Our committees carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law and legal practice. We have a code of conduct for Council and committee members. See latest committee vacancies.
Convener: David Gordon
Secretaries:
- Rachel Wood (rachelwood@lawscot.org.uk)
- Brian Simpson (briansimpson@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
The Regulatory Committee was created by the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010. It is a committee of the Council of the Law Society but acts independently. The committee is responsible for the oversight of all of the Society’s regulatory functions. It is 50/50 non-solicitor/solicitor and must be chaired by a non-solicitor member, with the committee responsible for choosing its chairperson.
The Regulatory Committee's remit is to set, maintain and enforce standards in the interests of the public and the profession. You can read more about the remit of the committee, which highlights the extent and depth of its work, and its commitment to a well-ordered legal profession, which retains the trust of the public.
Members of the Regulatory Committee are:
Solicitors
Laura Connor
Mohsen Din
Christopher Morgan
Prof. Alan Paterson
James Campbell
Non-solicitors
David Gordon (Convener)
William Braes
Adele Keddie
Jacqui Low
Donna O'Boyle
Regulatory sub-committees
The Regulatory Committee has a number of regulatory sub-committees. These operate under a schedule of delegated powers from the Regulatory Committee. Some of those delegated powers are further delegated from the sub-committees to members of the Society's executive team.
Each sub-committee is responsible for the regulation of different aspects of the regulatory framework.
As with the Society’s Regulatory Committee, all regulatory sub-committees are 50/50 non-solicitor/solicitor.
The regulatory sub-committees are:
Read more about our regulatory work
Subcommittees
Convener: Fiona Dromgoole
Secretary: David Meighan (davidmeighan@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are:
- to carry out the functions of the Council relating to the training and admission of solicitors in terms of the appropriate regulations
- for that purpose, to perform such specific functions of the Council as are assigned to it in terms of arrangements made by the Council under s3A of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980
- to advise the Regulatory Committee (on being requested to do so, or of it's own motion) in connection with issues of policy or principle relating to the foregoing matters
- from time to time to establish such sub-committees as are necessary or desirable for the effective discharge of the above functions
- to refer to the Regulatory Committee (with a recommendation as to the action to be taken) any matter within its remit which it considers is more appropriate to be dealt with by that committee
Members
Solicitors
Fiona Dromgoole (Convener)
Colin Anderson
Patricia Thom
Leanne Hammell
David di Paola
Non-solicitors
Suzanne Dawson
Thorsten Lauterbach
Sheila Inglis
Abigail Clark
Secretary: David Meighan DavidMeighan@lawscot.org.uk
Convener: Charles Fraser
Secretary: Fiona Watson (fionawatson@lawscot.org.uk)
- Ensure Law Society of Scotland-wide compliance with the requirements of the Money Laundering Regulations (including as reflected in the Office of Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) Sourcebook and/or equivalent)
- Protect the profession and the public interest by dealing properly and promptly with significant cases of non-compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations
- To promote high levels of compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations across our membership
- Ensure that the LSS Anti-Money Laundering approach remains fit for purpose
- Agree and drive strategic development of the Law Society of Scotland Anti-Money Laundering approach
Members of the committee are:
Solicitors
Charles Fraser (Convener)
Alastair Gray
Alison Atack
Maureen McKee Matheson
Non-solicitors
Suzy Dawson-Newbury
Alastair Graham
Stuart Hammond
Alan Plumtree
Bill Cleghorn
Orla Clohessy
Secretary: Fiona Watson
Convener: Joseph G Boyd
Secretary: Samantha Hollywood (samanthahollywood@lawscot.org.uk)
- to consider appeals lodged against appealable decisions made by regulatory sub-committees. The grounds of appeal are specified in guidance.
- the sub-committee may:
- uphold an original decision of a regulatory sub-committee
- vary all or part of an original decision
- overturn all or part of an original decision and substitute an alternative decision for the original decision
- overturn an original decision and require the original sub-committee to reconsider the matter, with appropriate directions
- to report to the Regulatory Committee, yearly or as identified by the sub-committee, in relation to the nature and frequency of the appeals that it hears, together with proposals/recommendations for improvements in the Law Society's regulatory processes.
You can download the appeal form which applicants must use and read the guidance below for filling it out:
Appealing or reviewing a regulatory decision of the Law Society of Scotland
We have a number of committees that can make decisions that affect you. These decisions are often able to be appealed or reviewed.
The letter or email from us, advising you of a decision, will say whether you have a right of appeal and who you can appeal to. Often, the appeal body will be our Appeals and Reviews Sub-Committee (the ‘Appeals Committee’).
If you wish to make an appeal and it is unclear from your letter what your rights are, please contact the person who sent the letter or email advising you of the initial decision.
1. How do I make an appeal to the Appeals Committee?
You must complete an appeal form and submit it with any relevant supporting documents by email to appeals@lawscot.org.uk or in writing to:
The Appeals and Reviews Sub-Committee Secretary
The Law Society of Scotland
Atria One,
144 Morrison Street Edinburgh
EH3 8EX
or
DX ED1 EDINBURGH
Your submission must include your grounds for appeal (see point 3). It can include supporting documents or references that you consider relevant. Once it has considered your appeal, the Appeals Committee may ask you for additional information.
Please note: If you wish to appeal a conduct complaint against a Scottish solicitor, please see our guidance for complaints against Scottish solicitors.
2. Is there a time limit for lodging appeals?
Yes, appeals must be made within 21 days of the date of the letter or email advising you of the original decision.
An extension to this time limit can be granted in exceptional circumstances. If you are or have been unable to meet the time limit, please contact us at the above email or postal address, setting out the reasons why you feel your circumstances are exceptional. We will let you know if your request is successful within 21 days of receiving it. There is no appeal against a decision not to extend the time limit (see point 8).
3. What are the grounds for appeal?
There are five grounds for appeal:
a) the original decision was based on a misunderstanding of the facts
b) evidence, which could not reasonably have been made available at the time of the original decision, is now available
c) the original decision contains an error in applying the law, the rules or the regulations
d) there has been a fundamental procedural irregularity in the way in which your case was handled, or the original decision made
e) there was a failure to provide you with adequate reasoning of the original decision
4. What are the possible outcomes?
The Appeals Committee will either:
- uphold the original decision
- overturn the original decision in favor of its own decision; or
- return your matter back to the original committee and, with appropriate direction, ask it to reconsider it.
5. Can I appear in person?
Appeals are usually considered on the basis of written information only and you should not expect to appear in person. In exceptional circumstances, the Appeals Committee may ask an individual connected to the appeal to attend in person.
6. How will the decision be communicated to me?
You will be notified of the appeal decision, by either letter or email, within 21 days of the Appeals Committee’s decision.
7. What happens after my appeal?
The letter informing you about the decision of your appeal will set out the next steps. If you have any queries, you should contact the Appeals Committee Secretary at the above email or postal address.
8. What if I am unhappy with the appeal decision?
You have a right of Judicial Review at the Court of Session. If you wish to exercise this right, we strongly suggest that you seek independent legal advice.
9. Is there a fee for appealing?
No, the appeals process is free. However, we will not pay any expenses that you incur in bringing your appeal.
If you have further questions on the appeals process, please contact the Appeals Committee Secretary at appeals@lawscot.org.uk or The Law Society of Scotland, Atria One 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EX.
If your right of appeal is to another body (for example Judicial Review at the Court of Session), we strongly suggest that you seek independent legal advice.
Committee members
Joseph Boyd (Convener)
Solicitors
James Campbell
Valerie O'Neill
Margaret Ross
Chris Weir
Lindsay MacNeill
Non-solicitors
Helen Cadden
Gordon Croome
Leslie Forsyth
Janet Moss
Robyn Wisbey
Samantha Hollywood (secretary)
Convener: Fiona Mundy
Secretary: Erini Seindanis (eriniseindanis@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are:
- 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
Further information on the Civil Legal Assistance Quality Assurance Scheme can be found under Rule C3
Members
Solicitors
Fiona Mundy (Convener)
Marie-Louise Fox
Ian Woodward-Nutt
Claire Kettlewell
Non-solicitors
Stuart Duffin
Aaliya Seyal
Hazel Thoms
David Crossan
Erini Seindanis (Secretary)
Convener: Ken Dalling
Secretary: Fiona Watson (fionawatson@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are to:
- oversee the fulfilment of the statutory obligations of the Law Society of Scotland regarding the Client Protection Fund (the operating name for the Scottish Solicitors' Guarantee Fund) and financial compliance
- ensure that risks to the Client Protection Fund are managed to an agreed and acceptable level
- ensure that Client Protection Fund operations are in accordance with stated Client Protection Fund policy
- protect the Client Protection Fund, the profession and the public interest by dealing properly and promptly with significant cases of non-compliance with accepted financial compliance standards (eg accounts rules)
- influence strategic developments regarding financial compliance and the Client Protection Fund to ensure that processes remain up to date and fit for purpose
- enable effective communications with the profession, public and other stakeholders regarding financial compliance standards and Client Protection Fund claims
- benefit the Client Protection Fund/financial compliance processes by acting as a source of expertise on relevant working practices and issues within the legal profession
- monitor financial compliance activity (planning, progress, quality & approach)
- review outputs from financial compliance activity (including the conducting of interviews) and where appropriate (eg as a result of breaches in accounts rules), refer matters of professional conduct to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and Complaints Investigation Team for investigation or recommend other actions (eg interventions, judicial factories etc) in accordance with the scheme of delegation
- monitor the consistency and quality of Client Protection Fund claims and intimations processing
- decide upon Client Protection Fund claims (as detailed in the delegated powers)
- consider and approve strategic policy matters related to financial compliance and Client Protection Fund matters
- consider the continuing adequacy of accounts rules and other guidance to protect the Client Protection Fund, the profession and the public; monitor the development of new or amended rules and recommend these for approval.
- review financial compliance activity to inform and influence the profession, public and other stakeholders about relevant financial standards, compliance requirements and claims issues
- monitor Client Protection Fund risk management procedures and approve
- decide key policies related to insurance arrangements, financial reserve levels, investment decisions and firms which pose a risk to the fund
- monitor the financial position of the Client Protection Fund and recommend approval of the annual budget and annual subscriptions to the Council
- be made aware of operational developments in the workings of the financial compliance and Client Protection Fund functions
Members
Solicitors
Ken Dalling (Convener)
Johnston Clark
Mark O’Hanlon
Stuart Naismith
Jamie Reekie
Louisa Doole
George Breeze
Non-solicitors
Paul Faris
Anne Follin
Jeffrey Meek
John Birkenhead
Stuart Light
Alison McCaffrey
Fiona Watson (Secretary)
Convener: John McHugh
Secretary: Michael Greenfield (michaelgreenfield@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are:
- to give guidance and directions to relevant Committees and thereafter review the handling of all aspects of complaints to ensure transparency, consistency and balance.
- to give guidance and direction to the complaints handling staff in relation to policies and procedures for handling complaints, including issuing and reviewing Policy Documents
- to consider and deal with points of policy and principle arising from specific cases and to give guidance as appropriate.
- to consider on an ongoing basis relevant external relationships including, but not exclusively, matters relating to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission, the Scottish Government and the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner.
- to consider and promote initiatives to improve client care standards within the profession
- to provide information to the public in relation to the conduct complaint handling process, and areas of practice which feed into it
- to consider issues arising from client dissatisfaction with a view to educating the profession as to:
- dealing with dissatisfaction and complaint appropriately.
- trying to avoid client dissatisfaction and unnecessary complaints.
- education on the policies and procedures of the Society, and of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission insofar as they impact upon the Society’s conduct complaint handling process - to support the profession as appropriate in complaints handling matters involving the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission
-
to decide to raise complaints in the Society’s name with the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission in the public interest and/or in the interests of maintaining standards within the profession
-
to report to the Regulatory Committee any matters of general importance or specific regulatory interest.
-
to monitor the exercise by the Sub Committee and of the Law Society executive of the delegated powers of the Council.
-
to monitor general compliance with Practice Rule B5.5.1 of the Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules, and analyse and report upon first tier complaints records requested in terms of Rule B5.5.1.1(ii)
Members
Solicitors
John McHugh (Convener)
Selena Graham
Serena Sutherland
Amy Walsh
Non-solicitors
John Birkenhead
William Braes
Ralph Coleman
David Crossan
Anne Hastie
Michael Greenfield (Secretary)”
Convener: Val Pitt
Secretary: Rob Marrs (RobMarrs@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are:
- assure the quality of those admitted as solicitors in Scotland by review of policy and standards for pre- and post-qualification education and training
- assure quality of the components of solicitors' pre-qualification education and training
- to make recommendations to the Regulatory Committee
Members
Solicitors
Val Pitt (Convener)
John Logue
Jim Stephenson
Euan Mitchell
John Mulholland
Wendy Quinn
Alison Green
Non-solicitors
Wisam Abboud
Stuart Duffin
Martin Jones
Thomas Muinzer
Teresa Moran
Natalie Bolland
Andrew Scott
Paul Hamilton
Rob Marrs (Secretary)
Convener: Keith Hamilton
Secretary: Samantha Hollywood (samanthahollywood@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are to:
- consider complex applications for practising certificates or entrance/removal from the roll which are not dealt with by the Admissions Committee or administratively by the Registrar's department
- consider and develop proposals to amend certain regulatory requirements, in accordance with our obligations to promote the regulatory objectives and aim to adopt best regulatory practice
- approve the issue and amendment of Guidance in relation to certain practice rules
- consider and determine applications for waiver of certain practice rule requirements in relation to the management and operation of legal practices
- consider and determine whether evidence of professional indemnity insurance from practitioners is acceptable and approve acceptable alternative insurance provisions in situations where insurance under the Master Policy is not required
Members
Solicitors
Keith Hamilton (Convener)
Derek Allan
Elizabeth Comerford
Lorraine Currie
David Di Paola
Non-solicitors
Uzma Aslam
David Campbell
David Crossan
Paul Faris
Lesley Horton
Samantha Hollywood (Secretary)
Convener: T Graham Reid
Secretaries:
- Ian Ritchie (ianritchie@lawscot.org.uk)
- Wendy Henderson (wendyhenderson@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions of the Sub Committee work are to:
- to determine conduct complaints against Scottish solicitors, executry and conveyancing practitioners
- to decide if a conduct complaint may amount to professional misconduct and requires to be referred to the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal in terms of Section 51 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980
- to decide if a conduct complaint against a Scottish solicitor amounts to unsatisfactory professional conduct in terms of Section 42ZA of the 1980 Act, and in the event that a determination is made to impose appropriate sanctions
- to determine whether no action should be taken in relation to a conduct complaints against, Scottish solicitors, executry and conveyancing practitioners
- to decide if a conduct complaint against an executry and/or conveyancing practitioner amounts to unsatisfactory professional conduct in terms of Section 20 ZB of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1990.
Members
Solicitors
T. Graham Reid (Convener)
Mohsen Din
Grace McGill
Christopher Rae
David Syme
Ross Yuill
Non-solicitors
John Birkenhead
David Crossan
Dominic Notarangelo
Lesley Reid
Robyn Wisbey
Convener: Joseph G Boyd
Secretaries:
- Wendy Henderson (wendyhenderson@lawscot.org.uk)
- Ian Ritchie (ianritchie@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions of the Sub Committee work are to:
- to determine conduct complaints against Scottish solicitors, executry and conveyancing practitioners
- to decide if a conduct complaint may amount to professional misconduct and requires to be referred to the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal in terms of Section 51 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980
- to decide if a conduct complaint against a Scottish solicitor amounts to unsatisfactory professional conduct in terms of Section 42ZA of the 1980 Act, and in the event that a determination is made to impose appropriate sanctions
- to determine whether no action should be taken in relation to a conduct complaints against, Scottish solicitors, executry and conveyancing practitioners
- to decide if a conduct complaint against an executry and/or conveyancing practitioner amounts to unsatisfactory professional conduct in terms of Section 20 ZB of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1990.
Members
Solicitors
Joseph G Boyd (Convener)
Gemma C Baillie
Emma Cuckow
Gordon Lennox
Catriona J MacLean
David di Paola
Non-solicitors
Jeremy Clarke
Ralph Coleman
Peigi Macarthur
Janet Moss
Jane Smart
Convener: Tom Marshall
Secretary: Sonia Gentile-Mills (SoniaGentile-Mills@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are:
- 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.
Members
Solicitors
Tom Marshall (Convener)
Alastair Gray
James Keegan KC
Christine O'Neill KC
Victoria Ayre
Non-solicitors
Brian Yates
David Crossan
Sonia Gentile-Mills (Secretary)
Convener: Nick Taylor
Secretary: Samantha Hollywood (samanthahollywood@lawscot.org.uk)
- to consider and develop 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;
- to approve the issue and amendment of Guidance in relation to certain practice rules and areas of legal work;
- to consider and determine applications for waiver of certain practice rule requirements, including, for example, specific requirements of the rules on conflict of interest.
Members
Solicitors
Nick Taylor (Convener)
Stuart Kelly
David Syme
Graham Weatherston
Mohsen Din
Non-solicitors
Uzma Aslam
Andrew Tough
Brian Yates
Peter Rigg
Samantha Hollywood (Secretary)
Convener: John Mulholland
Secretary: Paul Mosson (PaulMosson@lawscot.org.uk)
The Practicing Certificate Sub-committee, a sub-committee of the Regulatory Committee, exercises the regulatory functions in relation to Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII). The remaining functions are exercised by the Insurance Committee, whose role is:
- to negotiate the commercial terms of the Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) arrangements for those members in private practice via the insurance brokers with the insurers
- to conduct the tender for the brokerage and administration of the Master Policy
- to put in place a risk management programme for members via the brokers
- to analyse risk affecting the Master Policy and make recommendations on mitigating measures
- to review performance of the Master Policy
- to consider and prepare for changes to the legal sector that impact the coverage and sustainability of the Master Policy
- to liaise with the SLCC with respect to its oversight function of the PII arrangements for those members in private practice.
Members
John Mulholland (Convener)
Derek Allan
Alan Eadie
Louise Kelso
Charlotte Edgar
Ian Smith
Ashley Jones
David Nelson
Laura Fell
Paul Mosson (Secretary)
Convener: Sheekha Saha
Secretary: Fiona Menzies (fionamenzies@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are to:
- promote access to justice for the public
- identify barriers to access to justice and, where possible, work alone or with others to identify or implement solutions
- monitor the supply of publicly funded legal assistance across Scotland, encouraging greater coordination of services
- identify opportunities to promote pro bono work
- build the Society's relationship with law centres, Part V solicitors, and other advice providers
- examine how a range of funding sources for, and providers of, legal advice can be encouraged
- liaise and negotiate with external organisations, such as Scottish Government, Citizens Advice and others
- collaborate with other LSS committees, including Civil Justice, the Civil Legal Aid Negotiating Team, Mental Health and Disability, Equality and Diversity and Human Rights and Discrimination
Members
Solicitor
Jim Stephenson (Convener)
Eileen Barr
Malcolm Combe
Joyce Horsman
Arlene McDaid
Claire Osborne
Sheekha Saha
Rebecca Samaras
Katrine Craig
Tatora Mukushi
Non-solicitor
Ben Christman
Louise Johnston
Susan Stokeld
Fiona Menzies (Secretary)
Convener: Jim Stephenson
Secretary: Rob Marrs (RobMarrs@lawscot.org.uk)
The aims and functions are:
- 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 to make recommendations to the Council
- promote greater awareness of the education and training strategy of the Society
- play a leading role in all thinking about legal education and training in Scotland
- represent vigorously the Society's views to all other interested bodies, including the government and the universities
Members
Solicitor
Jim Stephenson (Convener)
John Logue
Jane MacEachran
Val Pitt
Dean Purdie
Non-solicitor
Wisam Abboud
Bernadette Campbell
Stuart Duffin
Martin Jones
Thomas Muinzer
Rob Marrs (Secretary)
Convener: John Mulholland
Secretary: Cathy Uttley (cathyuttley@lawscot.org.uk)
The aim of the committee is 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.
The committee (together with other committees of the Society) also has an aim of meeting the Society's statutory objectives of:
- Supporting the constitutional principle of the rule of law and the interests of justice
- Promoting the interests of consumers and the public interest generally
- Promoting access to justice and competition in the provision of legal services
- Promoting an independent, strong, varied and effective legal profession
Members of the Public Policy Committee
John Mulholland (Convener)
Hannah Clarke
Sheila Inglis (non-solicitor)
John Maciver
Katy Nisbet
Sheekha Saha
Lynda Towers
Cathy Uttley (secretary)
Public Policy sub-committees
The Public Policy Committee has a number of sub-committees reporting to it which are listed below. These sub-committees cover a number of areas of law and members of each of the sub-committees, both solicitor and non-solicitor, have a working knowledge of the relevant subject area.
Sub-committee remit:
Each of the sub-committees has an overarching aim to support the Public Policy Committee in the delivery of the Law Society’s strategy, particularly in 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. Each sub-committee also has the aim of meeting the Society’s statutory objectives of:
- supporting the constitutional principle of the rule of law and the interests of justice
- promoting the interests of the profession and the interests of the public
- promoting access to justice, competition in the provision of legal services
- promoting an independent, strong, varied and effective legal profession.
Each sub-committee has the power to:
- 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, ensuring close collaboration with Law Society office bearers
Sub-committee members
The sub-committees require some members to be willing and able to:
- prepare reports or responses to consultations
- draft comments on Bills
- provide evidence to the EU, UK and Scottish Parliaments
- provide media comment
Subcommittees
Convener: Richard Henderson
Secretary: Michael P. Clancy OBE, WS (MichaelClancy@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Administrative Justice committee considers issues affecting the tribunal system in Scotland, as well as the wider ombudsman and dispute resolution processes for public services. It also considers the wider implications for the administrative justice sector, including the protection of human rights, ensuring a ‘right first time’ approach and the development of wider principles that would assist the sector.
Members of the Administrative Justice Committee
Michael Adler
Ralph Coleman
David Crossan
Anne Hastie
Richard Henderson (Convener)
Kenny McClure
Rosemary O'Neil
Paul Smith
Michael Clancy (interim Secretary)
Convener: Dr Jonathan Hardman
Secretary: Gavin Davies (GavinDavies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Banking, Company & Insolvency Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest and experience in banking, company and insolvency law matters. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations on a wide range of issues.
Members of the Banking, Company and Insolvency Law Sub-Committee
Graeme Bruce
Gavin Davies (Secretary)
Carron Dobson
Jonathan Hardman (Convener)
Andrew Hinstridge
Calum Jones
Andrew Kinnes
John Maciver
Kirsty Maciver
Alisdair MacPherson
Alison Marshall
Lucy McCann
Philip Morrison
Jamie Nellany
Hamish Patrick
Alasdair Peacock
Stephen Phillips
William Simmons
Bruce Stephen
Kathleen Stewart
Find out more about our work on Banking, Company and Insolvency Law
Convener: Stuart Duffin
Secretary: Jennifer Paton (jenniferpaton@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Charity Law Sub-Committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest in and experience of charity law, its practice and its role in society. We work closely with stakeholders including OSCR, the Scottish Government and others on a range of issues affecting the charity sector. Our area of focus is influencing proposals for comprehensive charity law reform in order to put the sector on the strongest possible footing for a sustainable future.
Members of the Charity Law Committee
Kirsty Connell-Skinner
Stuart Duffin (Convener)
Alan Eccles
Robin Fallas
Patrick Ford
Gillian Harkness-McKinlay
Lianne Lodge
Gavin McEwan
Sophie Mills
Jennifer Paton (Secretary)
Kenneth Pinkerton
Victoria Simpson
Sharon Wares
Convener: Patricia Thom
Secretary: Fiona Menzies (fionamenzies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Child and Family committee considers law reform and practice issues affecting children and families in Scotland. At a stage of significant reform of family law, including the wider use of mediation in family cases, proposed reforms to surrogacy and cohabitation, and the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic law, the committee is keen to ensure practical and effective rights and a legal system focused on the best interests of the child.
Members of the Child and Family Law Sub-Committee
Beverley Addison
Mark Allison
Chloe Barr
Charles Brown
Marisa Cullen
Amer Deep
Jo Derrick
Morag Driscoll (Convener)
Maria Galli
Judith Higson
Sheila Inglis
Sarah Lilley
Jilly-Ann Melrose
Fiona Menzies (Interim Secretary)
Convener: Jamie Dunne
Secretary: Gavin Davies (GavinDavies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Competition Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest in competition law. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of competition law issues. We engage with a range of stakeholders, including the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) and the CMA. Membership of the committee comprises solicitor and non-solicitor members employed in private practice, regulatory bodies and academia.
Members of the Competition Law Sub-Committee
Sam Abboud
Jeffrey Amengialue
Gavin Davies (Secretary)
Michael Dean
Stephen Dnes
Jamie Dunne (Convener)
Alison Farquhar
Zeno Frediani
Colin Garland
Siobhan Kahmann
Liam Maclean
Kirsti McKenzie
Jim McLean
Philip Morrison
Convener: Charles Mullin
Secretary: Michael P. Clancy OBE, WS (MichaelClancy@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
The Constitutional Law and Human Rights Committee's remit is to support the Public Policy Committee 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.
Members of the Constitutional Law and Human Rights Committee
Michael Clancy (Secretary)
Kyle Dalziel
Jamie Dunne
Roddy Gibb
Iain Jamieson
Fiona Killen
Charles Livingstone
Brandon Malone
Aileen McHarg
Charles Mullin (Convener)
Lynda Towers
Convener: Kirsty Lang
Secretary: Gavin Davies (GavinDavies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Consumer Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitors, who have an interest and experience in consumer law matters. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of consumer issues, and we work closely with other committees, including the Banking, Company & Insolvency Law sub-committee.
Members of the Consumer Law Committee
Bruce Collier
Gavin Davies (Secretary)
Julie Devlin
Stewart Hardie
Catriona Laird
Kirsty Lang (Convener)
Brian Yates
Convener: Stuart Neilson
Secretary: Jennifer Paton (jenniferpaton@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Employment Law Sub-Committee is made up of solicitor and non-solicitor members with an interest in and experience of employment law, including those who mainly advise employers and those who mainly advise employees. We respond to proposed changes in the law in the field of employment that are relevant to Scotland, and to any developments relating to the structure and practice of Employment Tribunals in Scotland. We work closely with other committees on discrimination and access to justice issues.
Members of the Employment Law Committee
Caroline Brodie
Catriona Cannon
Steve Farrell
William Lane
Lynne Marr
Graham Mitchell
Stuart Neilson (Convener)
Anna O'Donnell
Karen Osbourne
Jennifer Paton (Secretary)
Katie Russell
Paman Singh
Christine Walsh
Grace Watson
Howard Wollman
Convener: Sarah-Jane McArthur
Secretary: Gavin Davies (GavinDavies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
The Energy Law sub committee is made up of solicitor and non solicitor members with a particular interest in and knowledge of energy law in Scotland. Members include academics and solicitors who advise clients in respect of renewable and non-renewable energies and those involved in regulation of the energy industry. The sub committee aims to improve the practice and procedure of energy law by analysing and responding to proposals for reform in this area of law from the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament and beyond.
Members of the Energy Law Committee
Kevin Cannon
Mark Conroy
James Downie
Richard Hothersall
Sarah-Jane McArthur (Convener)
Matthew McGuire
Andrew Scott
Gail Watt
Simon Williams
Gavin Davies (Secretary)
Convener: Gordon McCreath
Secretary: Robbie Forbes (robbieforbes@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Environmental Law Sub-Committee is made up of solicitor and non-solicitor members with an interest in and experience of environmental law matters. We work with relevant stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of environmental issues. Our priorities include environmental governance and work around the introduction of a human right to a healthy environment.
Members of the Environmental Law Committee
Neil Amner
Karen Berry
Mike Blair
Sally Blyth
Jim Drysdale
David Findlay
Robbie Forbes (Secretary)
Victoria Lane
Gordon McCreath (Convener)
Frank McManus
Tobias Paul
Colin Reid
Laura Tainsh
Susan Watson
Jamie Whittle
Convener: Sarah Gilzean
Secretary: Elaine MacGlone (ElaineMacGlone@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Equalities Law sub-committee works across a wide range of issues relating to equalities law. It is made up of solicitors and non-solicitor members with an interest in and professional experience in this area. It also includes members who have lived experience in some of the protected characteristics.
Members of the Equalities Law Committee
Aysha Anwar
Uzma Aslam
David Cabrelli
Catriona Cannon
Kyle Dalziel
Margaret Downie
Sarah Gilzean (Convener)
Richard Hamer
Maryam Kayani
Elaine MacGlone (Secretary)
Emily McCall
Paman Singh
Rachael Wallace
Heather Williams
Convener: Catriona McMillan
Secretary: Jennifer Paton (jenniferpaton@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Health and Medical Law Sub-Committee is made up of solicitor and non-solicitor members with an interest in the broad area of health and medical law. We have a number of members with an academic background and maintain good links with academia. We respond to proposals from a range of bodies relating to health and medical law, often also engaging regulatory or human rights issues. We were one of the founding committees of the working group which produced the Advance choices, and medical decision-making in intensive care situations paper in 2022.
Members of the Health and Medical Law Committee
Elaine Coull
Edward Dove
Stuart Holmes
Andrew Lothian
Catriona McMillian (Convener)
Nadine Montgomery-Allam
David Murphy
Jennifer O'Neill
Jennifer Paton (Secretary)
Maili Raven-Adams
Iolanda Serci
Hillary Steele
Samantha Stewart
Amanda Ward
Convener: Stuart McWilliams
Secretary: Michael P. Clancy OBE, WS (MichaelClancy@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
The remit of the Immigration and Asylum Sub-Committee is to support the Public Policy Committee 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.
Members of the Immigration and Asylum Committee
Katy Aitchison
Uzma Aslam
Vincent Chung
Michael Clancy (Secretary)
Louise Crichton
Katani Darius
Katheryn Dingwall
Kayleigh Foulkes
Andrew Fyffe
Roddy Gibb
Alexander Heeps
Andrew Knox
Andy Knox
Olayinka Lewis
Stuart McWilliams (Convener)
Gurjit Pall
Shereen Shafaatulla
Andrew Sirel
Pavan Sumal
Convener: Paul Carlyle
Secretary: Gavin Davies (GavinDavies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Intellectual Property Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest and experience in intellectual property law. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range on intellectual property law issues. We engage with different stakeholders, such as the IPO and other government agencies.
Members of the Intellectual Property Committee
Paul Carlyle (Convener)
Danielle Connell
Mark Cruickshank
Gavin Davies (Secretary)
Susan Ferguson-Snedden
Jim McLean
David Murphy
Andrew Swift
Russell Thom
Neeraj Thomas1
Jamie Thomson
Sharon Wares
Convener: Archie MacIver
Secretary: Adam Marks (AdamMarks@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
The Licensing Law sub committee is made up of solicitor and non solicitor members with a particular interest in and knowledge of licensing law in Scotland. Members include local authority solicitors who provide legal advice to licensing boards and committees and those who represent clients involved in the licensing trade including retail, liquor, entertainment and gambling licensing. The sub committee aims to improve the practice and procedure of licensing law by analysing and responding to proposals for reform in this area of law from the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament and beyond.
Members of the Licensing Law Committee
Douglas Campbell
Jack Cummins
Colin Elliott
Audrey Ferrie
Niall Hassard
Janet Hood
Andrew Hunter
Audrey Junner
Morag Leck
Caroline Loudon
Archie MacIver (Convener)
Michael McDougall
Stephen McGowan
Gillian McNaught
Joanna Millar
Dominic Notarangelo
Fiona Stewart
Douglas Waddell
Adam Marks (Interim secretary)
Find out more about our work on Licensing Law
Convener: Eleanor Lane
Secretary: Robbie Forbes (robbieforbes@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Marine Law Sub-Committee is made up of solicitor and non-solicitor members with an interest in and experience of marine law. We respond to a wide range of relevant consultations and work with stakeholders in areas including marine decarbonisation, offshore wind developments and issues affecting the rights of workers in the maritime sector. We also continue to monitor and engage with marine matters arising from EU exit.
Members of the Marine Law Committee
Neil Amner
Nicholas Carroll
Angus Easton
Robbie Forbes (Secretary)
Andrew Forsyth
Eleanor Lane (Convener)
Victoria Lane
Mitchell Lennan
Mary-Ellen Stewart
David Thomson
Mark Thomson
Find out more about our work on Marine Law
Convener: Adrian D Ward MBE LL.B
Secretary: Jennifer Paton (jenniferpaton@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Mental Health and Disability Sub-Committee is made up of solicitor and non-solicitor members with experience across mental health, capacity and adult support and protection law. Since its inception in 1989 the committee has been a major national player in relevant law reform and related developments, with an emphasis on the perspective of legal practitioners, and we are currently engaging with proposals for reform following the final report of the Scottish Mental Health Law Review (September 2022). We were one of the founding committees of the working group which produced the Advance choices, and medical decision-making in intensive care situations paper in 2022.
Members of the Mental Health and Disability Committee
Fiona Brown (Observer)
Matthew Clarke
Carrie-Anne Clifford
Claire Currie
May Dunsmuir (Observer)
Deirdre Hanlon
Karen Kirk
Lisa Law
David McClements
Sandra McDonald
Helen McGinty
Colin McKay
Yvonne McKenna
Dianne Millen
Dr Pradeep Pasupuleti
Julie Paterson (Observer)
Jennifer Paton (Secretary)
Shirley Rhynd
Alex Ruck Keene
Jill Stavert
Adrian Ward (Convener)
Find out more about our work on Mental Health and Disability Law
Convener: John Paul Sheridan
Secretary: Gavin Davies (GavinDavies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Obligations Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest in obligations law, and we work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of obligation law issues.
Members of the Obligations Committee
Fiona Caldow
Gavin Davies (Secretary)
Andrew Lothian
Salome Nilsson2
John Sheridan (Convener)
Sally Zhu
Convener: Alistair Hill
Secretary: Robbie Forbes (robbieforbes@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Pensions Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest and experience in pension law matters. We work with stakeholders and respond to consultations and legislation on a wide range of pension issues.
Members of the Pensions Committee
Mathew Boyle
Barbara Fewkes
Robbie Forbes (Secretary)
Colin Greig
Alistair Hill (Convener)
James Keith
Mike Kennedy
Greig McGuiness
Margaret Meehan
Ruth Tobias
Find out more about our work on Pensions Law
Convener: Alastair McKie
Secretary: Robbie Forbes (robbieforbes@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Planning Law Sub-Committee works across a wide range of planning law matters. We engage with Scottish Government on work around implementation of the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 and the wider planning reform agenda. We represent the Society on a number of relevant external groups including the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) Stakeholder Forum.
Members of the Planning Committee
Colin Anderson
Paul Cackette
Monica Cannon
Neil Collar
Elaine Farquharson-Black
Robbie Forbes (Secretary)
Arlene Gibbs
Fraser Gillies
Stephen Govan
Michael Greig
Colin Hamilton
Ewan MacLeod
Gordon McCreath
Rob McIntosh
Alastair McKie (Convener)
Mark McMurray
Catherine Molloy
Lesley Montague
Graham Nelson
Andrea Ross
Craig Whelton
Convener: Laura Irvine
Secretary: Gavin Davies (GavinDavies@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Privacy Law sub-committee consists of solicitor and non-solicitor members, who have an interest in privacy law matters. The committee works with stakeholders and responds to consultation and legislation on a wide range of privacy issues. Membership of the committee comproises solicitor and non-solicitor members employed in local government, private practice, regulatory boises, higher education and the third sector.
Members of the Privacy Committee
Callum Anderson
Helen Arnot
Mark Conroy
Gavin Davies (Secretary)
Deborah Dillon
Domhnall Dods
Alistair Graham
Laura Irvine (Convener)
Claire Johnson
Fiona Killen
Sarah Kroll
Basil Manoussos
Kenny Meechan
Lauren Towie
Convener: Paul Connolly
Secretary: Robbie Forbes (robbieforbes@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Property and Land Law Sub-Committee works across a wide range of property and land law matters. We work closely with other committees including the Property Law Committee and the Rural Affairs Sub-Committee. We engage with Scottish Government on property law aspects of law reform, including on the climate change agenda. We work with a range of stakeholders and represent the Society on a number of relevant external groups.
Members of the Property and Land Committee
Kieran Buxton
Ralph Coleman
Paul Connolly (Convener)
Karen Crothers
Robbie Forbes (Secretary)
Philippa Haughney
Moira Hughes
Kenneth Law
Catherine Reilly
Sheekha Saha
John Sinclair
Ann Stewart
Andrew Todd
Viktoria Wahle
Gail Watt
Convener: Jim Drysdale
Secretary: Robbie Forbes (robbieforbes@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Rural Affairs Sub-Committee is made up of solicitor and non-solicitor members with an interest in and experience of a wide range of rural affairs issues. We work closely with other committees including the Property and Land Law Sub-Committee and the Environmental Law Sub-Committee. We respond to consultations and proposals for relevant changes to the law from a wide range of stakeholders. We have done a significant amount of work on crofting law reform, and are pleased to be contributing to the Scottish Government’s work on crofting law.
Members of the Rural Affairs Committee
George Bruce
David Campbell
Lauren Cook
Stephen Cranston
Jim Drysdale (Convener)
David Findlay
Robbie Forbes (Secretary)
David Hall
Vikki Halliday
Alex Iliescu
Emma Lawrie
James McMillan
Zara Mohamed
Adele Nicol
Sheekha Saha
Viktoria Wahle
Jamie Whittle
Convener: Isobel d'Inverno
Secretary: Robbie Forbes (robbieforbes@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Tax Law Sub-Committee works across the full range of tax law matters. We have sub-groups focusing on LBTT, personal tax and business tax. We engage with stakeholders including HMRC, Revenue Scotland and the Scottish Government and response to a wide range of relevant consultations. We also work closely with other committees, particularly the Property Law Committee on LBTT issues, and represent the Society on a number of external groups.
Members of the Tax Law Committee
Alan Barr
Ronnie Brown
Martin Campbell
Caroline Colliston
Alan Cook
Isobel d'Inverno (Convener)
Iain Doran
Yvonne Evans
Robbie Forbes (Secretary)
Alasdair Johnstone
Bob Langridge
Ainsley MacLaren
Lorna McCaa
Annie Pearson
Justine Riccomini
Nicola Williams
Convener: Alan Barr
Secretary: Jennifer Paton (jenniferpaton@lawscot.org.uk)
Who are we and what do we do?
Our Trusts and Succession Law Sub-Committee works across a broad range of issues relating to trusts law and succession law. We engage with stakeholders including SCTS, HMRC and the Scottish Law Commission. We work closely with colleagues in the Professional Practice Team on guidance for our members. We are working to influence and scrutinise proposals for new legislation to reform trusts and succession law.
Members of the Trust and Succession Law Committee
Amanda Armstrong
Alan Barr (Convener)
Gillian Campbell
Yvonne Evans
John Kerrigan
Michael Kusznir
Gordon Lennox
Claire Macpherson
Jennifer Paton (Secretary)
Puneet Puri
Jamie Reekie
Chris Sheldon
Lauren Wright
The Accredited Paralegal Committee takes decisions in response to applications for entry to the scheme, in respect of entry standards and the ‘character and suitability’ requirements. The committee also approves any new practice area in which an accredited paralegal is accredited. You can find out more details about the Accredited Paralegal Status here.
Members
Convener: Karen Leslie
Secretary: Laura McBain (lauramcbain@lawscot.org.uk)
Accredited Paralegals
Fiona Allison
Sharon Connelly
Laura Mack
Sandra Reid
Solicitors
Denise Loney
Caitlyn Maccabe
Secretary: Professional Practice (profprac@lawscot.org.uk)
- to improve the practice and procedure of civil law in the Scottish and UK legal systems for the benefit of the public and the profession through influencing for change and responding effectively to civil law reform proposals from Westminster, Holyrood, Brussels and beyond.
- to support the profession by developing appropriate guidance for members practising in civil law for recommending to the Professional Practice Committee and considering any rule changes by the Regulatory Committee.
- seek to improve the profession’s income through monitoring solicitors cost rates, the market place and fees charged
- make representations to the Scottish Civil Justice Council Cost and Funding Committee for periodical increases in judicial expenses
Members
Vacant (Convener)
Ronald Conway
Julie Hamilton
David Tait
Andy Knox
Graeme MacLeod
Cameron McNaught
Patricia Thom
Robert Wilson
Steven Smart
Claire MacPherson
Clare Crawford
Pamela Stevenson
Ahsan Mustafa
Jane Dickers
Patrick McGuire
Professional Practice team (Secretary)
Convener: Stuart Munro
Secretary: Alan McCreadie (AlanMcCreadie@lawscot.org.uk)
- to advise the Council and the profession on criminal law matters; to promote its reform; to respond to proposals for reform from bodies including the government and to enhance the profile of criminal law, encouraging best practice and professional ethics
- to improve the criminal law, both practice and procedure, in the Scottish legal system for the benefit of the public and the profession through lobbying for change and through responding effectively to criminal law reform proposals from Westminster, Holyrood, Brussels and beyond
- to advance the Law Society of Scotland as key in improving, commenting and analysing proposals for criminal law which emanate from the UK Parliament and UK ministries, the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, the EU Commission and EU Parliament
Members
Stuart Munro (Convener)
Vikki Bell
Dr Isla Callander
Professor James Chalmers
Gerard Considine
Elizabeth Dougan
Eamon Keane
Stephanie Hednry
Peter Lockhart
Murray Macara
Stephen McGowan
Mhairi McMillan
Rosalyn McTaggart
Grazia Robertson
Laura Sharp (non-solicitor)
Gordon Williams
Alan McCreadie (interim Secretary)
- to engage with in-house solicitors and trainees (not working in private practice), ensuring the Law Society understands and serves their professional needs.
- to promote the interests and status of in-house solicitors and trainees.
- to encourage and assist in the development of better training of solicitors and trainees working in-house.
- to promote the value of employing in-house solicitors and trainees to organisations who do not currently employ solicitors or trainees.
Members
Vlad Valiente (co-convener), Dumfries and Galloway Council
Sheekha Saha (co-convener), Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Arlene Gibbs (vice convener), Aberdeenshire Council
John Morrison (vice convener) Aegon UK
Michael Byrne, User Testing Limited
Deborah Carroll, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Catherine Corr, Scottish Enterprise
John Forsyth, Lloyds Banking Group
Rachael McLean, Scottish Government Legal Directorate
Neil Campbell, NatWest
Hope Craig, University of St Andrews
Lynette Purves, ERG
Anne Stewart, Scottish Social Services Council
Marion Sweetland, Aegon UK
- to negotiate with Scottish Government, the Scottish Legal Aid Board and other relevant organisations on legal aid issues
- to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of summary and solemn reforms
- to communicate effectively the Society's work on legal aid
- to undertake any other work necessary to deal with legal aid issues affecting practitioners
Members
Ian Moir (Co-convener, criminal)
Patricia Thom (Co-convener, civil)
Keith Murray
Kris Gilmartin
George Henry
Philip Lafferty
Tracey Mulholland
Paul Brown
Yvonne McKennna
Catherine Monaghan
Peter Walsh
Fiona Menzies (Secretary)
Convener: John Sinclair
Secretary: Sarah Alexander (sarahalexander@lawscot.org.uk)
- to consider matters relating to the law and practice of conveyancing
- where appropriate, to provide guidance and information to the profession
Members
Fiona Alexander
Elspeth Annan
Anne Boyd
Derek Duncan
Struan Ferguson
Emma Gray
Emma Guthrie
Sarah Macleod
Gemma McClelland
Rob McIntosh
Frances Rooney
Ann Stewart
John Sinclair (Convener)
Sarah Alexander (Secretary)
Secretary: Sonia Gentile-Mills (SoniaGentile-Mills@lawscot.org.uk)
The Senior Solicitor Advocate Accreditation Committee facilitates and administers the Senior Solicitor Advocate Accreditation Scheme which is designed to address a practical issue in the legal aid system, through which the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) can sanction an enhanced payment in respect of 'senior counsel' in criminal legal aid cases. The scheme creates a list of solicitor advocates who have been identified as suitable for enhanced remuneration by SLAB as 'senior'.
The committee considers applications for accreditation and re-accreditation as a 'senior solicitor advocate', providing recommendations to the Law Society's Council. It is comprised of solicitors and lay members, including the President of the Society of Solicitor Advocates (SSA), the Criminal Vice President of the SSA, and a member of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland.
If you would like any further information regarding senior solicitor advocates, or would like to make an application, please contact Sonia Gentile-Mills at soniagentile-mills@lawscot.org.uk
Members
Vacant (Convener)
Laura McMillan
Ross Yuill
Sonia Gentile-Mills (Secretary)
Applications for accreditation
Anyone considering applying for accreditation as a Senior Solicitor Advocate is advised to contact the committee secretary as detailed below.
Senior Solicitor Advocate status
The committee would remind members that accreditation as a Senior Solicitor Advocate is for the sole purpose of enhanced remuneration by SLAB only and is not an alternative to, nor does it confer the rank and dignity of, King's Counsel.
If you would like any further information regarding Senior Solicitor Advocates, please contact committee secretary Sonia Gentile-Mills at soniagentile-mills@lawscot.org.uk
Convener: John McKinlay
Secretary: Antony McFadyen (AntonyMcFadyen@lawscot.org.uk)
- to consider matters relating to the technology law and/or practice, and where appropriate
- to provide guidance and information to the profession as it relates to all areas of their professional practice
Members
John McKinlay (Convener)
Hannah Brazel
Abbe Brown
Helena Brown
John Forsyth
Justin Henderson
Abel Aboh
Ally Burr
Basil Manoussos
Lynn Richmond
Siobhan Kahmann
Pauline McBride
Molly McGrady
Iain G Mitchell KC
Stuart Munro
Martin Sloan
James Stevenson
Sally Shinan Zhu
Antony McFadyen (Secretary)
Secretary: Elaine MacGlone (ElaineMacGlone@lawscot.org.uk)
The specialist accreditation panels assess applications from solicitors to be accredited as specialists in these areas of law, or to act as a solicitor arbitrator. There are also two panels who assess applications to be accredited as a commercial or family mediator.
Each panel is made up of between six and eight members, and are a mix of solicitors and others with experience in the specialism.
Administrator: Susanne Neil (specialistaccreditation@lawscot.org.uk)
Convener: Austin Lafferty
Secretary: Fiona Robb (fionaj.robb@lawscot.org.uk)
- advise solicitors on all professional practice and conduct matters, encouraging progressive working methods in the process, so that the profession's standing as advisers to the public may be enhanced
- keep under review existing rules and guidelines to consider whether they are still relevant in the light of current conditions
- Identify issues which may need to be addressed by new rules or guidelines and consult with the profession on those
- issue new practice guidelines as required
Members
Austin Lafferty (Convener)
Johnston Clark
Ken Dalling
Clare Macpherson
Mark O'Hanlon
Susan Oswald
Donna Reynolds
Sheila Webster
Laura Connor
Stephen Gold
Fiona J Robb (Secretary)
Convener: Paul Gostelow
Secretary: Beth Anderson (bethanderson@lawscot.org.uk)
The aim of the Committee is to oversee the development and implementation of the Society’s strategic objectives as they relate to sustainability matters for the profession and legal sector. The committee will do this by:
- Considering the pillars of sustainability (environmental/economic/social) and identifying the areas of priority for work, with an anticipated initial focus on the climate crisis.
- Showing leadership to the profession and setting the Society’s direction in relation to sustainability, including the Lawscot Sustainability programme.
- Guiding the implementation of the Society’s strategy and policies by the creation of an action plan ensuring this is aligned to the Society’s annual plan and allocation of resources.
- Offering guidance and support to the executive.
- Offering guidance on specific issues to Council and Committees of the Society.
- Identifying key priorities and key risks for the Society in relation to sustainability, and report on these to the Board.
- Providing a forum for debate and good practice on issues of sustainability.
- Providing a voice for the Society’s work in the area of sustainability.
- Supporting the Society’s executive in the delivery of relevant areas of work, including the Lawscot Sustainability programme.
- Ensuring that it has an awareness of issues around sustainability and an understanding of how these matters relate to the profession.
Members
Paul Gostelow (Convener)
Emma Dixon (Vice Convener), Scottish Rail Holdings Limited
Vikki Henderson, Shepherd & Wedderburn
Sarah Lonie, Anderson Strathern
Hannah Gardner, NatWest
Anne Littlejohn, Raeburn, Christie, Clark & Wallace
Peter Brash, Grigor Young
Kirsty Mitchell, CMS
Kirsty MacArthur, MacArthur Green
Lisa Sivori, Addleshaw Goddard
Convener: Fiona Larg
The aims and functions are:
- review and where appropriate challenge the policies and procedures of the Society; the actions and judgment of the Society's executive, office bearers, Council and committee members in relation to the Society's affairs; the Society's reporting systems, internal controls and governance and risk management arrangements
- oversee the Society's relations with its auditor
Members
Fiona Larg (Convener) - Non-Solicitor
Angela Winchester – Non-Solicitor
Helen Howden – Solicitor
Peter McCall – Solicitor
Debbie Wilson-McCulish - Solicitor
Gaynor Maclellan (Secretary)
Convener: Susan Murray
Secretary: Rob Marrs (RobMarrs@lawscot.org.uk)
- to set, form and guide the policy and actions of the Law Society of Scotland in relation to equality and diversity
- to offer guidance and support to the Society and the head of diversity
- to offer guidance on specific issues to the Council and committees of the Society, when requested to do so
- to identify key priorities and key risks for the Society in relation to equality and diversity
- to provide a forum for debate and best practice on issues of equality and diversity
Members
Solicitor
Susan Murray (Convener)
Stuart Cassidy
Amerdeep Dahmi
Susannah Donaldson
Valerie Dougan
Dorothy Kellas
Drew McCusker
Rupa Mooker
Elizabeth Napier
Frances Ross
Ammara Salimi
Harry Martin
Non-solicitor
Dr Karla Perez Portilla
Aaliya Seyal
Lois Ratcliffe
Dr Kate Sang
Rob Marrs (Secretary)
- to run the system for the selection for conveners of committees that report to the Council
- to run the system for the selection of Board members who put themselves forward for the elected Board positions
- to oversee the systems for the selection of committee members for those committees that report to Council
Members
Murray Etherington (Convener)
Abigail Clark
Colin Anderson
Ken Murphy
Rose Mary Hoey
Abel Aboh
Susan Handyside
Ester Aracil (Secretary)
Convener: Graham Watson
- to review and finalise the annual budget, in consultation with the Board, Audit Committee and senior leadership team, for presentation to the Council
- to review and, where appropriate, put forward proposals for the alteration of practising certificate fees and subscription levels and bandings
- to review the monthly management accounts and make appropriate recommendations
- to review the Law Society's annual accounts and, subject to audit and scrutiny by the Audit Committee, approve them for submission to the Council
- to keep under review the level and nature of the Law Society's own banking arrangements, investments, borrowings and insurance cover (excluding that relating to insurance of the profession) and take action where necessary or desirable
- to determine financial controls and propose innovations in financial management
- to maintain a register of key risks in relation to finance and resources
- to set policy and supervise the procurement process of the Society, including approving the individual award of contracts above a certain threshold amount, as set by the Finance Committee
- to provide advice on any other matters referred to it by the Board, Audit Committee, senior leadership team, or Council
- to report on monthly accounts to the Board
- to produce an annual report to the Board and Council
- to make a recommendation to the Council on the budget for the coming year
- to make a recommendation to the Council on the practising certificate, and other fees, for the coming year
Members
Graham Watson (Convener)
Paul Gostelow
Derek McIntyre
Serena Sutherland
Gaynor McLellan (Secretary)
Policy on appointment of lay members to Council, the Regulatory Committee and regulatory subcommittees (from 15 March 2021).
Constitution of the Law Society of Scotland
Section 2; Interpretation
‘a lay member”, means a member of Council who is a person who appears to
the Council to be qualified to represent the interests of the public in relation
to the provision of legal services in Scotland or, having regard to the
Society’s functions, appears to the Council to be suitable in other respects,
but is not a:
(a) member of the Society,
(b) member of the Faculty of Advocates,
(c) conveyancing or executry practitioner as defined in section 23 of
the 1990 Act,
(d) person having a right to conduct litigation or a right of audience
by virtue of section 27 of the 1990 Act,
(e) confirmation agent as defined in section 90(4) of the 2010 Act, or
will writer as defined in section 101(3) of the 2010 Act.
“a member of the Society” means a solicitor who in terms of Section 2(1) of
the Act has in force a practising certificate, and any other solicitor who has
paid the current annual membership subscription to the Society and whose
name appears upon the Roll of Solicitors kept by the Council;
Section 3C(1)(b) Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (as inserted by section 133 Legal Services ( Scotland ) Act 2010
‘at least 50% of the (Regulatory) committee's membership is to comprise lay persons’
Section 3C(4) 1980 Act
In subsection (1)(b), “lay persons” are persons who are not—
(a) solicitors,
(b) advocates,
(c) conveyancing or executry practitioners as defined in section 23 of the 1990 Act,
(d) those having a right to conduct litigation, or a right of audience, by virtue of section 27 of the 1990 Act, or
(e) confirmation agents or will writers within the meaning of Part 3 of the 2010 Act.
When considering the appointment or re-appointment of any person as a lay member to the Council of the Law Society, the Regulatory Committee or a sub-committee of the Regulatory Committee, consideration should be given to whether a person could generally be considered independent of the legal profession and hold a public interest perspective.
Specifically, those who should not be considered for lay membership shall include:
- Any person, who within the preceding 10 years, has fallen within any of those categories as set out within section 3C(4) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980.
- Any person who currently is, or has been within the preceding 10 years, regulated or represented by, but not limited to, any of the following;
a) regulatory body authorised by the Legal Services Board with the exception of those authorised to regulate Chartered Accountants,
b) the Association of Commercial Attorneys,
c) the Law Society of Northern Ireland or
d) the Bar of Northern Ireland. - Any person who:
a) is a trainee solicitor or undertaking pupillage with the Faculty of Advocates (Devilling),
b) is employed by a business regulated for the purposes of providing legal services,
c) has been subject to a finding of misconduct by a professional or disciplinary body and as a result has had the right to practice removed (i.e. struck off / disbarred) or
d) is subject to a current suspension of the right to practice.
The guidance does not apply to representative, governance or policy committees or sub-committees.
We have a number of committees that can make decisions that affect you. These decisions are often able to be appealed or reviewed.
The letter or email from us, advising you of a decision, will say whether you have a right of appeal and who you can appeal to. Often, the appeal body will be our Appeals and Reviews Sub-Committee (the ‘Appeals Committee’).
If you wish to make an appeal and it is unclear from your letter what your rights are, please contact the person who sent the letter or email advising you of the initial decision.
1. How do I make an appeal to the Appeals Committee?
You must complete an appeal form and submit it with any relevant supporting documents by email to appeals@lawscot.org.uk or in writing to:
The Appeals and Reviews Sub-Committee Secretary
The Law Society of Scotland
Atria One,
144 Morrison Street Edinburgh
EH3 8EX
or
DX ED1 EDINBURGH 1
Your submission must include your grounds for appeal (see point 3). It can include supporting documents or references that you consider relevant. Once it has considered your appeal, the Appeals Committee may ask you for additional information.
Please note: If you wish to appeal a conduct complaint against a Scottish solicitor, please see our guidance for complaints against Scottish solicitors.
2. Is there a time limit for lodging appeals?
Yes, appeals must be made within 21 days of the date of the letter or email advising you of the original decision.
An extension to this time limit can be granted in exceptional circumstances. If you are or have been unable to meet the time limit, please contact us at the above email or postal address, setting out the reasons why you feel your circumstances are exceptional. We will let you know if your request is successful within 21 days of receiving it. There is no appeal against a decision not to extend the time limit (see point 8).
3. What are the grounds for appeal?
There are five grounds for appeal:
a) the original decision was based on a misunderstanding of the facts
b) evidence, which could not reasonably have been made available at the time of the original decision, is now available
c) the original decision contains an error in applying the law, the rules or the regulations
d) there has been a fundamental procedural irregularity in the way in which your case was handled or the original decision made
e) there was a failure to provide you with adequate reasoning of the original decision
4. What are the possible outcomes?
The Appeals Committee will either:
- uphold the original decision
- overturn the original decision in favour of its own decision; or
- return your matter back to the original committee and, with appropriate direction, ask it to reconsider it.
5. Can I appear in person?
Appeals are usually considered on the basis of written information only and you should not expect to appear in person. In exceptional circumstances, the Appeals Committee may ask an individual connected to the appeal to attend in person.
6. How will the decision be communicated to me?
You will be notified of the appeal decision, by either letter or email, within 21 days the Appeals Committee’s decision.
7. What happens after my appeal?
The letter informing you about the decision of your appeal will set out the next steps. If you have any queries, you should contact the Appeals Committee Secretary at the above email or postal address.
8. What if I am unhappy with the appeal decision?
You have a right of Judicial Review at the Court of Session. If you wish to exercise this right, we strongly suggest that you seek independent legal advice.
9. Is there a fee for appealing?
No, the appeals process is free. However, we will not pay any expenses that you incur in bringing your appeal.
If you have further questions on the appeals process, please contact the Appeals Committee Secretary at appeals@lawscot.org.uk or The Law Society of Scotland, Atria One 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EX.
If your right of appeal is to another body (for example Judicial Review at the Court of Session), we strongly suggests that you seek independent legal advice.
Our responses to consultations
Our responses to recent consultations on various areas of law.
Our input to parliamentary bills
To help shape good law, we regularly provide responses and briefings related to bills from Holyrood and Westminster.