Fancy yourself as a crook in sheep’s clothing ? Law Society recruiting for lay member vacancy on Professional Conduct Sub Committee

IF YOU see yourself as a bit of a shady character, someone perhaps with something to hide, a tax fiddling secret or uncontrollable chemical habit, or are perhaps one of those who likes to lurk in some of Edinburgh’s well known closes during the wee small hours, or maybe just one of the gang of nocturnal residents of foliage on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill, the Law Society of Scotland’s Director of Regulation, Philip Yelland has something special for you, in the shape of a lay member post on the Professional Sub Committee.

The terms are : Lay Member vacancy on the Professional Conduct Sub Committee

The Society's committees carry out valuable work looking at a range of issues to do with improving the law and legal practice. With a membership of over 10,500 solicitors covering many areas of civil and criminal law across Scotland, our work is diverse, challenging, informative and interesting.

The role of the Professional Conduct Sub Committee is to consider professional conduct complaints against solicitors. The Sub Committee considers a report and recommendation which has been prepared by a member of the Society's complaints investigation team.

The Sub Committee is not bound by the recommendation and can determine unsatisfactory professional conduct with a range of penalties or professional misconduct deciding on routes to prosecution.

It also reviews decisions made by the Guarantee Fund Sub Committee where a claim on the fund has been rejected.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated non-solicitor to bring skills and experience to the Sub Committee that will assist us in dealing with conduct issues. The Sub Committee is made up of six solicitors and six non-solicitors.

The successful candidate will be analytical where required, will be able to reach a reasoned view and present this view to others, must have experience in dealing with matters of professional discipline and should display a willingness to learn.

You will be required to attend monthly meetings in Edinburgh. You will also need to dedicate time to reading papers and information in preparation for the meetings and responding to emails regarding committee work. This is a voluntary three-year position with travel expenses reimbursed.

To apply download an application form return the completed form to Philip Yelland, Director of Regulation philipyelland@lawscot.org.uk by 5pm on Friday 20 July 2012. For more information on this role, please call Philip on 0131 476 8131.