New anti-money laundering committee

A brand new regulatory anti-money laundering (AML) sub-committee is being set up to ensure that the Law Society can meet its increasing statutory obligations as a responsible and effective AML regulator. 

The new sub-committee is one of seven committees and accreditation panels across the Law Society that are looking for members.  Solicitors and non-solicitors are being sought who want an opportunity to influence decisions on the regulation of the Scottish legal profession and help shape good law in Scotland.

Committee members are volunteers from the Scottish legal profession and lay members from a variety of backgrounds, including financial services, the technology sector, academia and other professional bodies.

Graham Mackenzie, head of AML at the Law Society said: “As the AML supervisor for the Scottish legal profession, we undertake a wide range of supervisory assurance activities to ensure our members comply with their AML duties and responsibilities. We are committed to being a responsible and effective AML regulator - and in order for us to meet our increasing statutory obligations we are establishing a brand new regulatory AML sub-committee with specific responsibilities to not only ensure our own compliance with the requirements of the money laundering regulations, but to also protect the profession and the public interest by dealing properly and promptly with significant cases of non-compliance.

“It’s a very exciting time to be working in this area, and I would encourage both solicitors and non-solicitors with the relevant experience to apply for this new committee.”

There are also vacancies on three of the Law Society’s accreditation panels, covering pensions, personal injury and professional negligence specialisms, as well as a convener vacancy on the Education & Training (Standard Setting) sub-committee.  Two further convener posts are available on the Admissions Sub-committee and the Civil Justice Committee.

John Mulholland, Vice President of the Law Society, former convener and current committee member, commented: “Sitting on a committee affords great opportunities for learning and development, it’s really varied and invaluable experience.  I would strongly encourage anyone who believes they can contribute to the committee system, to grab the experience with both hands and get involved.”

Opportunities to join your colleagues and peers on our committees come up three times a year and you can find more information about the current vacancies and details of how to apply before 5pm on Wednesday 17 April 2019 on our website.