English solicitors back cap on LSEW council membership

Solicitors south of the border have voted to introduce term limits and constituency reforms for the governing council of the Law Society of England & Wales.

A ballot of members has resulted in support for introducing maximum term limits of 12 years for council members, along with a reorganisation of constituencies they represent, with fewer seats going to geographical areas and more to particular sectors or characteristics.

The present council has 100 seats, with 61 members representing 42 geographical constituencies and up to 39 members representing special interest groups and areas of practice. The 23 current members who have served more than 12 years include the current President, David Greene, and five former Presidents. All such members will be allowed to complete their present terms. 

Om a turnout of around 6% (12,207 of the 200,446 eligible members), 83.3% supported the constituency proposals and 77.2% the term limit proposal.

Mr Greene commented: “Clearly this may be disappointing news for those council members who have given long and loyal service representing their constituencies who will become ineligible to stand again.

“Whilst the effect of this decision will be that we will lose their knowledge and experience on council, there are many ways in which individuals can contribute to the work of the Law Society and we hope they will pursue those opportunities. It is important to remember, however, that term limits are commonplace among governing bodies.”

He added that the changes to geographical constituencies would “recognise the importance of geographical links between our members and their council representatives but also strive rightly to make council more representative of the modern diverse profession”.