News In Focus
29 May 2008
Society wants to set new solicitor standards
Members of the public are being asked to help with a project to set clear standards of service and behaviour for solicitors.
The Law Society of Scotland is launching a questionnaire consultation on professional standards to clarify what those using legal services can expect from their solicitor.
The Society's President Richard Henderson said: “We want as many people as possible to take part in this consultation exercise – solicitors, clients, support and consumer organisations and anyone else with an interest in the subject – so that we get a broad cross-section of views.
“Solicitors in Scotland have always worked to very high standards. However, clients need to be clear about the standards of service and conduct they can expect. The aim of this review is to have one set of standards that is clear and open to all. That is good for clients and good for solicitors.”
The Society set up a reference group to help it develop the consultation. Representatives from a range of non-legal organisations have helped give a wider perspective to the project.
Dr Bronwen Cohen, chair of the reference group, and chief executive of Children in Scotland, said: “I am encouraged that the Society is engaging with the public and solicitors’ clients, who can bring a fresh point of view to our work on standards.
"The reference group was particularly keen to ensure that individuals whose voices are often not heard like children, young people and those experiencing domestic abuse, have the opportunity to make their views known to the Society.”
The consultation is available from the Society on 0131 226 7411, or online at: www.lawscot.org.uk/surveys/standards/standards.htm .