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.

Murray Etherington, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “I became a Council member for the Arbroath, Dundee and Forfar constituency in 2015, and the experience has been both challenging, and also hugely rewarding. I have relished the opportunity to engage in issues of real significance and make a difference for the legal profession and wider civic Scotland.”

“As a Council member you will expand your network, broaden your understanding of issues affecting the legal profession and the clients they serve and represent the views of solicitors from your region. It is a unique and valuable opportunity, and I would strongly encourage my fellow Scottish solicitors to stand for election.”

Seats are available in the following constituencies.

• Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Stonehaven – two seats
• Ayr, Dumfries. Kirkcudbright and Stranraer – two seats
• Airdrie, Hamilton & Lanark – two seats
• Edinburgh – five seats
• England, Wales and Northern Ireland – one seat

There is a by-election being held in the England, Wales and Northern Ireland constituency due to Naomi Pryde standing down, having held the seat since 2015.

Nominations for this round of elections are open from 12 noon, Thursday 13 April, until 12 noon, Thursday 27 April 2023. In the event of a contested election, voting will be open from 12 noon Thursday 4 May 2022 and close at noon on Thursday 18 May 2023.

Council members for 11 of the available seats will be elected by their fellow ‘constituency’ members for a three-year term to May 2026. The seat for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is a by election with the appointment running to May 2024.

The successful candidates will be invited to attend their first Council meeting in June 2023. There are nine Council meetings a year, all of which are currently being held as hybrid meetings.

More information about the application process and what’s involved in being a council member can be found our website.