non-practising members.

Nominations must also be accompanied by a statement from the candidate that they consent to being nominated. No proposer may propose more candidates than there are constituency seats available.

Download the nomination form

Download the candidate form

Please send completed nomination form and candidate information to Kirsty Barrett, Governance Manager at Law Society of Scotland: GovernanceTeam@lawscot.org.uk no later than 12noon on Friday 10 October 2025.