LawCare support available for Registered Paralegals
Law Society of Scotland Registered Paralegals can now make use of a free, confidential support and advice service for legal professionals.
The Law Society has extended its support of LawCare to ensure that all Registered Paralegals as well as its solicitor members can access the services provided by the legal charity.
LawCare is an independent charity which helps legal professionals and their families cope with issues such as stress, workplace bullying, disputes with colleagues and alcohol misuse. It runs a free, confidential helpline service 365 days a year to provide support, information, and advice on any concerns that members of the legal profession might have, whether personal or professional. The independent service is financially supported by legal professional bodies across the UK and Ireland.
Laura Malcolm, professional support manager at the Law Society of Scotland and LawCare board member said: “This move reflects the Law Society’s commitment to inclusion and support for paralegals who contribute to the success of the legal sector – one of the key aims announced in the Society’s new strategy.
“Everyone can experience difficulties from time to time, whether they relate to work or personal matters, and LawCare’s advisors can offer invaluable advice and support to help people resolve issues affecting them. Solicitors and paralegals can spend much of their working lives helping people who are going through challenging circumstances and it is important that we can make sure there is support for them when they need it.”
Trish McLellan, LawCare’s Coordinator for Scotland said: “Law is a rewarding career but it can also be extremely demanding which is why we are delighted that the Law Society is extending its support to include Registered Paralegals who, in the changing legal landscape, play a very important role in ensuring that clients’ needs are met. LawCare is available to those working in the legal community who is experiencing professional or personal difficulties. Our website offers a range of practical information about wellbeing and support is also available via our free and confidential helpline manned by people who themselves have worked in the law.”
The Law Society’s Registered Paralegal Scheme was set up in 2010. It provides a professional standard for paralegals in Scotland, aiming to recognise, credit and define the important role paralegals play in the Scottish legal sector. All paralegals who hold a relevant qualification are eligible to become a Law Society Registered Paralegal.
ENDS
Note to editors
The Registered Paralegal scheme was established in 2010 to provide a defined professional status and a career path for paralegals. The scheme recognises the important role of the paralegal in Scotland and sets a new high standard for paralegals to attain as well as providing a formally recognised and assessed qualification relevant to the Registered Paralegal’s area of legal practice. For more information see www.lawscot.org.uk
LawCare, established in 1997, is a registered charity and was set up to provide support to members of the legal professions in the UK and Ireland facing personal and professional problems. For more information see www.lawcare.org.uk/
FOR PRESS AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Please contact Val McEwan on 0131 226 8884 / valeriemcewan@lawscot.org.uk or Sarah Sutton on 0131 476 8107 / sarahsutton@lawscot.org.uk