Emily Allan
The online magazine Edinburgh Business and Lifestyle recently spoke with Emily Allan, head of Allan McDougall Solicitors’ family law team, about our popular free family law clinics. Following is their article, which you can also read on their website.
Allan McDougall Solicitors are offering a free, virtual family law clinic every Wednesday from 10am till noon.
Areas covered include separation and divorce; dissolution of civil partnerships; cohabitation; pre and post-nuptial agreements; parental rights and responsibilities; adoption; and guardianship.
Appointments are available by phone or video call, on the basis of 30-minute slots. These can be booked by completing a short online form, or by emailing or calling the firm.
Eilidh Campbell
Emily Allan, head of the family law team, and senior solicitor Eilidh Campbell take the calls, answering questions and providing guidance on next steps.
The firm said that the clinics were launched during the pandemic to ensure people still had access to legal advice. It reported that around 1000 people have benefited from the clinics since then.
“The family-law clinic has now become a firm fixture in our diary,” said Emily.
“What started out as an initiative during Covid has become a staple part of our efforts to ensure people feel able to get in touch with a lawyer to discuss a family matter they are facing, and to have access to justice.
“Fielding these calls is a really rewarding task to undertake. It feels good to be able to offer free legal advice in situations where access to a solicitor may be difficult for any number of reasons.”
She added: “In the clinics we handle a broad range of family-law enquiries. Occasionally we will be asked for advice in relation to a niche family-law matter, and if we don’t immediately have the answer, will do our utmost to refer the enquiry to someone who can help.
“The enquiries come from a diverse range of age groups, and while the majority are from people based in Edinburgh and the Lothians, we are happy to speak to others, from farther afield. Most are from people who are dealing with emotionally challenging and stressful circumstances. Our team handles all enquiries sensitively and compassionately, with a focus on finding the best solution and offering down-to-earth practical advice.
“It is satisfying from both a personal and professional perspective to be able to offer reassurance and guidance to people during what may be a crisis point in their lives.”
This article first appeared in Edinburgh Business and Lifestyle.
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