The Law Society is seeking members to join its international committee.

The committee assists the international department of the Society in promoting the international reputation and commercial interests of solicitors and the Society at home and abroad.

The committee also supports the Society's international department in its project work in helping to develop independent legal professions and access to justice worldwide.

Applicants should have specialist knowledge of, or experience of working in, one or more of the following countries or regions: Central/Eastern Europe, the Asean region, Sub-Saharan Africa, Russia and the US.

Applicants should also ideally have knowledge or experience of one of the following areas of law or practice: international trade law and policy relating to legal services; practice management in an international context; international experience of legal education or training; one or more of the major areas of international commercial practice; working with international development or funding organisations; international experience in access to justice issues (for example, legal aid, mediation, human rights and the rule of law).

The committee meets four times a year (travelling and incidental expenses are paid) and members are expected to attend most meetings.

Membership will also require an occasional time commitment between meetings.

Initial appointments are for three years.

All solicitors or other suitable candidates with the enthusiasm, expertise and time necessary - irrespective of sex, race, colour, age, sexuality, religion or disability - are welcome to apply.

Applications from registered European, registered foreign lawyers, women and ethnic minorities are particularly encouraged as these categories are currently under-represented.

Appointments will be made following interviews of shortlisted candidates to establish that the committee covers all of the areas in which the Law Society requires expertise.

For an application pack, contact the international department of the Law Society, tel: 020 7320 5716; fax: 020 7831 0057;

e-mail: Lorna.Duhaney-Riley@lawsociety.org.uk; or post at: Law Society, International Unit, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL or DX 56 London/Chancery Lane.

The closing date for applications is 4 June 2004.

Interviews will be held later in June or early July.