Profile: Ian Forsyth

Tell us about your career so far?

I graduated with a BA in Law some 11 years ago after switching from a business course. I then worked for a local authority for three years before joining the Society in 2016. 

What made you want to join the Society? 

I have a background in customer services and a degree in law, so this job jumped off the page at me. 

Has your role at the Society changed over the years?

Somewhat, and I think the pandemic is responsible for most of that. The number of calls and queries we receive on a monthly basis has increased significantly; I can work from home just now, which helps with regard to the work-life balance; and as a result of the “Great Resignation” we have a huge contingent of new colleagues, many of whom I am still looking forward to meeting – but all in all, my role is broadly the same and my priority is still to help and support the public as regards the Scottish solicitor profession. 

What do you find most challenging, and satisfying, about your role?

We get a huge variety of enquiries from members of the public, some of whom are really struggling, either with the legal situation in hand or as a result of a combination of other complicated factors. In either case, there is a limit to how I can help – I can’t provide legal advice or appoint a solicitor, which is what many of our callers are hoping for. That said, we provide an important signposting service and are praised often by members of the public for connecting them with the right firm in their time of need or providing the information they are looking for. 

What are some the most frequently asked questions you receive?

Medical negligence is frequently brought up, particularly with the public looking for solicitors to raise actions against the NHS. Clearly, there are legitimate cases where people have suffered genuine negligence from the NHS or a private medical establishment, but I think the number of calls we receive on this issue and the number of claims raised is exacerbated by companies who pay for advertisements during daytime TV. 

“No solicitor will take my case, what should I do?” This is a particularly difficult one to answer as we cannot appoint or compel a firm to act. You can understand the callers’ frustration, but if someone has contacted upwards of 20 firms and no one is willing to take the case on, that speaks for itself. 

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

Civil legal aid. Everyone’s budget is being squeezed more than ever just now, but from the number of calls we receive from people unable to get civil legal assistance under legal aid, it is undoubtedly a pressing issue. 

What keeps you busy outside of work?

My six year old daughter, mostly! I’m also interested in technology and professional wrestling (yes, the fake one). I am also a lifelong Hearts fan, though to those in the know, I think my fandom peaked in May 2012 and that won’t ever be topped.