New lawyer wanted for Law Society Council

Applications are now open for recently qualified solicitors who want to join the Law Society of Scotland’s decision making body.

Becoming a member of the Council provides an opportunity to help represent and support recently qualified solicitors, as well as contributing to the work of the Society and influencing key decisions. Any Scottish solicitor who has been admitted in the last five years can apply to represent new lawyers in the co-opted seat on the Law Society’s Council.

Laura Gulliver, Head of Careers and Outreach at the Law Society said: “This is a great opportunity to help lead the Scottish legal profession and influence key decisions at the Law Society. The co-opted seat representing recently qualified solicitors on the Law Society’s Council plays an important role; ensuring new lawyers have their say on decisions that impact on the profession.

“Being a Council member is for many a  fulfilling, fascinating and challenging experience which offers real insight into the wider profession. It also gives people a chance to form relationships with colleagues working across Scotland and further afield. I would encourage any recently qualified solicitor who wants to help shape the future of the legal profession to apply.”

Applications are open until 5pm, Friday, 19 February. Panel interviews will be held and the successful candidate will be invited to attend the Law Society Council meeting on 29 April 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.

ENDS                                                                                      26 Jan 2016

Notes to editor:

The Council is the Society’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 – including the seat for new lawyers - and nine non-solicitor members.

Applicants must be a member of the Society and have been admitted within the past five years. The two year appointment, which starts in March 2016, involves regularly attending Law Society Council meetings and representing the views of new lawyers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Journalists can contact Sarah Sutton on 0131 476 8170 sarahsutton@lawscot.org.uk

More information and an application form can be found at www.lawscot.org.uk/join-our-council.