Society bulletin

At the Law Society of Scotland’s SGM on 21 April 2010, the Scottish legal profession voted against the introduction of alternative business structures (ABS) in Scotland. In total (including proxies) 1817 votes were cast in favour of a motion from the Scottish Law Agents Society against ABS. 1290 voted against the motion. Prior to that vote, a compromise amendment proposed by Richard Masters of McGrigors had been rejected by the meeting.

Speaking at the close of the SGM, Ian Smart, President of the Law Society of Scotland (LSS), said: "Today's debate was again heartfelt and principled, which articulated strongly held opinion both for and against the proposed introduction of ABS. Unfortunately there has been no consensus, although the society will remain in discussion with all interested parties, including the law agents following their stated intention at the close of the meeting to work with the society”.

The SGM vote opposing the introduction of ABS will now be put to the LSS council on 30 April 2010. The council will consider both this SGM vote and the narrow vote in favour of ABS in a referendum earlier this month. And will be required to be ratified at the LSS AGM next month.