LSA Celebrates Volunteers for Pro Bono Week

Legal Services Agency celebrates Pro Bono Week 2024.

Pro Bono Week takes place annually and celebrates lawyers giving free legal help to those who need it. Part of Legal Services Agency’s work is carried out pro bono. Our vision is one of a fair society where social justice is available to those who might otherwise find it difficult to access legal assistance. Pro bono work is integral to realising this vision.

The focus of this year’s Pro Bono week is ‘the Power of Pro Bono’ which comprises three subtopics: Barred From Justice, Embedding Pro Bono in Your Organisation and Career, and How Technology can Enhance Access to Justice.

The theme of Barred From Justice serves to platform the powerful, everyday stories of the impact of lawyers and law students who give their time to protect the rights of those most disadvantaged in society.

We are extremely grateful to all of our volunteers, who give their time to assist and support us in delivering our essential services.  We are also proud to provide learning opportunities that benefit aspiring solicitors and foster an interest in social justice.

This Pro Bono Week, we would like to celebrate our volunteers by sharing some of their stories:

Alexandra MacMillan

Volunteering at the Legal Services Agency has been an incredibly enriching experience which I can see the benefit from throughout various aspects of my work and education. Whilst volunteering, I have been granted the opportunity to assist with an array of important tasks as well as having the pleasure of contributing to and understanding the importance of providing emergency legal representation to those who may find it difficult to access justice throughout Scotland.

Over the past year volunteering at the Legal Services Agency, I have been able to work within different departments. When placed in the Mental Health Department, I was able to shadow solicitors in client consultations, dealing with Power of Attorney matters, Guardianship and Wills. I gained insight into the structure of these documents, how they are registered and ultimately developed appreciation for the delicate subjects which can arise throughout this kind of work and the compassion required therein. I also had the opportunity to draft documentation with the assistance of a solicitor. I broadened my communication skills under supervision of a solicitor by gaining client contact via telephone calls, which were followed by scheduling meetings with solicitors, obtaining updates and clarifying required client information. I further developed my ability to distinguish necessary material within large medical files.  Monitoring files and welfare checks has enhanced my evaluative techniques.

Whilst assisting with Employment matters, I was able to draft a bundle for a Preliminary Employment Tribunal Hearing, working directly with files from the other side under direction of a solicitor. Where I have previously had weaknesses, I have been able to strengthen through problem solving and by obtaining assistance from admin staff and solicitors alike. I have also been provided the opportunity to shadow calls in relation to employment matters, as well as conduct research and draft correspondence. When reporting back to a solicitor I have been updated on case developments and outcomes, being able to observe where my contribution has had an impact. I have truly developed my skillset in ways I never would have been able had I not been given the opportunity to volunteer at the Legal Services Agency.

Most recently, I have assisted in matters within the Housing and General Court Department which has been both fulfilling and educational. I began by assisting solicitors in drafting court instructions and defences for rent arrears eviction cases, gaining knowledge on the documents themselves and understanding matters within them. Further, learned about Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, spoke to clients with supervision, shadowed initial client consultations, and captured meeting details. I have also worked on preparing Inventories of Productions which will be relied upon as evidence in various cases. From my small contributions to these matters, I have been able to appreciate the strain that many clients face in their daily life in connection with housing issues that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to observe. Being able to see the outcome of matters in which I have directly contributed to progressing case work has been rewarding and pleasing to know that a successful resolution has been achieved in difficult cases.

This role has afforded me the opportunity to apply practical knowledge to my ongoing studies and has given me the encouragement required to progress in my LLB studies. It has highlighted a newfound desire to help those most vulnerable in our society by doing the right thing, the right way.

Erin Sweeney

The opportunity to volunteer with LSA during my gap year has been invaluable. It has been an inspiring experience which has motivated me to pursue a career in law.

Access to justice for members of society in difficult circumstances is at the heart of projects undertaken by LSA.  While working with the Disability and Social Justice Project, I carried out various tasks with the aim of raising awareness of social inequalities in relation to disability.  For example, I have written two articles for the LSA website which strive to help people realise their right not to be discriminated against based on their disability and highlight the ways in which LSA may be able to help. This is reflective of LSA’s mission to effect social change and provide legal support to those who need it most. Working on this project has been an eye-opening experience which has improved my research skills and my ability to communicate information to the public.

LSA gives a voice to those who otherwise would not be able to access legal support.  Working with the housing team, I experienced first-hand the way that LSA helps clients in times of crisis when shadowing at their emergency helpdesk at Glasgow Sheriff Court. I admired the team’s ability to work under pressure in a court environment while still approaching clients with great empathy, and hope to achieve this myself one day. I have also gained a better understanding of legal processes surrounding housing debt and evictions.

I also analysed a recent report on tackling housing inequalities in Scotland and made up a summary to share with LSA staff. Additionally, I have undertaken research on the work of law centres across the country and their indispensability in tackling unmet legal needs.

I have found LSA’s person-centred approach in navigating legal processes and offering advice to be particularly inspiring. Working with the Employment Law Project has highlighted the importance of this, while also affording me the opportunity to gain some more practical experience and transferable skills, such as writing attendance notes and using a case management system which I will be grateful for when completing my diploma next year. I also attended a client meeting, which highlighted the ways in which LSA can help people who are vulnerable and have been treated unfairly in a workplace. Additionally, I collaborated with a trainee solicitor to create an employment law guide which informs the public of which steps to consider if they have faced unfair treatment in an employment setting.

I have enjoyed working in the friendly and welcoming office environment and have been made to feel like part of the team. I also appreciate the diversity of areas in which I have had the opportunity to gain experience across over the past year.

Overall, volunteering with LSA has not only built upon my practical skills and my confidence but has also opened my eyes to a more empathetic approach to meeting legal needs which prioritises those who face disadvantage. I hope to carry these values with me throughout my legal career.