Support where it's needed

Informed action

Confirmation that the UK economy shrank in the third quarter of this year – and therefore the country teetered on the brink of recession – provided yet more gloomy news for solicitors well aware of difficult trading conditions. We realise that the outlook is not good but also know that, across the profession, there is a growing determination to pull through. And the Society will do whatever it can to help by continuing to offer support and advice to those facing financial challenges.

We have been gathering valuable feedback from meetings with representatives of the profession, and have also contacted cashroom partners to gather individual responses on the effects of the downturn. Our aim is to make sure that, as a profession, we are in the best possible position to adapt to circumstances in ways that protect firms and safeguard access to justice for the public; and to help secure that position, the Society needs the best possible information on what is happening. During this month alone, conferences are being held on how legal aid solicitors, general practitioners and sole practitioners can survive and even grow in the current climate. Then, at the end of the month, the High Street Conference is being staged specifically for managing partners of small and medium-sized firms to discuss ways forward in today’s difficult business environment.

Looking ahead

We must also prepare the ground for when the recession ends. The profession has an enviable brand, which we need to recognise and develop. That duty is redoubled during a recession. It is encouraging also that the Scottish Government has signalled its intention to promote the Scottish brand before and during next year’s Homecoming Scotland celebrations – coinciding with our own 60th anniversary – which will encourage Scots abroad to return to their native country. Ministers have also recognised the role of the legal profession in increasing sustainable economic growth by staging a discussion on the subject at the Society’s Edinburgh headquarters. One of the topics is identifying and overcoming any barriers that exist to using Scotland as a place to conduct legal business. I am confident that the event will provoke some constructive and informative feedback for Jim Mather and Fergus Ewing, the Ministers for Enterprise and Community Safety respectively.

I believe that, in continually working to develop our professional standards, we will secure the reputation of the profession at home and abroad. That will leave us well positioned to benefit when the recovery takes hold. And opportunities for business success and excellence are not restricted to Scotland. During my recent meetings with representatives of the American Bar Association, the Canadian Bar and the International Bar Association, I was left in no doubt that the level of goodwill towards the Scottish profession remains undiminished. I am convinced that there is an opportunity to develop the North American and other markets in the future, particularly given our reputation for maintaining the highest values and standards.

More on government

Our discussions with government and parliament have not been confined to the economic situation. The Society gave evidence to the Commission on Scottish Devolution, headed by Sir Kenneth Calman, towards the end of October, drawing attention to the possibility of devolving responsibility for a variety of matters, such as regulation of the sale and supply of goods and services, tax law relating to charities, and discrimination.

We have also been in touch with the Scottish Government, following the Special General Meeting at the end of September, to stress the strength of feeling among members about the advantages of delaying home reports for at least two years to avoid damage to the housing market. As I write, we await a substantive reply. The Society will keep the profession informed of any developments. Also on the political front, the hard work will soon begin in earnest on the Legal Profession Bill, which could pave the way for alternative business structures. We are committed to ensuring that the interests of the profession and public are at the heart of that process.

New launches

The quality of a profession is underpinned by the quality of its system of education and training, something worth bearing in mind as the Society this month publishes the policy paper, The Way Forward. The proposals contained in the paper cover education and training from the foundation stage, through vocational training to CPD. This heralds the closing stages of a comprehensive review process and I would urge all those with an interest in such a vital subject to get involved.

Many of you will be reading this column in the Journal magazine, others online. Those reading the award-winning magazine may be unaware that Journal Online has been relaunched with a fresh look and added features. Still the best source for legal news and information, there is more of interest than ever before for everyone in the profession, wherever they work.