In times of need - organisations which help solicitors in various ways

IN TIMES OF NEED - The following contact details are from renowned organisations which assist solicitors in their times of need:

LAW CARE: Law Care has been in existence now for 10 years and is a free and completely confidential advisory service to help lawyers, their immediate families and staff to deal with health issues and related emotional difficulties that can result from a stressful career in the law. Law Care will connect enquiries to a volunteer counsellor who has a sympathetic ear to listen to the enquirer. In addition Law Care will refer the caller onto other agencies for other practical assistance. For more details call Law Care on 01268 771 333.

SOLICITORS ASSISTANCE SCHEME (SAS): The SAS is made up of panel solicitors throughout England and Wales. The scheme allows for 1 hour of free legal advice. The advice may include such matter as practice management, financial disciplinary, insolvency, partnership, negligence claims and employment. Their telephone helpline is 0207 117 8811.

SOLICITORS BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION (SBA): The SBA has been established since 1858 and provides loans and grants to those who are in need. They have provided £1,500,000 in the past 12 months. They help solicitors in England and Wales and their families. They rarely find they cannot help people in financial difficulties. Requests for assistance should be directed to Adrian Rees at SBA, 1 Jaggard Way, London, SW12 8SG, telephone 020 8675 6440. Email Adrian.rees@sba.org.uk  

HELPLINES:

• LawCare helpline - 0800 279 6888 - for lawyers and their families facing depression, stress, addiction and other problems.
• Solicitors Benevolent Association - 0208 675 6440 - provides financial help to solicitors and dependants in need.
• Solicitors Assistance Scheme - 0207 117 8811 - provides confidential legal advice.
• Junior Lawyers Division helpline - 0800 085 6131 - helps with pastoral and career-related problems.
• Pastoral Care helpline - 0207 320 5795 - offers help with personal, professional, financial and employment problems and refers callers to suitable support services.
• Practice Advice Service - 0870 606 2522 - offers advice on legal practice issues.
• Lawyerline - 0870 606 2588 - relaunched in March, advises on client care issues and complaints handling.