Graham Matthews nominated to be next Law Society President

Graham Matthews has been nominated to become president of the Law Society of Scotland next year.

Current vice president, Graham Matthews was the sole nominee for the post and will succeed current president Eilidh Wiseman in May 2017.

Mr Matthews, a partner at north east law firm Peterkins, has served as the Council member representing Aberdeenshire solicitors for over 10 years and has been a member of a number of committees including the Society’s Professional Practice and Regulatory Committees.

There were two nominations for vice president today, Friday, 25 November. The Society’s Council members will vote for Alison Atack or John Mulholland to take up the role of vice president.

Law Society President Eilidh Wiseman, said: “I’m very pleased to congratulate Graham on his nomination today to take up the role of president and Alison and John on their nominations.

“Graham has been terrific to work with as vice president and I know he will bring his experience, energy and enthusiasm to the presidency next year.

“Graham is one of our longest serving Council members.  From his previous roles as convener of the Professional Practice Committee and member of the Regulatory Committee, he has a deep understanding of the high professional standards which solicitors are expected to attain to ensure they provide the advice and service their clients need.

“With long standing experience of the high street sector, Graham also understands the issues facing solicitors across Scotland .  As vice-president, he has been touring round local faculties and listening to our members.  In these uncertain political and economic times, Scottish solicitors need a powerful voice to represent their interests.  I know Graham will be that powerful voice as president next year.” 

The new vice president-elect will be confirmed at the Society’s December Council meeting.

ENDS         

Notes to editor

Graham Matthews joined Council in September 2005 and currently sits as one of the two constituency members for Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead & Stonehaven.  He has also served on and convened a number of Law Society committees:

Convener of Professional Practice Sub-Committee
Chairman of Professional Practice Rules and Waivers Sub-Committee
Convener of Remuneration Committee
Vice convener of Guarantee Fund Sub-Committee
Member of the Regulatory Committee
Member of the Finance Committee

Alison Atack is a partner at Lindsays. She  joined Council in May 1998 representing solicitors in Glasgow and Strathkelvin. She is past member of the Regulatory committee and is the current convener of the Client Protection Sub-Committee.

John Mulholland is a criminal law consultant at Falkirk-based Marshall Wilson Law Group. He joined Council in May 2012, is the current Law Society Treasurer and convener of Finance Committee which agrees and oversees the Society’s annual budget and accounts.

For further information about the Law Society Council see the ‘About us’ section of the website.