SOCIETY COMMENTS ON CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE
Henry Robson, deputy chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “Legal firms, like many other businesses in Scotland, are feeling the effects of the current economic climate.
“The Law Society is monitoring the situation and while at present relatively few solicitors have informed us of being made redundant, we have had reports of support staff from firms across the country having lost their jobs, which is a real concern.
“The professional practice department is giving help and advice to solicitors who may yet be faced with losing their job or equally to solicitor employers who have never before been in the position of having to make people redundant.
The Law Society is just one of many organizations to be affected by the uncertainty of the property market and we have decided to delay plans to relocate.
“The legal profession is not only being affected by the economic situation, but also by changes in legislation. For example, the slowdown has come at a time when summary justice reforms are having a negative impact on the volume of criminal legal aid work.”
The Law Society’s president, Richard Henderson, has written to Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, to raise concerns about the impact on the profession of the current economic downturn and there has also been a meeting with Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, to make strong representations about the potential detrimental effects of the plans to introduce Home Reports in December.
The Law Society is working on a number of initiatives to support solicitors, including holding a conference to provide information and business advice specifically for high street firms. The charity LawCare can also offer advice and support to solicitors facing difficulties.
The Law Society’s education and training department is also offering support to those concerned about traineeships.
Mr Robson added: “As the representative body for solicitors, and working closely with paralegal colleagues, we share the profession's concerns and will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide support to our members."
ENDS
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Suzy Powell on 0131 476 8881 or Val McEwan on 0131 226 8884. For the out of hours service please call 0131 226 7411.
Email: suzypowell@lawscot.org.uk or valeriemcewan@lawscot.org.uk
