Why join the Scottish Family Law Association?

Now in its 22nd year, the Scottish Family Association (FLA) remains as committed as ever to the constructive resolution of family disputes in Scotland. From humble beginnings in 1989, the Association has continued to grow and now boasts membership of over 300 throughout Scotland, all of whom have an interest in the practice of family law in Scotland.

FLA aims and objectives

Whilst the issues facing family lawyers and the FLA have changed over the years, the aims and objectives of the FLA and its members have remained constant:

• To promote family law as a branch of law in its own right: this avoids confrontation where possible, and challenges unacceptable behaviour, where necessary.
• To provide a point of reference for the public and for other organisations on family law issues.
• To monitor and promote the reform of family law in a manner which serves the needs and concerns of families.
• To provide education and training in family law and in skills necessary for good practice, with opportunities for members to meet and exchange knowledge, views and ideas.

When joining the Association, prospective members are asked to confirm that they will abide by the above aims and objectives, as set out in the FLA’s constitution. The hope is that this creates a community of family lawyers in Scotland who recognise how important it is to seek to resolve family disputes in a non-confrontational manner.

What the FLA has been doing

These aims and objectives have seen the FLA focusing on the improvement of family law not only for clients whose family situations are affected on a personal level by family law, but also for our members who are committed to providing high standards of professional practice. The FLA achieves this in different ways; in particular, the FLA is regularly consulted by politicians, and other public bodies such as the Scottish Legal Aid Board, the Scottish Court Service, the Scottish Government and the Law Society of Scotland with a view to advising on, and formulating law, policy and procedures in respect of, family law.

The FLA was very much involved in the Gill Review; last year the chair gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament in connection with safeguarders; members of the committee of the Association met with the English Ministry of Justice in connection with the ongoing Family Justice Review in England. At present the FLA’s views are being sought in respect of the coalition Government's green paper on the future of child maintenance.

The FLA has also worked over the years to raise public awareness of family law issues. For example, in 2009, there was a concern on the part of members about a lack of awareness of the implications for cohabitants arising from the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006. The FLA arranged a series of radio broadcasts across Scotland publicising the issue. Committee members are also regularly asked to contribute to radio and television programs, often offering Scottish perspectives on important family law issues.

Benefits of FLA membership

The FLA produces its own Family Law Bulletin for members. This is produced on a quarterly basis, providing an update of the work undertaken by members of the FLA committee, news of up-and-coming seminars, and articles of interest to family practitioners.

Members can also expect to receive regular updates by email of seminars for family practitioners. This year, as well as the AGM with its usual Old Course trimmings and impressive list of speakers, the FLA has arranged a seminar at Stirling University for those family lawyers amongst us who wish to develop and improve on our advocacy skills, entitled “So you think you can plead". Members can expect attractive discounts in seminar fees for all FLA seminars. The FLA is committed to continued professional education for members and is always seeking ideas for topics for future seminars.

The FLA has concentrated its efforts, in recent months, on the improvement of its website and the creation of a message board or "forum" for its members to share useful information and receive guidance on various issues. The forum will be flexible in its areas of coverage and subject to feedback so that it remains useful and relevant to members. At the time of launch, the forum is designed to allow members to interact with each other and share commentary about relevant family case law, styles, useful contacts/experts and tips about local sheriff courts. There will also be a slot for members to let off steam and share their experiences when dealing with SLAB, and a general "Can you help?" section for those who want help or reassurance from others in the same field. Those recruiting and looking for family law positions can also advertise on the forum.

Several advocates have also agreed to participate in what the FLA is calling its "advocate’s blog". This will be accessed through the FLA website and will involve a rota of family law advocates providing regular commentaries on issues of interest for the benefit of members.

Becoming a member

FLA membership is open to solicitors and reporters to the children’s panel. The FLA also accepts applications for associate membership from trainees, students, advocates, solicitors from other jurisdictions, academics and paralegals, amongst others. The cost of membership is £85 for members and £30 for associate members. An application form can be downloaded from the website.

All membership applications or renewals should be directed to the FLA’s secretary, Graham Fordyce, c/o T F Reid & Donaldson, 48 Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1YH, or enquries@fla-scotland.co.uk.