Make a difference. Have an impact. Join our Council

Why did you apply to be the new lawyers representative on Council?

I had recently qualified as a solicitor and wanted to make a difference to the profession early in my career if I could. At the time, traineeships and NQ jobs were shrinking and the future was beginning to look bleak for new lawyers.

I saw an advertisement for people to represent new lawyers’ interests on the Law Society of Scotland's Council and thought  this would be an opportunity to influence from the inside by raising issues of importance to newly qualified lawyers with those at the top of their profession. I also hoped it would help me learn about how the profession was governed and managed outside law firms. 

Did your perceptions of the Society change after joining Council?

They did – I began to properly appreciate how disparate and wide-ranging the interests of lawyers in Scotland are across different sectors, ranging from small chamber and high street practices to much larger legal organisations including those employing in-house lawyers.

I became a Council member at the beginning of the credit crunch, which brought about one of the most challenging periods for solicitors in the Society’s history. I saw at first hand the impact on its members and how the profession worked together to weather what rapidly became a perfect storm. The debate about modernisation of the profession and development of alternative business structures also raged throughout my time on Council. I observed both camps argue the case for and against ABS, and the quality of debate was high. 

I gained enormous respect for the staff and also the many very experienced lawyers on Council, who were invariably courteous and generous with their time and advice to someone just starting out. 

What was the most surprising aspect of your work as a Council member?

The range of issues and projects which the Society takes forward is enormous and solicitors in practice may not be aware of much of its work. 

What else did your role as a Council member involve?

I volunteered as a member of the Education & Training Committee during my time on Council. As a new lawyer who has just completed the process, your experience is invaluable in helping the committee understand how policy translates into practice.

As a member of the committee I participated in the reform and modernisation of legal education, which encompassed not only the LLB but also professional training via the Diploma and traineeship. I also had the opportunity to contribute to the evaluation and accreditation of university law courses for which the committee is responsible.

I also was a member of the Professional Practice Committee. These committees have responsibility for important aspects of the profession’s regulation and I developed an understanding of how as a profession we maintain high standards of practice.  That stays with you and informs your day to day work as a solicitor. 

I also was co-opted to attend the occasional formal dinner or contribute to seminars or Society events.  These helped me develop good networks which have remained a strong source of support as my legal career has developed. 

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of applying?

Don’t hesitate! This is a wonderful way to learn and to meet committed and hugely experienced lawyers from all over the country. You can speak out for newly qualified solicitors and have an impact which would not otherwise be available so early in your career.  

Finally, what’s your top tip for new lawyers?

Ask questions. Of everyone. At every opportunity.