Autumn Review

Autumn Review

AUTUMN 2020

By the time you read this, The Law Society will have held its 157th AGM and David Greene will have been installed as the new president in succession to Simon Davis who has completed his 15 month marathon, much of it expectedly within the confines of his own home as he steered himself through the Covid-19 virus and the Law Society through the first period of the pandemic.

During that period the society has enhanced its reputation as it responded fast to both member needs and government demands. It promoted changes to legislation and improvements to relief schemes whilst liaising with the leaders of various legal institutions to ensure safety in the courts and orderly rescheduling of ordinary business.

Whilst the shift of the AGM from July to October was not part of the original plan, transforming the Society to working online has been and that shift is likely to become part of the new normal as it is enabling easier and more frequent engagement with members although for technical committees the value of face to face meeting is missed.

The long-standing governance reforms have been continuing. The setting up of a single Board was the first steps and establishment of the committees and working groups beneath it was the second. It is now proposed at the AGM to adjust council with a rebalancing to a total of 95 seats. This proposal reduces the number of geographical constituencies from 61 to 46 and increases representation for specific work sector and characteristic seats. Specialist seats such as business and intellectual property are be introduced, and new seats for 6-12 PQE solicitors and increased seats for women and junior lawyers.

The reduction in geographic seats has been opposed by Council members who believe that any elected representative will take account of all interests and may well have a specialism of their own in any event but will in future they will be asked to stretch over larger areas and populations of member.

Our own constituency will following discussion be largely unchanged as it will be defined by post codes rather than London Borough boundaries and slightly enlarged in the North, NW and W post codes.

Separately there is another motion at the AGM spearheaded by the junior lawyers division to curtail the tenure of council members to 12 years. This was defeated in Council but is being brought to the AGM. It is noteworthy that the council has 38 out of 97 seats currently held by solicitors elected since 2017 and with less than four years’ experience, whilst just 22 members with more than 12 years service on council will remain after this year’s retirements.

It is perhaps opportune to let members know that we will be looking for a new Law Society council member from 2022 when the current representative will be standing down. Anyone who is interested to know what the role involves and what can be achieved for the profession is encouraged to make contact.

Whilst putting out that appeal. We would also again call on members to offer themselves or others they know to assist our society. We do welcome new faces to help write and give presentations or help edit our magazine.

We have many willing sponsors and members who would gladly who wish to attend events especially as they are now available online but need more help in organising. We are also looking for an experienced administrator who will arrange events, keep in touch with members and update our web site.

In a new significant and change of direction the LSB is constructing a new business plan and this includes to address the market in unregulated services. They have enlisted a public panel rather than rely on the advice of the Consumer panel although that body continues. ■