Solicitors to vote on future of national elections

National elections for Law Society office holders could end if solicitors vote in favour of the final reform being put to a profession-wide poll this month.Solicitors at a reconvened SGM of the Society last week voted in favour of a structure that would see the Societys expanded council acting as an electoral college for the deputy vice-presidents post.

The holder would rise automatically.

President Michael Napier announced the second postal ballot of the profession in three months, saying the reform was so fundamental that all solicitors should be allowed to vote.

Ballot papers were distributed this week with a 9 May deadline for returns.

Results will be announced on 17 May.The meeting accepted an amendment by former Society president Michael Mathews to allow for a profession-wide ballot for deputy vice-president if, within 14 days of the council putting forward its candidate, 500 solicitors petition in writing for a ballot.

Only sitting council members could be nominated.The latest postal ballot comes after the results of the previous poll were confirmed (see [2001] Gazette, 26 April, 1).

A large majority voted to increase the size of council, allow lay membership, and create more seats to represent the specialist areas.David Lock, the parliamentary secretary at the LCD, welcomed the vote: Consumer involvement in key elements of the Law Societys work is vital to the provision of high-quality legal services to the public and in giving consumers more say over how solicitors are regulated.

I therefore welcome the involvement of lay members at all levels of the Law Society.

The agreement to lay membership of the council is an important step forward.See Presidents column, page 20