Postal ballot on reform

Solicitors are to vote in a nationwide postal ballot to approve three key planks of proposed Law Society reforms, it was announced following the results...Solicitors are to vote in a nationwide postal ballot to approve three key planks of proposed Law Society reforms, it was announced following the results of a special general meeting held at Chancery Lane last week.On the ballot will be resolutions to increase the Societys governing council from 75 to a maximum of 120, to allow lay membership of the council, and to allow trainee solicitors and legal practice course students to become members.

Ballot papers will be distributed after the councils next meeting on 15 March; the results will be announced on 26 April.Law Society President Michael Napier announced the postal ballot at the beginning of the SGM, saying that regardless of the vote on the day, the issues were of such importance that a poll of the wider profession was necessary.

All three motions were carried at the SGM, although not by the two-thirds majority required to amend the Societys charter.Debate on a fourth resolution which would allow the Society to create an electoral college for an annual election for the post of deputy vice-president has been postponed following a walkout at the SGM by opponents, which took the meeting below its quorum.Mr Napier focused on possible future lay membership of the council as he encouraged solicitors to vote in the postal ballot.

The Societys goal...

is to strive to guarantee high-quality legal services by solicitors to the public; vigorously promote solicitors interests and be a leading voice on best practice of law and law reform.

Consumer involvement in the governance of our work is a vital element in achieving,, he said.Jonathan Ames