I've been in private practice for 40 years... I understand what service is.
The rules governing Council elections give each candidate a maximum of 1000 words to state their platform. I really only need one word.
SOLICITORS. What is in the best interest of solicitors ought be the governing principle in Council deliberations.

By way of background I was admitted in 1986, first served on a Practice Management and Professional Development committee in 1993... Was elected to Council in 2003... I was President in 2008 and have served on most of the Law Society committees.
Some I loved....and some I loathed.

I've been a trustee at legalsuper, on the Council of the College of Law, a member of PIAC, A member of the Public Purpose committee, served on the Fidelity Fund committee, Conduct committee, Licensing committee, Employment Law committee, Injury compensation committee, Criminal law committee and represented the Law Society both domestically and internationally.

You would think I would've learned my lesson by now... But I'm drawn like a moth to the flame when I feel that Solicitors’ interests are taking second place to those interests of other stakeholders.

I want to see practice streamlined... Made easier not more difficult by loading us up with ever increasing statutory and professional obligations.

I want to ensure that legal work is reserved for Solicitors. That Solicitors have a right of appearance in all Courts and Tribunals. That we are not seen as awkward guests in places where our clients want us to serve their interests.

Over the decades I have been involved with Council. I've decided that there is really only one question that Council ever need to ask themselves when considering an issue.
That is
What is in the best interest of our Members?
Council ought then do what is in our best interest. If an issue has no effect on Members, then Council needs to ask itself why are we dealing with it?
It's all about focus and context.
In the context of Council, I will focus on the Members’ interests.
If it is a matter of no interest to Members, I will likely be chipped for doom scrolling.

I ask for your support.... If you support me, I can support you. By supporting you, I'm supporting myself.