[3] The Society was established by statute in 1949 and its rules are set out in the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980.

[7] As the legal profession expanded in line with the volume of legislation introduced in the twentieth century, it became clear that a representative body for all solicitors was needed along with reform of the informal system of lawyers voluntarily providing legal services to those who could not afford representation, which had existed since 1424.

The Legal Aid and Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1949 established the Law Society of Scotland as the governing body for solicitors at the same time as it laid the foundation of the modern legal aid and assistance scheme.

[8] Solicitors elect representatives to sit on the Society's Council, the ruling body.

The chief executive is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Society, working with a staff of approximately 120.

[9] Most of the Society's departments are grouped in five main areas of work: regulation and standards; member services and engagement; education, training and qualifications; external relations; finance and operations.