LLG calls on local government solicitors to vote in Law Society Virtual AGM

LLG is urging solicitors working in the sector to vote at next week’s Law Society’s Virtual AGM.

The AGM, which is taking place at 2.30 pm on 14 October, will see votes on changes to the make-up of the Law Society Council, including a reduction in the number of local government seats from two to one, and the introduction of a bar on council members holding office for an aggregate total of more than 12 years (with certain particular exceptions).

Details on how to vote are contained at the bottom of this article – solicitors will need to register at least 24 hours in advance.

In his latest presidential blog, Quentin Baker called on local government solicitors to vote.

He said: “I have previously mentioned my disappointment that one of the Law Society’s committees had supported, (albeit only by a relatively narrow majority), a package of reforms which included a reduction in the level of representation for solicitors in local government.

“I remain convinced that this measure would have a negative impact on our influence within the Law Society but in considering whether to support or oppose it we cannot look at this single element of the proposals, we need to look at the totality of the package from the perspective of the profession as a whole.”

Baker added: “Over the past 12 months I have discussed the proposals with solicitors from across the profession and heard supporters and detractors alike and given much thought to inner workings of the Law Society and how it might best support its membership. Many, including myself, agree that the Law Society needs fundamental reform to enable it to become the modern, diverse and effective representative body we need in this dynamic legal landscape. The question is the extent and nature of the necessary reforms.  

“From my perspective as a solicitor and longstanding member/supporter of the Law Society, I have concluded that the current package of proposals falls far short of what is required and if supported would constitute a missed opportunity that would act to delay the implementation of the type of change which is necessary to deliver a Law Society fit for the 21st century.”

The LLG President added: “The proposals amount to piecemeal adjustments to the existing governance framework as opposed to thorough review, re-design and re-build. I envisage that instead of delivering significant improvement the changes will have limited success and simply move the problems around.”

Baker said he would be voting against the proposals “in their entirety in the expectation that such an outcome will provide the mandate for the new President and Vice President to deliver the long overdue reforms we would welcome”.   

For further background to the proposed changes, see The Law Society's Virtual AGM 2020 - Maria Memoli, Law Society Council Member for Local Government, sets out the background to Chancery Lane's Virtual AGM next week.

How to vote at the Law Society’s AGM

The AGM is being held on 14th October 2020 at 2.30 pm.

Registrations are required in advance to be validated and your SRA number will be required. To register for the AGM click here. To read the AGM documents and in particular Resolution 3 which moves to halve local government seats click here. If you need to look up your roll number click here.  To ensure your ability to vote at the meeting you are advised to register at least 24 hours in advance.