Society's in-house work under scrutiny

As part of an ongoing programme examining all aspects of the Society’s work and governance, the Society’s Council and the In-house Lawyers Group have commissioned a review of the work undertaken jointly, and individually, by the two bodies to represent and support in-house members.

The review will look without preconceptions at the work undertaken on behalf of members, gather members’ views, examine best practice in other jurisdictions, and consider existing governance arrangements to make recommendations as to the future structure, direction and work necessary to represent and support in-house lawyers.

Tony Guise of Guise Solicitors, London has been appointed to undertake the review. Mr Guise said: “I have acted for the in-house community in England & Wales and for their representative body (the Commerce & Industry Group) in their relationship with the Law Society of England & Wales for a number of years. This project enables me to put the experience we have gained in that context at the disposal of Scottish lawyers and their professional bodies. It is an exciting project for me and a once in a lifetime opportunity for Scottish in-house lawyers to play the leading role in designing representation fit for their purposes in the 21st century.”

Janet Hood, chairman of the In-house Lawyers Group, said: “The ILG welcomes Tony Guise and the review of its operations and the services it provides to members. The outcomes will inform the ILG strategy for the future and will further assist the Law Society better service all its members.”

In-house lawyers have recently received an invitation to complete a questionnaire giving their views on the ILG’s work and how members are served by the Society. This will be followed by an evening debate at the end of March.

• For further information, and up-to-date news relating to the review, see www.lawscot.org.uk/ILGreview or contact Mrs Elaine MacGlone, elainemacglone@lawscot.org.uk; tel 0131 226 8887 (Wednesday to Friday). To register your interest in attending the forthcoming conference, see the website for joining instructions.