Local solicitors wanted for Law Society Council

Nominations are now open for solicitors hoping to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision making body.

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.

Christine McLintock, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “My experience as a Council member has been both worthwhile and rewarding. Being on the Council gives you a fantastic opportunity to lead and support Scottish solicitors, expand your network and gain valuable insight into the work of the Law Society.

“I would recommend joining the Council to any solicitor who wants to help shape the future of the legal profession. This is a great way to make your voice heard when key decisions are being made and help us to support your fellow solicitors.”

This year there are 10 seats available in four constituencies and solicitors working in those areas can nominate themselves for election:

• Cupar, Dunfermline & Kirkcaldy – 2 Council seats
• Glasgow & Strathkelvin  - 5 Council seats
• Greenock, Kilmarnock & Paisley – 2 Council seats
• Perth – 1 Council seat

Nominations for the 2016 Council elections are open from 6 April – 27 April. Voting will be open from 4 May – 18 May and successful candidates will be appointed as Council members on 27 May 2016.

More information about the application process and what’s involved in being a council member can be found on the Law Society’s website at www.lawscot.org.uk/join-our-council.

The Society has produced a short video featuring current Council members talking about what they have found valuable about their experiences of sitting on Council and why they think others should consider joining.

Notes to editor:

The Council is the Law Society of Scotland’s principal decision making body.  It agrees the Society’s strategy, annual operating plan and budget and takes key policy decisions covering a broad range of areas.

Most Council members are solicitors who are elected from geographical constituencies across Scotland. Around a third of these seats come up for election each year. There are also up to up to nine co-opted members representing other interest groups and nine non-solicitor members.

Nominees must be a member of the Society working in the relevant constituency and be supported by two proposers, who must be either practising or non-practising members of the Society and also have business addresses in the relevant constituency.

The 2016 year appointment, which starts on 27 May 2016, involves regularly attending Council meetings in Edinburgh and representing the views of solicitors in a constituency.

More information, as well as the nomination forms, can be found at www.lawscot.org.uk/join-our-council.