Society changes compensation rates for office-holders

Solicitors last week voted to link compensation for Law Society office-holders' firms to the salary of a district judge - rather than being paid a sum linked to legal aid rates.

The new Law Society President Michael Napier's firm, Irwin Mitchell, will be paid 76,921, compared with 46,500 paid to the west London practice of former president Bob Sayer.In a move that will cost the Law Society around 50,000, solicitors at the Society's annual general meeting last week voted 35-24 in favour of linking compensation to the salary of a district judge.

London district judges are paid 80,921, but Mr Napier's Sheffield-based firm is expected to receive the outside London rate of 76,921.

Law Society presidents do not receive a salary, but their firms or employers are paid compensation.

Before last week's vote, compensation was linked to 1,000 hours of work done under the legal help scheme.

Mr Napier said he personally did not want to benefit from such a small vote.

Vice-president David McIntosh's firm Davies Arnold Cooper will receive 50% of the full amount.

The deputy vice-president's firm or employer would be entitled to 25%, but Carolyn Kirby is not practising.

It is understood that Ms Kirby will receive the sum through the pay roll and taxed accordingly.A motion to compensate Council members' firms or employees that would have cost the Law Society 147,000 failed to be approved.

Anne Mizzi