THE Law Society of Scotland is asking members for their views on its constitution and standing orders.
The constitution is being updated as part of a review and modernisation of the Society’s procedures to enable the Society to better represent and support its members.
Jamie Millar, president of the Law Society, said: “We want a constitution which is more flexible and able to respond to changes in the needs of the public and of our members.
“If we have a more flexible constitution rather than having to make legislative changes to the Solicitors (Scotland) Act, the Society will be able to respond to the changing needs of the legal marketplace and economy more quickly and efficiently.
“It will ensure that the Society is well placed to become a regulator of those wishing to adopt alternative business structures as defined by the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.”
“We asked our members who attended this year’s Annual General Meeting in May for feedback about the administration and procedures of the meeting and it is evident that they would like change as well.
“We would welcome as many views as possible on issues such as the size and make-up of the Council and committees, and also the role of the board.”
One of the additional benefits behind the modernisation programme is to reduce administrative costs through technology, for example introducing online voting in future Annual and Special General Meetings.
Work began on modernising the council last year, when the Society asked for members’ views on the composition of Council. The feedback was that members wanted the Council to represent the make up of the profession – from sole practitioner to in-house lawyer and solicitor in a multi-partner firm.
The consultation starts today, Friday 11 June, and runs to 23 July. The draft consultation can be viewed on the Society’s website (www.lawscot.org.uk/xxxxxx), along with some background information and questions members might want to consider.
Proposed changes will be discussed at the Society’s next Council meeting, on 6 August, with the aim of a bringing the revised constitution to the September Special General Meeting for members’ approval.
Comments on any part of the constitution or standing orders may be made directly to constitution@lawscot.org.uk or to any member of Council.
Society staff would be happy to talk with any firms or groups about the proposed constitution. Please contact neilstevenson@lawscot.org.uk
A survey of members who attended the 2010 Annual General Meeting showed that whilst 78 per cent of those who responded thought the facilities and registration process was ‘excellent’ or ‘good’, 46 per cent of those who responded thought the voting system for general meetings was ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.
11 June 2010
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Suzy Powell on 0131 476 8115. Email: suzypowell@lawscot.org.uk
For the out of hours mobile number please call 0131 226 7411.
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