Solicitors wanted for Will Relief 2007
31 Oct 07
Scheme founder urges more to sign up for charity initiative
Scottish Rugby Internationals and Edinburgh Gunners players Simon Webster and Gavin Kerr are to kick off this year's Will Relief Scotland scheme, which runs from tomorrow.
The Law Society of Scotland is backing the campaign, which takes place throughout november and involves solicitors waiving their fees for drawing up wills in exchange for a donation to charity.
The charities involved are Scottish International Relief (Dalmally, Argyll), Signpost International (Dundee), the Scottish branch of Mission Aviation Fellowship (Glasgow), Blythswood Care (Evanton, Ross-shire) and Emms International (Edinburgh).
The suggested donations are £70 for a single will, £95 for a pair of wills and £35 for a modification to an existing will. About two-thirds of people in Scotland do not have a will.
Bruce Ritchie, the Society’s director of professional practice, urged solicitors to register with Will Relief.
He said: “Solicitors will talk clients through the process, which can be very straightforward. This is a great opportunity for solicitors to contribute to a good cause by giving up their fees, while also providing a valuable service for clients.”
The founder of Will Relief, Oban solicitor Graeme Pagan, said: “Under the scheme, everyone wins. Members of the public get their wills professionally made without paying legal fees.
“Solicitors benefit from new clients, both immediate and in the future, and earn goodwill. But more solicitors are needed and I would love to hear from them.”
Welcoming the scheme, Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing said: “I am sure that the scheme will continue to be a great success.”
Will Relief 2006 raised £16,000, though the target is a big increase on that this year with the support of more solicitors. Around 100 solicitors are currently registered to take part.
To find a participating solicitor, contact the Will Relief helpline on 0800 107 3777 or visit the website at www.willreliefscotland.co.uk .