Law finds support on all fronts
Heather Mckendrick reflects on the value of the Lawscot Foundation
Social mobility has been a hot political topic over the last few weeks, and rightfully so. It’s hugely frustrating to think that in 2018 an individual’s future should not be determined by talent and determination alone, yet this is often the case.
The 117 people being admitted to the roll of solicitors today are all celebrating the same achievement, but they won’t all have followed the same path, nor are they all from the same backgrounds.
Some of those admitted today will have followed more challenging paths than their peers. Having worked with the Lawscot Foundation charity over the last two years, I have had insight into the challenges some young people face before they even start their university courses.
Some have been in care; or been carers themselves. Some have shared responsibility for the household income, on top of which they are revising for exams and trying to build up experience to support their UCAS statements.
These challenges can become compounded during university and it can be incredibly difficult to balance studying, working, competing for traineeship opportunities, while managing on a very limited budget.
Even the most ambitious individuals can lose faith, which is why we are so keen to encourage our colleagues in the profession to support people starting out in their careers.
Having a mentor or role model offering encouragement can make the difference between persevering and giving up.
I am routinely inspired by the generosity of the legal profession when it comes to sharing their time and expertise.
Every week, solicitors attend schools to give careers talks, mentor junior colleagues or speak at young lawyer events.
Why? To encourage and inspire others and to give something back. A huge proportion of our volunteers are new members of the profession, which is brilliant to see.
While many solicitors have overcome significant challenges to get where they are, others have been afforded significant advantages by virtue of their upbringings.
The financial and family circumstances you are born into is a lottery and by its very nature, something you have no control over.
The days of success determined by talent and hard work alone, are sadly still out of reach, but we can be proud that the vast majority of solicitors do appreciate the advantages they have had.
Feedback from volunteers and supporters of the Lawscot Foundation tells us that they themselves benefited from a brilliant mentor, or that they had a student grant which helped them during university. These experiences inspire them to give something back.
We also know that many solicitors quietly undertake a huge amount of pro bono work, as they believe passionately in the importance of access to justice, and again, wish to contribute.
I think you would be hard pressed to find any of the solicitors qualifying today who haven’t engaged in some sort of voluntary work during their route to qualifying.
It’s these small things: donating time and expertise and inspiring others, that add up to a big thing – a profession to be proud of.
Congratulations to everyone joining this profession today. Heather Mckendrick is the Law Society of Scotland’s head of careers and outreach