Stay curious - and stand for the Law Society Council

In her blog, Law Society Council member Arlene Gibbs explains how curiosity encouraged her to stand to represent solicitors in Aberdeenshire in 2023- and encourages members to consider standing for current vacancies in three local constituencies.

Solicitors by nature are curious types and I am no exception. 

Having spent my traineeship and formative years practicing in-house in Aberdeenshire, I was always curious about the representative role the Law Society of Scotland played in the careers of those employed outside of the ‘big firms’ and practising outwith the central belt.  (There are no spoilers in this blog but the support from the Society’s Member Engagement team is second to none!) 

Since graduating during the economic downturn in 2009 I have noticed first-hand how much the profession has changed in that short time, and as I became involved in trainee recruitment myself as a manager, my curiosity about professional development, legal education, and the support for the next generation of Scottish solicitors peaked.

Much of this was a reflection of my own route to qualification and the hurdles I had to overcome, but it I found myself driven to make a positive difference for others: whatever their background, and wherever they chose to practice law.

I stood for election in 2023 in the Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven constituency on the basis that there should be no barriers to prevent those with right attributes, skills and talent from becoming a solicitor in Scotland.  I saw this as my contribution to paying it forward and trying to make that difference. 

I am now in the last year of my three-year term on Council, and I have enjoyed working collegiately with others from across Scotland - literally from Stromness to Stranraer - to inform, debate, and provide the member perspective on all aspects of Council business.  The role offers a unique insight into the legal profession and keeps me curious.

- Curious about how the Law Society of Scotland can be relevant.

- Curious about how law and policy impacts the profession, as well as the public.

- Curious about how the Law Society of Scotland adds value as a member organisation.

I am always inspired by shared experiences, the passion of Council members, and the conversation and drive for change that I see each year at the annual development day. 

To see that change now coming forward and pulled through into deliverable actions and strategies is why I stood for election. 

If, like me, you are curious too, I would urge you to consider standing for Council. 

Council vacancies

There are vacancies on Council in three constituencies:

• Perth (1 seat available)
• Greenock, Kilmarnock & Paisley (1 seat available)
• Cupar, Dunfermline & Kirkcaldy (2 seats available)

Find out more and submit a nomination.