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.

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.

Please refer to the selection criteria here. Please note that individuals are not eligible for appointment if they are, or have been within the last two years, involved in the Council as the governing body of the Law Society of Scotland or involved in the exercise of the Society's non-regulatory functions.

Do you have an interest in client protection and regulation? Our Client Protection Sub-Committee is looking to recruit two solicitor members.

Why get involved?

• Be part of a Sub-Committee that makes a meaningful difference to clients impacted by financial loss

• Help oversee and shape the processes that safeguard client funds

• Learn and develop alongside experienced committee members and dedicated staff who will support you through your term

• Join a network of professionals committed to fairness, accountability and high standards

• Gain valuable experience in financial compliance and serving on a professional regulatory committee

About the role

As a volunteer member, you will assess claims to the Client Protection Fund, play a key role in ensuring firms comply with Accounts Rules, and help ensure the continued confidence of the public in Scotland’s legal profession.

More information about the Client Protection Sub-Committee can be found here.

Selection Criteria

Candidates should have:

• An understanding of the key legal requirements of Rule B6 of the Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules 2011

• An ability to interpret a large volume of complex information and contribute to the development of solutions for issues considered

• A commitment to protecting the profession and the public through effective regulation of financial compliance

• A commitment to embedding financial compliance best practice throughout the profession

• The ability to contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of financial compliance strategies and operational processes

• All solicitor candidates should be on the Roll of Scottish Solicitors.

Time Commitment and Expenses

The Sub-Committee meets once a month, usually on the first Thursday of each month at 9.30am, and meetings typically last for around 60 to 90 minutes. Members are expected to review papers in advance and may occasionally be asked to respond emails or queries between meetings.

In addition, candidates will also be required to participate in regulatory interview panels (at least 3 times a year). Each panel typically comprises two or three members, including a solicitor and a lay member. These panels conduct regulatory interviews of solicitors found by the sub-committee to be in breach of the accounts rules. Please note that these interviews will be conducted in person.

Meetings can take place either in-person or remotely (by video).

It’s a commitment – a rewarding one and you will be backed by a supportive team of experienced committee members and staff, learning and contributing to decisions that really matter.

These positions are voluntary, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Length of Term

The appointments are for three years. Further re-appointment may be possible, in line with the terms of the committee’s remit.

Application Process

A panel will consider all applications and put their selection forward to the Society’s Regulatory Committee for approval. The panel will invite applicants to an interview. Appointments will be confirmed in writing shortly after formal approval has been given. The email will set out the approved term of office and other key information that a new member will require.

For a confidential discussion about either role, please get in touch with Catriona Mackie or Susan Helman at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.

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

• Regulatory Committee Solicitor Members - Apply Here

• Client Protection Sub-Committee Solicitor Members - Apply Here

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 Nicole Don on 0141 212 7555.

Closing date for applications: Monday 27th July

Here at the Law Society, we strive to look for people across our both staff roles and committees who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experience, and who have a passion and commitment to further all of our work for our members and the public.

During our recruitment process, all candidates are assessed against the same criteria and every effort is made to give them an equal opportunity, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, martial or family status, race, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, religion or belief, age or membership / non membership of a trade union.

We are particularly looking to broaden the interests, diversity and character of our committees to ensure our work continues to reflect Scotland's legal profession and Scottish society.

We welcome applications from individuals whose lives or professional experience can make a valuable contribution to our work. We would especially welcome applications from people who belong to groups currently under-represented on our committees, including disabled people, LGBT+ people, young people and Black and ethnic minority people.

For more information, please go to our Equality and Diversity page.