Winners announced to fill new Society Council posts

A Scottish solicitor working in Brussels and a solicitor advocate based in Fife are to join the Law Society of Scotland's Council, following contested elections for the two new seats created.

Siobhan Kahmann of Covington & Burling LLP in Brussels has been elected as the first dedicated representative for Scottish solicitors working outwith Great Britain, following a five-way contest, while Tom Marshall of Tom Marshall Ltd, Burntisland came top out of four candidates to become the first dedicated representative for solicitor advocates.

The Society described the voting figures were "encouraging", with 14% of international members (39 votes validly cast) and 29% of solicitor advocates (102 votes) completing a ballot.

Lorna Jack, chief executive of the Society, commented: "The profession is becoming increasingly globalised and we are keen to engage members who have used their Scottish qualification as a passport to access international opportunities.

"It is certainly more challenging for our international members to build relationships with one another, than it is for solicitors based in Scotland; but with digital communications tools at our fingertips and a new Council member to facilitate the flow of information and networking opportunities, I am excited about what the future will hold for this particular group of members.

"And I am thrilled to see such high numbers of solicitor advocates taking an interest in the work of their professional body: 29% is a great turnout.

"I would like to extend our thanks to everyone who voted, stood for election or helped with the campaign – in particular, I know that our colleagues in Brussels and at the Society of Solicitor Advocates have been particularly supportive – and of course, I would like to congratulate Siobhan and Tom on their success. I look forward to meeting you at the next Council meeting – whether that’s in person or with the magic of video or telephone conferencing technology."