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 constituencies:

• Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain & Wick - 2 seats available
• Duns, Haddington, Jedburgh, Peebles & Selkirk - 2 seats available
• Campbeltown, Dumbarton, Dunoon, Fort William, Oban & Rothesay - 2 seats available
• Arbroath, Dundee & Forfar - 1 seat available
• Alloa, Falkirk, Linlithgow & Stirling - 2 seats available
• England, Wales and Northern Ireland - 1 seat available

There are also seats up for by-election in the following constituencies:  

• Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven - 1 seat available
  • Term runs until May 2026
• Ayr, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Stranraer - 1 seat available
  • Term runs until May 2026
• Edinburgh - 1 seat available
  • Term runs until May 2026
• Greenock, Kilmarnock and Paisley - 1 seat available
  • Term runs until May 2025

Nominations for this round of elections are open from 12 noon, Tuesday 2 April, until 12 noon, Thursday 24 April 2023. In the event of a contested election, voting will be open from 12 noon, Monday 29 April and close at noon on Thursday 9 May 2024.

Council members for 15 of the available seats will be elected by their fellow constituency members for a three-year term to May 2027. Term dates for the by election seats are noted above.

The successful candidates will be invited to attend their first Council meeting on Friday 17 May 2024, at the Law Society of Scotland offices, Atria One, 144 Morrison street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EX.

There are nine Council meetings a year, all of which are currently being held as hybrid meetings.

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. 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.

Download the nomination form

Download the nominee form

Please send completed nomination form and nominee form to Kirsty Barrett, Governance Manager at Law Society of Scotland: kirstybarrett@lawscot.org.uk, no later than Wednesday 24 April 2024.