Interested in getting involved in our international work?

Our International Policy Executive, Dr Adam Marks reflects on the evolution of our international work and invites Scottish solicitors and lay members with an interest in international issues to join our new committee.

Over the past three years, I have enjoyed working with Scottish solicitors across the globe. Our international work has enabled me to support individuals and companies in overcoming barriers to build careers and businesses. While this work has been challenging, it has also evolved significantly. From Brexit to the war in Europe, the profession has faced major political and economic challenges and instability. Under the guidance of our Council, the Society has stood up for the rule of law and worked hard to engage with other organisations around the world that share our values.

The pace of global events and the demands placed on us mean we are increasingly expected to respond quickly to situations and developments. Harnessing the knowledge and experience within the profession is essential to meeting these demands.

To support this, Council has decided to create a new International Committee of the Law Society. This committee will set and oversee the Society’s International Strategy, guide our global engagement, and provide oversight of our trade policy work. By encouraging both Scotland-based and overseas members to join, we aim to develop a more responsive and effective approach to international policy.

The Society already actively engages with the International Bar Association, the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe, and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. The new committee will provide a space for our representatives in these bodies to share their experiences and insights with members. Learning from others around the world by exchanging ideas is one of the most valuable aspects of our international work. Many of the challenges we face, such as defending the rule of law and responding to the rise of artificial intelligence, are global in nature.

Since the UK left the EU, there has been a marked increase in the volume and importance of trade policy work undertaken by the Society. Much of this work happens outside formal consultation responses, as we receive numerous enquiries through the various committees, councils, and forums where the Society is represented. These queries range from requests to scrutinise draft treaty texts of UK trade deals, to efforts to understand specific challenges faced by our firms abroad that government may be able to help resolve. This committee will bring together the expertise and experience needed to address these issues. It will also allow us to draw on the insights of international members and engage with others affected by these matters. Trade agreements also have regulatory implications for the Society, and this committee will ensure our voice is heard clearly to secure the best outcomes.

Finally, the committee will offer a dedicated forum to represent international members by appointing them to a group focused on issues relevant to their needs. These members often face different challenges compared to domestic members, and this initiative will provide an opportunity to create seats specifically for them and their interests.

This is an exciting and demanding time for our international work. How we respond to these challenges will shape the future of the profession, and I am eager to begin working with this new committee to meet them head-on. If you are interested in any of these issues, please consider applying. 

You can find out more and submit your application on our Committee vacancies page or feel free to drop me a line with your questions and comments at  adammarks@lawscot.org.uk.