Committee vacancies

Vacancy for two solicitor members and two non-solicitor members. 

The Admissions sub-committee is a regulatory committee of the Law Society’s governing Council.

Its role is to:

• Protect the public interest by overseeing the training and admission of solicitors in Scotland
• Ensure that all of those who wish to become solicitors in Scotland are fit and proper to do so
• Support and encourage the provision of traineeships in Scotland
• Consider complex individual cases
• Investigate concerns raised in relation to the treatment of trainees or quality of training
• Ensure compliance with the appropriate Admission as Solicitor (Scotland) Regulations

The candidate and criteria used in selection process

Candidates will:

• be committed to ensuring high quality of training of solicitors in Scotland
• be committed to ensuring a high calibre of applicant to the profession
• be able to deal with confidential and sensitive matters appropriately
• have a general understanding of the legal sector and its organisations (particularly in Scotland)
• adhere to the Society’s code of conduct for committee members and a commitment to the Law Society values of respect, openness, progress, integrity and inclusion,
• have the time to take a full and active part in the work of the committee

The successful candidates will have a common sense approach to problem solving and an ability to work collaboratively with others.

Requirements

Members must:

•  Attend monthly sub-committee meetings and occasionally respond to emails between meetings
• Prepare for the meetings by reading the papers and familiarising themselves with the appropriate regulations/guidance
• Support the Society’s work in relation to trainees by contributing to and commenting on policies and best practice guidance
• Participate in occasional working parties, focus groups or other related work
• Engage with training sessions, which take place twice per year

This is a three-year position and travel expenses are reimbursed. The sub-committee meets 12 times a year on the first Thursday of each month at 9am in Edinburgh.

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to the Society’s Head of Admissions, Katie Wood by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. For more information about this role, please call Katie Wood on 0131 476 8162 or [email protected]

The Law Society's Public Policy Sub-committees carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law and legal practice. The work of the Public Policy Sub-committees is diverse, challenging, informative and interesting.

We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated solicitor and lay members to join our Child and Family Law Sub-committee. The Sub-committee reports to the Public Policy Committee which has an overarching aim to take a leadership role in the delivery of the Law Society’s strategy, particularly the area under influencing the creation of a fairer and more just society and being an international centre of excellence in thought leadership, through the development of positions relating to public policy.

Key areas of the Sub-committee's work:

• Pursue improvements to the law and the Scottish and UK legal systems through the proactive development of public policy proposals
• Respond effectively to law reform and other public policy proposals which come from the Scottish, UK and European institutions, the UK and Scottish Civil Service and other institutions such as the Law Commissions which produce proposals for law reform and public policy change
•  Engage with government, their agencies and other stakeholders as well as the Society’s members in order to fulfil its role

The candidate

Candidates will have background knowledge of the scope, statutory and regulatory framework of child law in Scotland. We are particularly interested in recruiting members in the following areas:

• Working in the field of child psychiatry or psychology
• Working as a social worker on child and family issues
• Working in the third sector with a focus on children’s issues
• Working as a local authority solicitor with knowledge of child protection issues

Knowledge and experience of issues relating to children with disabilities or additional support needs across any of the above sectors, would be particularly welcome. Applications are encouraged from people at any career stage and also from across Scotland, as remote access facilities through audio or video conferencing are available for those who cannot attend the meeting in person.

Requirements

Successful applicants are required to attend a two-hour meeting every second month and occasional additional meetings if required. Applicants will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings, including consultation documents and responding to emails regarding committee work. This is a voluntary position with travel expenses reimbursed.

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to Andrew Alexander at [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019 For more information about this role, please contact Andrew Alexander on 0131 226 8886

The Law Society of Scotland is the professional body and regulator of Scottish solicitors. Various areas of regulation for the Society are conducted through a number of sub Committees, one of which is the Civil Legal Assistance Quality Assurance Committee (QAC).

The QAC was created as part of the Quality Assurance Scheme in 2003, and is responsible for monitoring the work carried out by firms offering Civil Legal Assistance.

Since that time, the Committee has established and supervised the peer review process on behalf of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland. The Committee consists of ten members – five solicitors and five non solicitors.

The remit of the Quality Assurance Committee includes:

• The instruction, receipt and consideration of all peer reviews carried out in terms of the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Civil Legal Assistance between the Society and the Scottish Legal Aid Board
• The making of decisions as to whether a practice unit should hold or continue to hold a compliance certificate and to issue compliance certificates
• The determination of the file sampling methodology for Civil Legal Assistance peer reviews
• The promotion of good practice in the provision of quality assured Civil Legal Assistance
• The promotion of consistency in the quality assurance process
• The appointment, re-appointment, dismissal or termination of contract, training and monitoring of Peer Reviewers
• The receipt and consideration of applications for compliance certificates
• The collection of statistics and analysis of trends in the quality assurance process, and making recommendations to the Society, the Board and the Scottish Government where the committee considers change necessary. The implementation of such changes requires agreement between the Society, the Scottish Legal Aid Board and the Scottish Government
• Considering in appropriate circumstances whether to refer a practice unit or practitioner to the Complaints Sub-Committee of the Society or the SLCC

The Law Society is looking for a new non-solicitor member to sit on the Committee. The work of a Committee member involves reading the Committee papers and attending the Committee meetings which are held in the Society’s offices in Edinburgh normally in the late afternoon on the first Thursday of each month. Membership of the Committee is unpaid, but all reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

The time commitment to the work involves approximately 4 hours per month, plus any travelling time to Edinburgh. The appointment will be for a three year period and training will be provided.

 Ideally, applicants should -

• demonstrate interest in and/or experience of quality assurance and/or Scots Law
• have a basic knowledge of the Civil Legal Assistance Quality Assurance Scheme
• have an understanding of the twin duties owed to profession and public

Previous experience of Committee work in either the private or public sector would also be advantageous.

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to Hannah Sayers [email protected], Quality Assurance Administrator by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. For more information about this role, please email the Convener, Clair McLachlan, at [email protected].

Further information on the Civil Legal Assistance Quality Assurance Scheme can also be found at https://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/rules-and-guidance/rules-and-guidance/section-c/rule-c3/advice-and-information/c3-quality-assurance-scheme/

Background

The Client Protection Sub-Committee plays an important role in managing risks to the public and profession arising from non-compliance with the Law Society of Scotland’s mandatory accounts rules. The work of the Client Protection Sub-Committee supports the Society’s strategic objectives to:

• ASSURE clients and Society members by setting/monitoring compliance with Accounts Rules requirements;
• SERVE clients and Society members through effective delivery of regulatory functions and effective decision making (for example deciding upon claims to the Client Protection Fund- the operating name of the Scottish Solicitors Guarantee Fund).

Committee decisions can impact significantly on members of the public, individual solicitors and the profession.

Client Protection Sub-Committee Functions:

The Committee oversees the operation of the Client Protection Fund (the Fund) which exists to aid those who have lost money because of the dishonesty of a solicitor or a member of their staff. The Committee makes decisions on claims made to the Fund as well as on Fund management in areas such as insurance and investment.

The Committee also considers cases of non-compliance by solicitors with the accounts rules and makes decisions regarding further action required- which can include disciplinary action and emergency action to protect clients.

Position available

We are looking for an enthusiastic solicitor member to join the Committee which is made up of seven solicitors and seven non-solicitors.

Applicants

Applicants will be committed to:

• the promotion of a culture of accounts rules compliance amongst the Scottish solicitor profession;
• serving the profession and public by dealing effectively with cases of non-compliance and claims against the Fund

Applicants will have significant experience in the areas which are regularly reviewed by the Committee such as conveyancing, executry work and handling client money generally.

This is a voluntary three-year position with travel expenses reimbursed.

Requirements

Members prepare for and attend a meeting at the Society on the first Thursday of every month. Members are encouraged to attend meetings in person where they can, but we recognise that this is not always possible- and facilities are available for members to join meetings remotely.

On three to four mornings per year, members will also take part in panel interviews of solicitors involved in cases which are being considered by the Committee. Emergency meetings are also occasionally required.

Applications

To apply, please download and complete an application form and return it to Sheila Kirkwood, Solicitor to the Client Protection Fund at the Law Society of Scotland by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. For more information about this role, please call Sheila Kirkwood on 0131 476 8140 or email [email protected]

Vacancy for one solicitor member and one lay member for the Law Society of Scotland’s Education and Training (Standard Setting) Sub-Committee.

Committees of the Law Society of Scotland carry out valuable work in a wide range of areas from the general governance of the Society to law reform matters.

The Education and Training (Standard Setting) Sub-Committee is one of the regulatory sub-committees of the Society.

The sub-committee is made up of six solicitor members and six lay members. The role of the sub-committee is to assure the quality of those admitted as solicitors in Scotland by review of policy and standards for pre- and post-qualification education and training and by quality assurance of the components of solicitors’ pre-qualification education and training.

Key areas of the sub-committee’s work are:

•  To draft accreditation requirements and standards for quality assurance of the LLB, the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and trainee continuing professional development
• To consider annual reports from the providers of the LLB and the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice to ensure standards are being met, providing support and, where necessary, enforce requirements
• To participate in accredited provider internal review processes averaging one per member per year
• To approve recommendations from the Education, Training and Qualifications Department in relation to authorisation of trainee continuing professional development providers
• To review the CPD requirements for solicitors and to make policy recommendations to the Regulatory Committee

The candidate and criteria used in selection process 

Both solicitor and lay candidates will have an interest in tertiary education and professional training and an interest in the legal profession.   Preference may be given to candidates who have an understanding of professional vocational education; current issues facing solicitors’ practices and in-house legal teams in Scotland; and have knowledge of best practice in pre- and post-qualification education and training in other jurisdictions and/or professions.

Requirements

The successful candidates are required to attend sub-committee meetings. There are twelve meetings a year, usually held at 9.30am on the first Thursday of the month. Members are also expected to read the papers in advance of the meeting and to devote time to considering detailed annual report submissions from accredited providers in February and March. In addition, members are required to participate in accredited provider internal review processes (usually no more than one process per member each year). This is a voluntary three-year position with travel expenses reimbursed.

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to Rob Marrs, Head of Education, at the Law Society of Scotland by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. For more information about this role, please call Rob Marrs on 0131 226 8882 or email [email protected]

Vacancy for one lay member (appointment commencing 1/4/2020) for the Law Society of Scotland's

Practising Certificate Sub-Committee, a sub-committee of the Regulatory Committee

The regulatory subcommittees of the Law Society of Scotland carry out valuable work exercising the regulatory functions of the Society and protecting the public interest.

The role of the Practising Certificate Sub-Committee includes considering complex applications for Practising Certificates or entrance/removal from the Roll which are not dealt with by the Admissions Sub-Committee or administratively by the Registrar's Department.   The Sub-Committee also operates certain rules about how legal practices are structured and run.

The Sub-Committee is made up of five solicitor members and five lay (non-solicitor) members. It generally meets monthly (usually in the morning of the first Thursday of the month), or as required. Some of the Sub-Committee's work is conducted by email.

The Sub-Committee is now seeking one solicitor member (from 1/1/2020) and one lay member (from 1/4/2020), each for a three-year term.

Key areas of the Sub-Committee's work

• Considering complex applications for Practising Certificates or entrance/removal from the Roll of Solicitors;

• Considering and developing proposals to amend certain regulatory requirements, in accordance with the Society’s obligations to promote the regulatory objectives and aim to adopt best regulatory practice;
• Approving the issue and amendment of Guidance in relation to certain practice rules;
• Considering and determining applications for waiver of certain practice rule requirements in relation to the management and operation of legal practices.

Criteria to be met

All candidates should be:

• committed to acting to promote regulatory objectives and best regulatory practice;
• willing to listen to and learn from other sub-committee members;
• aware of equality and diversity issues which may affect their role;
• knowledgeable of the legal profession and/or have experience of the legal profession as a consumer.

 Solicitor candidates should also have:

•  a general working knowledge of the Society's practice rules, and the general legislative and regulatory framework
• a general working knowledge of judicial and appellate procedure;
• some general knowledge of the Society's operations

 Requirements

 Successful applicants are required to attend a two-hour meeting, on average, every four weeks and occasional additional meetings, if required. Audio conference facilities are available for those who cannot attend the meeting in person. Applicants will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings and responding to emails regarding sub-committee work. This is a voluntary position with travel and expenses reimbursed.

How to Apply

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to Samantha Hollywood, Secretary to the Practising Certificate Sub-Committee, email: [email protected].

 For more information about this role, please email or call Samantha on 0131 226 8890. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019.

There are vacancies for solicitor and non-solicitor members on our Property and Land Law Reform Sub-committee. Our policy committees carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law, legal practice and protecting the public interest.

Key areas of the Property and Land Law Reform Sub committee’s work: -

•  consider proposals from the Scottish Government, United Kingdom Government and the European Union institutions in so far as they impact on all aspects of property and land law in Scotland;
• review and comment on proposed draft and amended legislation on behalf of the Law Society of Scotland and provide written and oral evidence to parliament on those proposals;
•  consider and respond to relevant consultations, calls for evidence etc on behalf of the Law Society of Scotland on matters relating to property and land law in Scotland; 
• monitor and keep under review developments in all aspects of property and land law issues in Scotland;
•  engage in discussions with external third parties including Government and public officials as to developments which affect property and land law in Scotland; 
• helping to communicate the work of the committee to members and other stakeholders.

The candidates

Candidates will have demonstrable experience of the legislative, regulatory and policy framework relating to property and land law as well as a strong interest in reforms undertaken by the Scottish Government, UK Government and at a wider international level.

We are looking to recruit new solicitor and non-solicitor members, currently working in private practice, in-house or another relevant role, to join the committee, initially for a three-year term. 

Requirements

Successful applicants are required to attend a two-hour meeting four times a year and occasional additional meetings if required. Audio conference facilities are available for those who cannot attend the meeting in person. Applicants will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings, including consultation documents and responding to emails regarding committee work and to attending occasional meeting with third party stakeholders. This is a voluntary position with travel and expenses reimbursed.

To apply, download and complete the application form and return it to Alison McNab at [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. For more information about this role, please contact Alison McNab on 0131 476 8109 or by email.

Vacancy for Convener post of the Law Society of Scotland’s Property Law Committee.

The Property Law Committee reports direct to the Council of the Law Society of Scotland and currently comprises of 14 members. The Convener will be appointed by the Society’s Nominations Committee.

The aims and functions of the Property Law Committee are to:

•  To consider matters relating to the law and practice of conveyancing, and where appropriate, to provide guidance and information to the profession.
• Identify issues of conveyancing practice which need addressed and provide views on such to the profession
• Scrutinise and respond to member enquiries, consultation papers and similar documentation on conveyancing matters on behalf of the Society
• Make recommendations to the Professional Practice Committee and Council in relation to conveyancing matters and keep Council appraised of important developments in the conveyancing field.

• Meet regularly with RoS, CML, and other stakeholders to discuss matters of mutual interest.
• Communicate effectively with the profession on issues of practical relevance and generally on the work of the Committee

The Convener

The Convener must be a solicitor with a wide knowledge and significant experience in conveyancing law and practice in Scotland. The successful candidate should demonstrate a genuine commitment and enthusiasm for this area of work. The Convener should have chairing and delegation skills and be able to inspire and lead the Committee members. Previous experience of working with the Society is desirable, but not essential.

A commitment to the delivery of the Society’s strategy, “Leading Legal Excellence”, should be demonstrated.

Requirements

The Convener must be able to attend and chair bi-monthly committee meetings, with other meetings and/or telephone conferences to be held as required. The Convener will need to dedicate time to: liaise with the Committee’s Secretary to identify issues of interest to the Committee; respond to emails regarding the Committee’s work; read papers and information in preparation for meetings; and work with the Secretary and Committee members to prepare draft responses to consultations, and similar documentation on conveyancing matters on behalf of the Society. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

 To apply, please download and complete an application form and return it to the Committee Secretary, Gillian Alexander ([email protected]) by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019.

We have vacancies for one solicitor and one non-solicitor member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Public Policy Committee

Public Policy Committee

It is an aim of the Law Society’s strategy, Leading Legal Excellence, to influence the creation of a fairer and more just society, ensuring our expertise and policy development influences civic society on the rule of law, access to justice, legal issues and the market for legal services.

To help deliver this element of our strategy, our Public Policy committee takes a leadership role in our policy development by pursuing improvements to the law and the Scottish and UK legal systems through the proactive development of public policy proposals.

The committee also oversees a network of specialist subject policy sub-committees, helping us to respond effectively to law reform and other policy proposals which come from the Scottish, UK and European institutions, the UK and Scottish Civil Service and other institutions such as the Law Commissions.

The candidates

Solicitor and non-solicitor candidates will:

•  be committed to delivery of the Law Society’s strategy Leading Legal Excellence,
• have knowledge of government, public policy or legislative processes,
• have a general understanding of the legal sector and its organisations (particularly in Scotland),
• adhere to the Society’s code of conduct for committee members and a commitment to the Law Society values of respect; openness; progress; integrity and inclusion,
• have the time to take a full and active part in the work of the committee.

 For solicitor members, a candidate must be a be a solicitor more than three years qualified. 

Requirements

Successful candidates will be required to attend committee meetings which will be held at least every three months. The candidates will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings and occasionally responding to emails regarding committee work. This is a three-year position and travel expenses are reimbursed.

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to Andrew Alexander at [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. For more information about this role, please call Andrew Alexander on 0131 226 8886.

Vacancies for one non- solicitor member of the Law Society of Scotland’s

Regulatory Committee 

Committees of the Law Society of Scotland carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law, legal practice and protecting the public interest. 

The Regulatory Committee’s role is to oversee the regulatory function of the Law Society for the benefit of both the public and profession. The committee ensures that standards for the profession are set by making relevant and appropriate rules and examining internal processes, policies and procedures through the a number of regulatory sub-committees. The committee also contributes to the Society’s overall strategy helps to promote confidence in the profession and its regulatory regime.

The committee is made up of five solicitor members and five non-solicitor members with a non-solicitor chairperson elected by the committee. There will be a vacancy for one non-solicitor member of the committee from 1 January 2020.

Key areas of the committee’s work

•  To oversee the regulatory functions of the Law Society
• To provide a regulatory perspective on the key strategic issues facing the Law Society
• To review the regulatory powers of relevant sub-committees
• To ensure that the internal processes, policies and procedures adopted by the sub-committees are effective, appropriate and proportionate
• To report to the Council, Board and wider stakeholder groups on the work of the committee and key regulatory issues
• To institute a work plan to carry out the committee’s work

The candidate

Applicant must demonstrate background knowledge of the regulatory system for Scottish solicitors or equivalent experience in other similar regulatory fields. The successful candidate will have a common sense approach with an ability to make decisions and have the capacity to absorb a great deal of regulatory information.

Requirements

The successful candidate is required to attend Committee meetings. There are six of these per year normally with the dates in advance. The candidate will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings and responding to emails regarding committee work. This is a voluntary three-year position with travel expenses reimbursed.

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to David Cullen, Registrar (email of [email protected]) at the Law Society of Scotland by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019.

There are vacancies for one solicitor of the Law Society of Scotland’s Rights of Audience Sub-committee.

Rights of Audience Sub-committee

The Regulatory Sub-committees of the Law Society of Scotland carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law, legal practice and protecting the public interest.

The role of the Rights of Audience Sub-committee is to carry out the functions of the Council relating to the granting of extended rights of audience to solicitors in terms of the S25A of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980.

The Sub-committee is made up of five solicitor members and five non-solicitor members with the Convener being appointed by the Nominations Committee. Of the five solicitor members, a minimum of three must be solicitor advocates. The Sub-committee meets several times a year to consider applications for Rights of Audience and other matters pertinent to exercising the functions under S25A. The meetings usually take place late afternoon / early evening to allow for court practitioners and can also be joined remotely.

This Sub-committee is seeking to appoint one non solicitor and two solicitor members for a three year term. The non-solicitor member post is to start as soon as possible and the two solicitor members posts are to start 1 January 2020.

 Key areas of the Sub-committee’s work

•  To carry out the functions of the Council relating to extended rights of audience as set out in s25A of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 and relevant Practice Rules.

The candidate and criteria used in selection process

Candidates will be:

• committed to ensuring high quality of solicitor advocates in Scotlandwilling to listen to and learn from other committee members
• aware of equality and diversity issues which may affect their role
• knowledgeable of the legal profession

 Candidates will have

•  Knowledge or experience of High Court or Court of Session (Solicitors only)
• An understanding of the aims and objectives of the Society as a regulatory body and membership organisation
• A commitment to and enthusiasm for the work of the Sub-committee
• Willingness to (occasionally) meet outside normal office hours or short notice
• Access to email on a confidential basis

Requirements

A minimum of three of the five solicitor members of the Sub-committee require to be practising Solicitor Advocates and this will be a consideration in recruitment. The successful candidate will be required to attend the Sub-committee meetings. The candidates will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings and occasionally responding to emails regarding committee work. These are three-year position and travel expenses are reimbursed.

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019. For more information about this role, please contact the Rights of Audience Sub-committee secretary Sonia Gentile-Mills on 0131 226 8880

Vacancy (appointment from 1/6/20) for Convener post of the Law Society of Scotland’s

Rules, Waivers and Guidance Sub-Committee, a sub-committee of the Regulatory Committee

The regulatory sub-committees of the Law Society of Scotland carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with legal practice and protecting the public interest.

The role of the Rules, Waivers and Guidance Sub-Committee (‘RWGSC’) is essentially to carry out the functions of the Council relating to certain of the Society’s practice rules.

RWGSC comprises five solicitor members and five non-solicitor members with the Convener being appointed by the Regulatory Committee. The sub-committee meets up to 12 times a year on the first Thursday of each month, dependent on there being sufficient business. At present RWGSC is trialling meetings being scheduled for every second month, with urgent business being considered by email and conference call. Further meetings may be scheduled to consider work on certain projects, as needed.

Key areas of the sub-committee’s work include:

•  Considering and developing proposals to amend certain regulatory requirements, in accordance with the Society’s obligations to promote the regulatory objectives and aim to adopt best regulatory practice;
• Approving the issue and amendment of Guidance in relation to certain practice rules and areas of legal work;
• Considering and determining applications for waiver of certain practice rule requirements, including, for example, specific requirements of the rules on conflict of interest.

The Convener

The Convener is required to be a solicitor with:

• Experience of chairing committees or working groups
• Presentation and media skills
• Willingness to act as a spokesperson for the Society on RWGSC matters
• Practical experience of the Society’s Committee structure and workings
• General working knowledge of the Society’s practice rules, and legislative and regulatory framework
• Experience in analysing papers and making decisions based on sound reasoning, judgment and precedent
• Time to prepare for each meeting to include the consideration of all papers circulated in advance.

The successful candidate should demonstrate a genuine commitment to and enthusiasm for this area of work. The Convener must be able to attend and chair the Sub-Committee meetings. The Convener will require to set aside time to prepare properly for each meeting including any pre-meeting discussions which are required with the Sub-Committee Secretary and identify what additional documentation may be required in advance of each meeting. The Convener will be required to respond promptly to emails regarding the Sub-Committee’s work. The Convener will also, post meeting, be required to review, revise and approve the Sub-Committee Minutes and decisions bearing in mind that these may be scrutinised on appeal.

Appointment would be for a three-year term with effect from 1 June 2020.

Remuneration

£7,856 per annum and reimbursement of travel expenses

How to Apply

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to the Secretary to RWGSC at [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019

For more information about this role, please call Samantha Hollywood on 0131 226 8890 or visit www.lawscot.org.uk/committeevacancies

A vacancy has arisen for one lay (non-solicitor) members of the Law Society of Scotland’s

Rules, Waivers and Guidance Sub-Committee, a sub-committee of the Regulatory Committee

The regulatory sub-committees of the Law Society of Scotland carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with legal practice and protecting the public interest.

The role of the Rules, Waivers and Guidance Sub-Committee (‘RWGSC’) is essentially to carry out the functions of the Council relating to certain of the Society’s practice rules.

The Sub-Committee comprises five solicitor members and five non-solicitor members with the Convener being appointed by the Regulatory Committee. The sub-committee meets up to 12 times a year on the first Thursday of each month, dependent on there being sufficient business. At present RWGSC is trialling meetings being scheduled for every second month, with urgent business being considered by email and conference call. Further meetings may be scheduled to consider work on certain projects, as needed.

The Sub-Committee is seeking two lay members, each for a three-year term. 

Key areas of the sub-committee’s work include:

• Considering and developing proposals to amend certain regulatory requirements, in accordance with the Society’s obligations to promote the regulatory objectives and aim to adopt best regulatory practice;
• Approving the issue and amendment of Guidance in relation to certain practice rules and areas of legal work;
• Considering and determining applications for waiver of certain practice rule requirements, including, for example, specific requirements of the rules on conflict of interest.

The candidates

Candidates will be:

•  committed to acting to promote regulatory objectives and best regulatory practice;

• willing to listen to and learn from other sub-committee members;
• aware of equality and diversity issues which may affect their role;
• knowledgeable of the legal profession and/or have experience of the legal profession as a consumer.

Requirements

Successful applicants are required to attend meetings, typically lasting approximately 2 hours, every four to eight weeks and occasional additional meetings, if required. Audio conference facilities are available for those who cannot attend the meeting in person. Applicants will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings and responding to emails regarding sub-committee work. This is a voluntary position with travel and expenses reimbursed.

How to Apply

To apply, download and complete an application form and return it to the Secretary to RWGSC at [email protected] by 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2019

For more information about this role, please call Samantha Hollywood on 0131 226 8890 or visit www.lawscot.org.uk/committeevacancies