At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Faculty of Advocates to provide an external perspective on legal conduct cases.
- Company: The Faculty of Advocates, Scotland's regulatory body for the Bar.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and have travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with potential for renewal after five years.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on legal ethics and governance while promoting diversity.
- Qualifications: Experience in business, HR, or community engagement; analytical skills preferred.
The Faculty of Advocates is the regulatory body for members of the Scottish Bar, regulating the conduct of all Advocates practising in Scotland. The Faculty Complaints Committee and the Faculty Disciplinary Tribunal comprise both Members of Faculty and Lay Members appointed by the Scottish Government. A vacancy has arisen for a Lay Member and applications are invited from suitable persons interested in filling this interesting and challenging role.
About the role: Complaints about the conduct of Members of Faculty are made in the first instance to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (“SLCC”). If the SLCC considers that the complaint concerns the conduct rather than professional services of a Member of Faculty then it is remitted to the Faculty for investigation and determination. The Faculty seeks to ensure that all such issues are dealt with consistently, fairly and efficiently via firstly the Complaints Committee and then, where appropriate, a Disciplinary Tribunal. Lay Members will make up at least 50% of each body and can be asked to sit on either body in respect of a particular case. Lay Members would not however be asked to sit on both the Complaints Committee and the Disciplinary Tribunal in relation to the same case.
The Person: A lay member is not qualified as a legal professional and can bring expertise from other fields such as business, finance, healthcare, HR, or community engagement. The lay member is appointed to provide an external perspective, ensuring that committee discussions consider broader societal, ethical, or industry viewpoints. Their expertise in various fields promotes diversity, transparency, and public confidence in legal decision-making. Applicants will likely have an extensive track record in disciplines such as business or administration management, human resources or equivalent, with demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills. Previous professional complaint handling experience would be useful but not essential.
The Faculty is dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. We are fully focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and beliefs, ethnicity, national origin. Particular encouragement is therefore given to applicants from minority groups.
The successful applicant will be required to provide a full disclosure check and demonstrate good character, with no unspent convictions. Appointments are made on an ad hoc basis, and no guarantee is made of involvement in cases with any regularity. Training will be given to successful applicants. Lay Members’ tenure is five years and may be renewed if appropriate. The Faculty Disciplinary Rules are in the process of being re-drafted, and so the appointed person may require to undergo further training once the new Rules have been approved.
On average a Lay Member may sit around 3 -5 days per year depending on the number of complaints to be dealt with. The position is unremunerated but the Faculty does meet travel expenses for Committee and Tribunal meetings which are usually held in Edinburgh. Recently Committee meetings have been held by video conference and further use of this technology is likely in the future.
If you believe you can make a contribution to our work please send a full CV and short supporting statement by Friday, 12 June 2026. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity please contact us. Further detail on the Faculty can be found at our website.
Lay Member: Ethics & Governance for Faculty Tribunals in Edinburgh employer: Faculty of Advocates
The Faculty of Advocates is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the ethical governance of the Scottish Bar. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Faculty fosters a collaborative work culture where Lay Members can bring their diverse expertise to the table, ensuring fair and transparent decision-making. Located in Edinburgh, the Faculty provides valuable training and development opportunities, making it an ideal environment for those looking to engage meaningfully in the legal profession while promoting public confidence in legal processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lay Member: Ethics & Governance for Faculty Tribunals in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field or related areas, especially those who have experience with governance or ethics. A casual chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant discussions online. Join forums or social media groups focused on ethics and governance. Sharing your thoughts can showcase your expertise and help you connect with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from volunteering! Look for opportunities to serve on committees or boards in your community. This not only builds your CV but also gives you practical experience that’s super relevant to the Lay Member role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, don’t hold back!
We think you need these skills to ace Lay Member: Ethics & Governance for Faculty Tribunals in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of a Lay Member and what the Faculty of Advocates is all about. This will help you tailor your CV and supporting statement to show how your background fits perfectly with their needs.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. The Faculty values diversity and different perspectives, so share your unique experiences and insights that could contribute to their discussions.
Keep It Concise:When writing your CV and supporting statement, aim for clarity and brevity. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences without waffling on. Remember, they’re looking for specific examples of your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details or updates about the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Faculty of Advocates
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what being a Lay Member entails. Familiarise yourself with the Faculty of Advocates, their values, and how they handle complaints. This will help you articulate why you're a good fit for the role during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Highlight your background in business, finance, healthcare, or HR. Be ready to discuss how your unique perspective can contribute to ethical decision-making and promote diversity within the committee. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate your points.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Think about potential ethical dilemmas that might arise in the role. Prepare to discuss how you would approach these situations, demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving skills. This shows that you can think critically and contribute meaningfully to discussions.
✨Emphasise Commitment to Diversity
Since the Faculty is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss your views on these topics. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to equality and how you can help foster an inclusive environment within the Faculty.
