The previous Council member, Waqqas Ashraf, resigned his seat after setting up his own practice in the Glasgow constituency.

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 the 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 6 December, until 12 noon, Monday 20 December. Voting will be open from 22 December until 10 January and the successful candidate will be invited to attend their first Council meeting on Friday 28 January 2022,with their term running through until May 2024. There are eight Council meetings a year, all of which are currently being held virtually.

Solicitors who have a place of business within the Greenock, Kilmarnock and Paisley constituency, on the date six weeks before the date of the opening of the election period (22 December 2021) are eligible for nomination and to vote in the by-election.

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