Law firm creates virus hotline

Two Scottish law firms are responding to the coronavirus outbreak by rolling out dedicated services to support clients during the crisis, including a first-of-its-kind hotline.

Legal, finance and property firm Gilson Gray has introduced an emergency hotline – believed to be the first to be offered by a Scottish legal firm – for all queries and issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The phone service can be used by anyone in Scotland looking for guidance on any area of law, property and financial advice, including corporate and employment law matters, family law issues, lettings and investment advice. Gilson Gray is specifically offering to assist companies which may need help financially navigating the current economic climate.

The hotline will run seven days a week, giving access to the firm’s 150 staff in offices across Edinburgh, Glasgow, North Berwick and Dundee.

Managing partner Glen Gilson said: “We are working strictly in accordance with government safety guidelines and have created ways to meet clients virtually, communicate regularly, and to complete business electronically.

“Our teams are available all day and at weekends, ready to conduct our normal business and advise on any matter relating to the impact of the virus. This will hopefully provide some reassurance and security at a time when many feel unsure.”

Meanwhile legal firm Macroberts has assembled a dedicated response team of advisers to support clients during the outbreak. Led by managing partner Neil Kennedy, the multi-disciplinary team is designed to ensure business continuity and uninterrupted client service.

Kennedy said: “We are in uncertain and unprecedented times. The response team has done excellent work against tight timescales to ensure we are fully operational in order to support our clients.”