I write in connection with your report of the Law Society Council debate on reform of Council’s size and composition (see [2008] Gazette, 20 November, 2).

The Council membership committee, which is little known, is tasked with keeping under review the size and composition of Council to ensure that it is representative of the profession. It is one of the checks and balances within the Society’s constitution. Its members come from all parts of the profession with a large majority of non-Council members. After extensive consultation, it proposed a smaller, more efficient Council.

From 2004 to 2006, various governance review groups considered the size of Council and the merits of a smaller body. The ‘Have Your Say’ consultation exercise supported a smaller governing body.

Last year, Council debated the merits of a smaller body and initiated the review. The vote for no change is an opportunity lost. Members of the profession may share the committee’s frustration and wonder whether Council remains the appropriate body to take decisions on its size and composition, given its members’ inherent conflict of interest.

Tim O'Sullivan, Chair, Council membership committee