Client Protection Sub-Committee

Client Protection Sub-Committee

Do you have an interest in client protection and regulation? Our Client Protection Sub-Committee is looking to recruit two solicitor members and two lay members.

Why get involved?

• Be part of a Sub-Committee that makes a meaningful difference to clients impacted by financial loss
• Help oversee and shape the processes that safeguard client funds
• Learn and develop alongside experienced committee members and dedicated staff who will support you through your term
• Join a network of professionals committed to fairness, accountability and high standards
• Gain valuable experience in financial compliance and serving on a professional regulatory committee

About the role

As a volunteer member, you will assess claims to the Client Protection Fund, play a key role in ensuring firms comply with Accounts Rules, and help ensure the continued confidence of the public in Scotland’s legal profession.

More information about the Client Protection Sub-Committee can be found here

Selection Criteria

Candidates should have:

• An understanding of the key legal requirements of Rule B6 of the Law Society of Scotland Practice Rules 2011
• An ability to interpret a large volume of complex information and contribute to the development of solutions for issues considered
• A commitment to protecting the profession and the public through effective regulation of financial compliance
• A commitment to embedding financial compliance best practice throughout the profession
• The ability to contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of financial compliance strategies and operational processes

Solicitor candidates should be on the Roll of Scottish Solicitors.

Time Commitment and Expenses

The Sub-Committee meets once a month, usually on the first Thursday of each month at 9.30am, and meetings typically last for around 60 to 90 minutes. Members are expected to review papers in advance and may occasionally be asked to respond emails or queries between meetings.

In addition, candidates will also be required to participate in regulatory interview panels (at least 3 times a year). Each panel typically comprises two or three members, including a solicitor and a lay member. These panels conduct regulatory interviews of solicitors found by the sub-committee to be in breach of the accounts rules. Please note that these interviews will be conducted in person.

Meetings can take place either in-person or remotely (by video).

It’s a commitment – a rewarding one and you will be backed by a supportive team of experienced committee members and staff, learning and contributing to decisions that really matter.

These positions are voluntary, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.

Length of Term

The appointments are for three years. Further re-appointment may be possible, in line with the terms of the committee’s remit.

Application Process

A panel will consider all applications and put their selection forward to the Society’s Regulatory Committee for approval. The panel will invite applicants to an interview. Appointments will be confirmed in writing shortly after formal approval has been given. The email will set out the approved term of office and other key information that a new member will require.