President's column: January 2022

A new year should bring thoughts of optimism, a fresh start and the opportunity to be better and do better. Regrettably, with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, it is likely that any optimistic sentiments are rather swallowed up in what seems to be a recurring Groundhog Day of risks, fears and general unhappiness.

I have written here before of the pride which I have taken in the perseverance and fortitude of the profession and of the profession’s achievements throughout the pandemic – and I don’t expect that to change – but I am well aware that such achievements can come at a cost. As we approach the second anniversary of the first lockdown, it remains important that each of us consider, for ourselves and for those around us, the extent to which we may need help or support in coping with the inevitable stress that COVID-19 imposes on us all. Such stress only adds to that which inevitably comes with the responsibilities on each of us practising as a solicitor, whether in crime or family law, commerce or private client work, in-house or public sector.

So what can we do about that? Well, the serenity prayer calls upon a higher power to let each of us accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. So far as COVID-19 goes, the power to change does rest with individuals whose positive engagement with safety measures should be of benefit to us all. Beyond that, and as a counter to the sometimes inevitable anger and madness brought on by those feelings of risk, fear and unhappiness, we each need to be self aware and sympathetic to those with whom we work.

Self awareness and kindness to others may be an easy prescription to write but a more difficult one to have dispensed. However, any difficulty in following good advice doesn’t undermine the value of that advice. It is all too easy to be self absorbed, but that is dangerous for each of us and risks us being blind to the troubles of others.

Offering support

The Law Society of Scotland has a number of resources available by way of Lawscot Wellbeing and LawCare.

These are signposted on our website and I would urge you all to have a browse. An understanding of what support is available may just make the difference in recognising that either you or someone you know would benefit from that support. Only once the need for action is recognised can action be taken. 

Past President Amanda Millar, an accredited specialist in the field of mental health law, with extensive experience interacting with people who are at a low point in their lives, shared with Council in December the value of just talking. She told us that people were often reluctant to involve themselves in the lives of even their closest friends for fear of saying the wrong thing. That is a mistake. There is no “wrong thing” that can be said and, actually, just prompting the opportunity to listen is all important.

Jerry Springer had a life as a serious politician before he became a chat show host. Whatever prompted his catchphrase, the sentiment expressed by it is of value. So, in the year ahead, please “Take care of yourselves, and each other.”