The Law Society has given preliminary notice that under bye-law 56 a ballot will be held to fill the seat of non-constituency council member representing immigration law, and nominations are invited.

This vacancy arose by the resignation of Imran Khan.

The Law Society Council on 25/26 February 2004 agreed to continue the designation of immigration law, with the franchise for the election being members of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association and those other solicitors practising immigration law who register to vote.

Candidates for election must be members of the Law Society and must fall within the scope of the franchise referred to.

Those nominating candidates must be similarly qualified.

The council has fixed 11 May 2004 as the election date for filling this vacancy.

The successful candidate will serve the unexpired portion of Imran Khan's term of office until the conclusion of the Society's annual general meeting in July 2005.

Nomination forms may be obtained (in either hard copy or electronic form) from Barbara Gastrell, Head of Corporate Administration, at the Law Society, the Law Society's Hall, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL (LDE 56); fax: 020 7320 5685; e-mail: elections@lawsociety.org.uk.

Members of the Law Society practising immigration law (other than members of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association who will be sent voting papers automatically) may register to vote by notifying Gillian Harvey at the same address not later than 29 March 2004.

The Law Society wishes to encourage applications from all eligible solicitors irrespective of gender, race, colour, age (subject to the age limit of 70 years stated in the bye-laws), sexual orientation or disability.

Nominations should be received by the Law Society's chief executive (see previous address) no later than 29 March 2004.