Society Blog
Conference impressions
8 May 09
A successful reception at Edinburgh Castle yesterday was followed by a stirring start to the 60th anniversary conference from the two leading law officers
The Society’s 60th anniversary celebrations opened in earnest last night with a reception at Edinburgh Castle’s Great Hall, in the heart of ancient Scotland. This morning, the keynote speeches at our Law in Scotland conference were delivered by those holding offices dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries. But while both events recognised the long and respected traditions of the legal profession, they were also focused firmly on the future.
Such was the multi-lingual chatter at the castle reception – with interesting discussions about pushing forward business opportunities at home and abroad - it outdid the combined efforts of five pipers. And that international flavour was highlighted once again when Baroness Scotland delivered the first of the morning’s keynote addresses, describing herself as the great, great granddaughter of a Scot from Kinross who emigrated to the Caribbean.
More than that, the first woman Attorney General for England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the office was established in 1277, shared the stage with Scotland’s first female Lord Advocate, Elish Angiolini: potent reminders, if they were needed, of the diversity of the modern legal profession.
Yet both keynote speakers, and those who addressed the castle reception, touched on common themes: the vital role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law, promoting access to justice and contributing to the democratic process; and, the need for a strong and dynamic Society to represent the profession and the public.
Both, too, urged solicitors to adapt and move forward with increasingly broadened horizons. As Elish Angiolini pointed out - at the establishment of the Society in 1949, the notion of two women law officers, from either side of the border, must have seemed as unlikely as landing on the moon. Yet, that is the welcome reality of today. The time is right to plan for tomorrow, seize our opportunities and shape the future.
Your comment
Malcolm Cameron
Monday May 11, 2009, 15:04
Dear Ms Jack
When are you going to disclose the 10 principles governing changes to the constitution and the terms of the enabling motion being presented to the AGM?
Lorna Jack
Wednesday May 20, 2009, 13:34
Dear Mr Cameron,
The Society’s Council has planned that proposals for a new constitution will be put to next year’s AGM, but prior to that, President Elect Ian Smart will be speaking about these plans and presenting an enabling motion at this year's AGM on May 28, which all members are invited to attend. The 10 principles referred to in April’s Journal reflect the work required for this to happen between now and May 2010.
I want to assure you that there will be a full consultation with the Society’s membership on any proposals for change in advance of the 2010 AGM. In addition to input from our members, the Society's proposals for the new constitution will also be informed by the Scottish Government’s Bill on the future of legal services in Scotland.
There are additional proposals regarding the "internal" governance of the organisation – which include a Board and group conveners in addition to the existing Council and committee structure - to improve how the organisation functions and provide more accountability. These will go before the Council in August this year.
The 10 principles agreed at the Society’s council meeting in March, reflect the organisation’s aims and corporate objectives, and the means to achieve these. They build on the objectives set for 2008/09 and will be integral to the organisation’s corporate plan and budget for 2009/2010. Our budget plan will go before the Board and Council to set the cost of the practising certificate fee for 2009/10 in advance of the SGM in September.
We are working to engage and involve the profession in how the Society moves forward to ensure it is effective in providing the services our members require as well as meeting our statutory regulatory obligations, particularly during these difficult times.
Yours sincerely,
Lorna Jack
Chief Executive
Law Society of Scotland
The 10 principles can be summarised as:
· finalise governance reforms;
· examine mission statement to ensure that the Society is focused on what it wants to achieve and how to achieve this;
· at August 2009 Council there will be approval of a paper on the future structure of Council;
· acknowledgment of work required in developing this;
· agree that Council must become more strategic in its decision making and must communicate effectively - but with possibly fewer meetings;
· timetable for change;
· present enabling motion for this at 2009 AGM;
· openly discuss benefits of dual role of Society - regulation and representation equates to overall reputation of profession;
· debate on change to how Society regulates – put the focus on prevention rather than cure;
· recognise the necessity of trust and confidence within Council and that Council members operate in best interest of the society and its members- that sub groups operate to assist council decision making and that Society staff are employed to design and deliver a model of working which Council then can endorse.