IMD 2024: The impact of a positive male role model

For 2024’s International Men’s Day, James McFarlane, Legal Counsel at The Royal Bank of Scotland and creator of the first Men’s Wellbeing Group in Scotland’s legal sector, shares the influence of positive male role models on his life and why it’s important to have them in the legal profession.

“Positive Male Role Models” is the theme of this year’s International Men’s Day and I am delighted about that. Having positive male role models is something that we don’t talk about enough, especially in the legal profession, despite the benefits that having positive male role models can bring to our lives. We can face a lot of challenges in our profession so having positive role models is crucial to setting a standard for how we deal with those challenges whilst inspiring us to become better.

Due of the nature of the legal sector, it is easy to only look at those who are partners, team heads, judges etc to find role models. As much as there are many positive role models in those positions, there are also positive role models out there who are less experienced in terms of PQE but have plenty of life experience to draw upon. 

Some of the most important role models in my life are those who are at a similar age to me (or younger). Just as an example, my two brothers (a twin and a 17-year-old) have had the single biggest positive impact on my life as I have grown into my 20’s out of anybody I know. I learn so much from them both every day. Their ability to be good people consistently and deal with things in the right way is always something I will continue to learn from them. My best friend Ryan (who is also a solicitor) is probably the only reason I am still a lawyer to this day. When I was struggling mentally during my traineeship, he was there to make sure I kept moving forward, kept talking and build myself back up to where I am now. My dad taught me how to play guitar (which is literally how I deal with everything) and has shown me the value of working hard, setting boundaries, listening and being good to people.  

I also have the pleasure of speaking with positive male role models every single month at the Men’s Wellbeing Group. The men in the group inspire me to be the best version of myself, which gives me the confidence to deal with any obstacles that come my way, and importantly, we are all there to catch each other when we might fall. Through participating in the group, I have realised that in just two years the members have really changed how I see things in such a positive way. Being able to speak to men who I see as role models on a regular basis, in a safe space, has shown me how to become a better person and reassures me that any difficulties I face in my life have been overcome by somebody else. That is a comforting experience.

The organisers of International Men’s Day talk about positive masculinity as being dedicated to the service of others. In a world where people can be less-connected and more isolated, the role of men in participating in and creating communities is essential.

I could go on all day but, if I have learnt anything from that experience, it is that it is important to give yourself time to stop, look around, and work out what you can learn from the men around you to help you become a better you.

The other side of the coin is, as much as it is good to have positive role models in our lives, how can we be role models ourselves? The only way that you can be a positive role model is to act with the best of intentions at all times, be authentic and do your best to have a positive impact on those around you. Fundamentally, all we can do is try to be good people. If you are a good person, then it might be that being a role model is a by-product of that. However, that shouldn’t be the aim, being a good person should.

Just on that, the Law Society of Scotland has also set up a Wellbeing Champions Scheme which we hope will bring more attention to the wellbeing space and encourage others in the legal community to set up other support groups and build connections with their peers to collectively make the legal profession a better place to work. If you would like to be a positive role model for the profession, why not submit an application.

If we can all agree that we want the legal profession to have the best people in it, it is clear that we need positive role models in order to make that happen. If we are to attract the best talent from universities and retain talent already in the legal profession, positive role models should be there to showcase that the legal profession can be a great place to be. That is what being a role model is all about. How can we make this work for everybody? How can we make this a supportive and welcoming profession?

Positive male role models will be absolutely crucial in shaping how our profession moves forward and, on International Men’s Day, it is important to recognise that.  

So, who are your role models? Why not recognise them today!