Becoming a member of the Law Society Council provides an opportunity to influence key decisions, contribute to the work of the Society and help to represent and support local solicitors.

Ken Dalling, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “I became a Council member for the Alloa, Falkirk, Linlithgow and Stirling constituency in 2010, and the experience has been stimulating and challenging but also hugely rewarding. Being on Council gives you a fantastic opportunity to engage in issues of significance to the legal profession and wider civic Scotland.

“I would strongly encourage eligible members to consider standing for election. It is a fantastic experience for any solicitor who wants to help shape the future of the legal profession and a great way to make your voice heard and represent your fellow members when key decisions are being made. This is a very exciting time for the Law Society, engaging with a recently elected Parliament on a whole range of issues, as well as developing a new five-year strategy for the Society itself. Becoming a Council member is a great opportunity to be part of all that.”

Nominations for this by-election are open from 12 noon, Monday 17 January, until 12 noon, Monday 31 January 2022. In the event of a contested election, voting will be open from Monday 7 February 2022 and close at noon on Monday 21 February 2022.

Solicitors who have a place of business within the Cupar, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy constituency, on the date six weeks before the date of the opening of the election period (6 December 2021) are eligible for nomination and to vote in the by-election.

The successful candidate will be invited to attend their first Council meeting on Friday 4 March 2022, with their term running through until May 2022. There are eight Council meetings a year, all of which are currently being held virtually.

More information about the application process and what’s involved in being a council member can be found on the Law Society’s website at www.lawscot.org.uk/join-our-council.