Why you should consider standing for election to the Law Society's Council

Ahsan Mustafa, Associate at Aberdein Considine LLP, was elected as a Law Society Council Member for Glasgow & Strathkelvin in May. Here he shares why he chose to stand for election earlier this year - and why you should consider standing for the current vacancies on Council.

When I first stood for election for a seat at the Society’s Council, I’ll admit I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I wanted to make a difference for my colleagues in practice and I knew the Council played a major role in shaping the direction of our profession. What I didn’t appreciate at the time how rewarding, impactful and professionally enriching the role would be.

Now, having served as an elected Council Member for nearly five months, I want to encourage others, particularly those who may be on the fence, to put themselves forward. The Council is only as strong as the breadth of voices within it. By standing, you give your colleagues the chance to benefit from your experience, your perspective and your drive to make our profession stronger.

A voice for the profession

At its core, the Council exists to represent Scottish solicitors. Whether you work in a high street practice, in-house, in a large firm or in a specialised niche, in Scotland or beyond, the decisions taken by the Council shape the framework we all operate in. From access to justice, to regulatory change, to reforms in education and training, Council discussions feed into the policies that affect every solicitor.

Serving on the Council means you are directly involved in these conversations. You have the chance to ensure that your area of practice is understood, your region represented, and your colleagues’ concerns are heard at the national level.

Personal growth and leadership

One of the most valuable aspects of Council membership is the exposure it gives you to leadership at a strategic level. You are not just observing how decisions are made, you are part of the process. You learn how to balance competing interests, build consensus and drive forward initiatives that can benefit thousands of practitioners.

These are skills that enhance your day to day work as a solicitor. They sharpen your judgement, broaden your perspective and build confidence in dealing with complex, professional issues. In many ways, serving on Council is leadership training in action.

Building networks and connections

Council membership brings you into contact with colleagues from every corner of Scotland and across every practice area. That diversity of experience is one of its greatest strengths.

The connections you build are invaluable, not just for your work on Council but for your career more broadly. You learn from others, exchange ideas and gain insights that you might never otherwise encounter in your own practice.

Making a difference

Ultimately, what matters most is the opportunity to make a difference. Serving on Council allows you to play your part in protecting the integrity of the profession and supporting colleagues at every stage of their careers.

If you are considering standing for election, my advice is simple. Do it. You don’t need to have decades of experience or a perfectly polished manifesto. What matters is that you bring your perspective, your commitment and your willingness to engage.

The profession needs a Council that reflects its richness and diversity. By standing, you offer your colleagues the chance to be represented by someone who understands their challenges and aspirations.

Being part of Council has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my professional life. It has deepened my understanding of our profession, given me the chance to influence meaningful change and allowed me to contribute beyond my own practice.

If you want to make your mark, give back to the profession and help shape its future, then I would strongly encourage you to stand for Council.

Nominations are currently open to stand for election in three constituency areas and for co-opted seats on the Society's Council.

• Ayr, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Stranraer (2 seats available until May 2026)
• Airdrie, Hamilton and Lanark (1 seat available until May 2026)
• Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Lochmaddy, Portree, Stornoway, Tain & Wick (1 seat available until May 2027)
• New lawyers, less than 5 years PQE (2 seats available)
• Solicitor advocate (1 seat available)
• Scottish solicitors outside the UK (1 seat available)

Find out more