The SGM, which is in fact two separate SGMs requisitioned on 6  August and 8 September, will also consider a motion calling for the resignation of Mr Lavery and failing his resignation for the Council to “take all necessary steps to terminate his appointment without further delay”.

The controversy around Mr Lavery began following his provision of a character reference for his cousin, William Lloyd-Lavery, who was convicted in April of historical sex offences committed against female pupils at schools where he was employed as a teacher between 1975 and 1979. In the reference Mr Lavery described Mr Lloyd Lavery as a Christian man and “a person of sound judgement and good character”.

Mr Lavery subsequently lost his post as human rights commissioner following an independent investigation, pursuant to the Code of Governance of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, into his provision of the character reference.

The Belfast Telegraph reported in May that some solicitors had stated that they were disgusted that a leader of their professional body had given such a reference. Mr Lavery apologised and admitted to a “serious error of judgement”. The Law Society opened its own internal process, but at the time of Mr Lavery’s removal from NIHRC was offering no further comment.

The Society’s handling of the process with regard to Mr Lavery led to the resignation of two council members and the requisitioning of the first AGM on 6 August. That SGM was due to take place on 9 September but was called off at short notice when it was revealed to members that the Mr Lavery had been found guilty of gross misconduct but that a sanction short of dismissal was imposed.

It was further revealed to members on 23 September that Mr Lavery had an employment case ongoing against the Society and had sought an injunction seeking to prevent disclosure of information in relation to his disciplinary process to members.

A second SGM was requisitioned by members on 8 September. Both SGMs are now scheduled to take place consecutively on Monday 19 October.

At the first SGM members will be asked to vote on a motion of no confidence in Mr Lavery and call for his resignation and, in the absence of such resignation, the termination of his appointment.

Members will also be asked to consider a motion of no confidence in the executive committee, council and senior leadership in respect of their handing of the issues surrounding Mr Lavery. A third motion asks members to find that the Council “has failed to provide the transparency, accountability and leadership reasonably expected by members in circumstances of such significant public and professional concern”. Further motions call for an independent review into the Society’s handling of the matter.

At the second SGM members will be asked to consider a motion recording members lack of confidence in the president of the Law Society having regard to the disciplinary process and sanction imposed on Mr Lavery, withholding that information until the eve of the proposed SGM and the unilateral decision to adjourn that meeting. Further motions call for the Council of the Law Society to be dissolved with immediate effect and an election to be called. There is also a motion callling for an independent review into governance arrangements at the Society.

The SGMs will take place on Monday 19 October at 2pm and 3.30pm, members can attend in person or online and voting will take place electronically.