European Union committee - appointment of members

The Law Society is seeking three members to join its European Union committee.

The committee is responsible for ensuring the Society responds to relevant EU proposals and communications in a timely and effective manner.

It is also responsible for making recommendations to the Law Society Council and boards on other aspects of the Society's relationship with the EU.

Applicants should have experience of working in one of the specialist areas listed as well as some background or knowledge of developments in European law and political initiatives: immigration law; civil law (particularly knowledge of Rome or Brussels Conventions); criminal law; institutional issues (such as law-making processes or the application and enforcement of EU law); environmental law.

Experience of lobbying the European Union institutions, practice before the European courts or other relevant experience of EU law (for example, the teaching of EU law) would also be an advantage.

Applications are particularly sought from in-house lawyers, academics or public sector lawyers to complement the current membership.

The committee meets at the Law Society's office in Brussels up to six 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 a three-year period that is renewable twice.

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

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

For an application pack, with a detailed job description and application forms, contact Alison Hook, head of International at the Law Society, tel: 020 7320 5736; fax: 020 7831 0057; e-mail: alison.hook@lawsociety.org.uk; post Law Society, International Unit, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL; or DX: 56 London/Chancery Lane.

The closing date for applications is 30 June 2003.

Interviews will be held in July and new committee members will be appointed with effect from September.