Profile: Elaine MacGlone

Tell us about your career so far?

I’m a graduate of the University of Aberdeen and trained as a solicitor with a local firm. After a stint in private practice as an NQ, I went in-house at an insurance company in Perth, and then on to the Society as complaints investigator in what was then called the Client Relations Office (now the Professional Conduct Team). My first role was intended to be a four-month maternity cover contract but 20 years and several role changes later I’m still here! I am now the Equality and Diversity manager. 

How did you come to join the Society?

Initially I joined in a temporary position with the thought that it would to help me find my feet after being made redundant. I found enjoyed the work and enjoyed working in a close knit and supportive team, so when a permanent position arose I jumped at the chance to stay.

Have your perceptions of the Society changed since you started?

Yes, absolutely. Over the years, I never fail to be amazed by the wide variety of work the Society undertakes. Prior to joining, my main experience of the Society was the required points of getting an entrance certificate, etc and after qualifying, applying each year for my practising certificate, but the Society has always been about much more than that. I’ve seen the member support and engagement develop massively since I started and it’s a real pleasure to see new colleagues and members pleasantly surprised by the breadth of our work.

What have been the highlights for you personally?

For the profession and the Society, the election of the first female President in Caroline Flanagan in 2005 and the first openly LGBTQ+ President Amanda Millar in 2020 have been highlights. For me in my work, participating in Pride events for the first time on behalf of the Society, and being part of projects like the various Profile of the Profession surveys we have undertaken over the years. Being able to track the progress made in increasing the diversity of the profession has been very satisfying. However, as our Past President Amanda Millar often says, there is #MuchStillToDo  

What are the main issues that you think the Society/the profession has to address at the moment? 

The change in working practices brought about by COVID-19. This has changed office culture and the workplace completely and we have a role to support our members with the challenges and to see the opportunities this brings, from ensuring that trainees are getting the best possible training in a virtual world to supporting the wellbeing of members who have struggled with the changed workplace. Another is legal services regulation reform – developing a regulatory system which balances the needs and interests of clients and solicitors with the appropriate checks and balances in place is very important. 

If you could change only one thing for members and/or the public, what would it be?

A properly funded legal aid system, and that it is recognised as a vital part of an effective criminal justice system. Ensuring that anyone facing the might of the state when they are prosecuted for a crime can access high quality legal representation is a necessity.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

My children and being Mum’s taxi! For myself I am a keen amateur actor and enjoy knitting, reading and getting out into the fresh air for a walk or working in the garden. A recent obsession has been a daily fix of Wordle. 

#IWD2022