NQ seat added to Society Council elections

16th March 2018 | law society of scotland

The seat on the Law Society of Scotland's Council reserved for newly qualified Scottish solicitors will this year be filled by direct election, along with the constituency seats that are due for election.

Council members last week agreed the new process, which allows solicitors up to five years qualified and trainee solicitors admitted to the profession, to vote online for their preferred Council representative, and to stand for election to the seat.

The Council seat for newly qualified solicitors was first introduced in 2009, to ensure that the specific needs of those in the early stages of their careers were reflected in the decision making process. The 2018 elections, which open next week, will be the first in which the NQ representative is elected by their peers rather than appointed by a panel of interviewers.

Nominations open on Monday (19 March) for this and for 11 other seats on Council, 10 for Scottish constituencies and one to represent Scottish solicitors working in England & Wales. The Scottish seats are:

  • Alloa, Falkirk, Lithlithgow & Stirling – two seats
  • Arbroath, Dundee & Forfar – one seat
  • Campbeltown, Dumbarton, Dunoon, Oban, Rothesay & Fort William – two seats
  • Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain & Wick – two seats
  • Duns, Haddington, Jedburgh, Peebles & Selkirk – two seats
  • Greenock, Kilmarnock & Paisley – one seat (by-election).

Candidates for each of these seats must have a business address in the relevant constituency. For England & Wales, a candidate's work address must be based in England or Wales.

All nominations should be submitted by 12 noon on Wednesday 25 April. Voting will open from 12 noon on Thursday 3 May and close at 12 noon on Wednesday 16 May. Successful candidates will be invited to attend their first Council meeting on Friday 1 June 2018.

Liz Campbell, executive director of Education, Training & Qualifications at the Society commented: "It is vital for the healthy progression of the profession that the views of our newer members are heard. This is a chance to shape Law Society policy and I would urge newly qualified solicitors and admitted trainees to take this opportunity to stand for Council. And when the time comes, I would strongly encourage NQ and all trainee colleagues to vote for your preferred representative – make sure you have your say."

Graham Matthews, President of the Society added: "I became a Council member in 2005 and have found it both challenging and rewarding. It is a unique opportunity to meet with solicitors from across Scotland, broaden your understanding of the diverse range of practices and represent the views of solicitors with shared perspectives, whether they relate to region, sector or stage of career. I would strongly encourage my fellow Scottish solicitors to stand for election."

More information about the application process and what’s involved in being a Council member is on the Society's website. Any queries can be directed to the registrar, DavidCullen (e: DavidCullen@lawscot.org.uk).