The Law Society of Scotland has appointed nine new non-solicitor members to its council, to comply with new legislation.

They have full voting rights and will replace the current three lay observers.

The new appointees come from a diverse range of backgrounds including the civil service, education sector and construction industry.

They were appointed following an advertising campaign for the posts in the press and media, and an interview process.

The appointment of non-solicitor members to the Society’s council is required by the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010.

Solicitor members from a range of geographical constituencies and specialist areas of the legal sector will continue to make up the majority of the council.

The Society also approved constitutional amendments to create a new regulatory committee with 50% non-solicitor members.

President of the Law Society of Scotland Cameron Ritchie said: ‘This is a hugely significant change for the Society and will play a clear role in reflecting our responsibility to the public interest in relation to the solicitors’ profession.’

He said: ‘I’m greatly looking forward to welcoming back two of our former lay observers and to meeting and working with our new lay council members, all of whom have a tremendous amount of experience and specialist knowledge from each of their areas of expertise and will contribute greatly to the work of council and the Society as a whole.’