The role of our Council
Our Council helps to shape our strategic direction and the future of the profession by championing the diverse views of solicitors from across England and Wales.
Council members are elected officials who:
- represent the views of their constituents at Council meetings and in discussions with the government and public bodies
- contribute to the direction and formation of our strategies and policy work
- review and debate our business plans and budgets
- engage with our members, local law societies, Sections and special interest groups, to communicate our advocacy work and gather feedback
- keep up to date with our work through policy papers and reports
- approve appointments to Council committees
- approve the appointment of our chief executive
Council meetings take place on average five times a year.
One meeting per year is dedicated to strategic planning, providing Council members with an opportunity to contribute to our strategy and business plans.
Council members serve four-year terms, up to a limit of 12 years of service in total.
Learn more about Council member roles and responsibilities.
Join our Council
Nominations are closed. Our next election cycle will begin in early 2026.
How to stand for election
You need to be a member of the Law Society to nominate yourself for election to Council.
For geographic seats, you must have a work or home address within the constituency you're standing for election in.
Create a My LS account and confirm your work practice and/or characteristics.
Steps to nominate to stand for election
- Complete our nomination form
- Ask two eligible Law Society members to sign the form as your nominators
- Write a candidate statement (up to 1,000 words)
- Supply a head-and shoulders-photograph of yourself
We encourage nominations from eligible solicitors from a range of backgrounds, regardless of sex, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or gender.
We conduct the elections in accordance with the Law Society bye-laws.
If you're elected to Council
Induction and training
We’ll provide a full induction and discuss any other training you feel you need to be fully effective in your role.
You’ll also need to undertake online equality and diversity training within six months of being elected.
Code of conduct
You’ll need to comply with our Principles of Conduct for Council members.
You’ll also be asked to register relevant interests on our published register of Council members’ interests.
How voting works
Voting is now closed. Our next election cycle will begin in early 2026.
