FIND A SOLICITOR GAZETTE LEGAL JOBS BOOKSHOP Log in Sign up Membership Campaigns Topics and resources Career advice Events Learning OUR GOVERNANCE Gender pay gap report Office holders Council constituencies Specialist committees Our governance Less than 1 minute read Print Save Our Charter Our Royal Charter granted in 1845 allowed the incorporation of the Society, the establishment of our governing body, the Council, and defined our objectives and powers to govern our own affairs. Our regulatory powers are supported by legislation: the Solicitors Act 1974 the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 the Access to Justice Act 1999 the Legal Services Act 2007 Information about these acts is available on the Legislation.gov.uk website. Constitutional documents These documents set out our purpose, our structure and help people understand what we do and how we function. Royal Charter (PDF 245 KB) General regulations (PDF 326 KB) – updated September 2021 Law Society bye-laws (PDF 469 KB) – updated October 2021 Code of conduct for Council members (PDF 244 KB) – updated April 2013 Register of interests (PDF 480 KB) – updated November 2018 Memorandum of understanding The memorandum of understanding (PDF 252 KB) between the Law Society, the Legal Services Board and the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal sets out the processes all three organisations have agreed to follow to meet our duties and obligations. This mostly relates to budgets and payments of funds. How we’re governed Around 100 council members and 300 elected and appointed members help to set the strategic direction of the Law Society. The council is supported by a main board and several committees. This page summarises how we’re governed but you can read the detailed terms of reference for our Board, Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee (PRAC) and Membership and Communications Committee (MCC) in our general regulations (PDF 357 KB). Expand all Office holders Our Council Audit Committee Our Board Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee Membership and Communications Committee Finance and Investment Committee People and Remuneration Committee Regulatory Boards The Law Society Group Annual general meeting Annual general meeting 2020 minutes (PDF 269 KB) Maximise your Law Society membership with My LS SIGN UP Have you found this page helpful? FOR PUBLIC VISITORS Common legal issues Using a solicitor Resources ABOUT US Our governance Our strategy and business plan Business review and annual report Supporting members across the country Work in Wales Work at the Law Society Legal Corporate responsibility Modern slavery statement CONTACT OR VISIT US For public visitors Press office Public affairs Helplines Practice Advice Service Law Society library Reading Room Bar and restaurant Venue hire Advertise with us Apply for funding Social media © The Law Society 2021. All rights reserved. - v.2021.11.15.1 Cookies Privacy policy Accessibility Legal notice To optimise your experience, we use cookies This site uses cookies to provide essential functionality, to help us understand how people find and use the site, to personalise your experience, and tailor advertising to you. To agree to our recommended settings, click “Accept”. To manage your cookie choices, click “Settings”. AcceptSettings