The Child and Family Law Sub-Committee: working for a fairer and more just society for children and families

Maria Galli is a dual-qualified litigation lawyer, admitted to practice as a solicitor in Scotland, and Australia. Maria shares her experience as Convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Child and Family Law Sub-Committee.

Being a member of the Law Society’s Child and Family Law Sub-Committee has been an invaluable opportunity for me to collaborate with esteemed colleagues from the legal profession, and from the wider community.

We engage in critical discussions on developments across all areas of Scots Law that impact children and families.  We adopt a rights-based approach and speak out on the importance of human rights, access to justice, and the rule of law.

We seek to influence legislative change and the improved operation of our justice systems, working towards achieving a fairer and more just society for children and families.

As convener of the Committee, I recently had the honour of giving evidence at the Scottish Parliament on the Children (Care, Care Experience & Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill. 

As a committee we had submitted a written response on the Bill in which we accepted the Bill’s aims and policy objectives to improve the law and enhance the rights of care experienced, children and young people.  We had however also expressed a number of concerns about the substance and effects of the legislative approach. 

The Law Society is regularly invited to give oral evidence at the Parliament, which is testament to the high regard in which the Society’s policy work is held.  As a committee member, the opportunity to contribute to the Parliamentary processes, and have a real and tangible impact on the development of the law is not only fascinating, but a genuine privilege.

Experiences such as these along with the opportunity to grow my network with lawyers and lay members from across the country and from a variety of backgrounds has made membership of the committee an extremely positive experience.  I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in the law in Scotland to consider joining a Law Society of Scotland committee.

Find out more and submit your application by 12noon Wednesday 24 September