Law Society election statement from GLC's Principal Solicitor

Elections to the Council of the Law Society of Scotland will take place on 12 May 2010 for solicitors within the Sheriffdom of Glasgow and Strathkelvin.

GLC's Mike Dailly is standing on a 'Justice for Scotland' platform, together with Frank Maguire of Thompsons, Walter Semple solicitor, and John McGovern, President of the Glasgow Bar Association (GBA). Below is Mike's personal statement (limited to 50 words) which will be circulated with the forthcoming ballot papers:

"We must reform our Law Society. Glasgow solicitors need proper representation. Better pay for criminal and civil legal aid so our citizens can access justice. Less bureaucracy and practitioner costs. No external ownership of Scottish law firms. I will work with GBA and Justice for Scotland colleagues to deliver change".

In order to improve access to justice we need to reform the Law Society of Scotland; to better serve the people of Scotland, and their solicitors. If you are a solicitor in Glasgow and are able to offer any help or support - or have any questions or issues you would like to raise - please feel free to get in touch with Mike at m(AT)govanlc.com

Justice for Scotland coalition launched

A coalition of Scottish solicitors including Thompsons Solicitors, the Glasgow Bar Association, Govan Law Centre and others, have come together under the principle of 'Justice for Scotland' to reject 'Tesco Law' and call for better legal services for Scotland's citizens and communities.

Solicitor Advocate and Senior Partner at Thompsons, Frank Maguire said:
"We need to refocus our legal services on Scotland’s communities and citizens. They deserve better. We need to send a message to the Scottish Government to think again. We must reform our Law Society as it has shown itself incapable of representing all of those trying to render a legal service in Scotland now and in the future".

"We must seek to re-affirm, through any such reform, the principles crucial to the administration of justice. We must also ensure that the legal service is preserved and improved across the whole range of needs of the Scottish people and their communities. Scottish solicitors can join us to begin to make this happen and ensure you vote NO; NO by noon, 7 April 2010".

The coalition's campaign website is here: Justice for Scotland, and all Scottish solicitors are invited to join, add their voice, and ensure that they vote, 'NO; NO' by noon, 7 April 2010.