Corporate Social Responsibility
On this page you can find out about:
1) How to make an application to study the legal profession in other juridictions, and
2) The Society's own approach to CSR
LATEST NEWS: MALAWI PROJECT
Challenges Worldwide (CWW) are seeking an experienced lawyer (around pq10) to assist with the completion of a needs analysis in Malawi from January – March 2009. You will be part of a two person team, working across the public sector and civil society to consolidate information already gathered by a recent fact finding exercise. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a Scottish Government funded initiative which will hopefully become a high profile three year programme of co-operation on capacity building in the Justice sector in Malawi through co-operation with Scotland and our various institutions.
This is a volunteer position, although all flights, accommodation and transport costs will be covered by the programme.
The vacancy is URGENT, so please apply immediately to daliah@challengesworldwide.com
Thyne Trust - You don't need a gap year to see the world...
If you are needing a break from being behind a desk or dashing between court rooms then this year’s scholarship from the Thyne Scholarship may be of interest.
Applications are welcome from anyone in the legal profession in Scotland with ideas for placements or study visits on the following theme:
“Exploring similarity and difference in law, legal practice and the regulation of legal professions across the globe.”
You would be asked to write up your experience for the English-Speaking Union, and The Law Society of Scotland – and may be asked to present to these organisations on your finding.
So what might you do? There are hundreds of possibilities; but here are two to get you thinking:
Working as a lawyer abroad:
Over the past eight years, Challenges Worldwide (www.challengesworldwide.com) has been working with government departments and leading human rights bodies to face the challenge of converting human rights laws into practical action. CWW has, for example, worked closely with Government Departments in Belize to review legislation on domestic violence and co-ordinate implementation and training efforts for department staff, national agencies and police authorities.
CWW offer all the support and help you need to make a real difference. However, the Thyne Scholarship may present an opportunity not only to carry out this worthwhile work but also to consider what can be learned for the practice of law in Scotland, the training of Scottish lawyers, and how as a jurisdiction we work with other countries.
Studying regulation:
The Law Society of Scotland is well respected internationally as a regulator of legal practice, but could it do it better? How do Law Societies and Bar Associations around the world ensure standards are met and represent their professions to policy makers and government? Perhaps a visit to overseas professional associations(s) and some of their member firms would broaden your understanding and suggest ideas for change? Maybe you can bring back ideas for new ways for the Law Society to support the profession or work to raise awareness with the public about the importance of law in Scotland.
To find out more and make an application:
Please contact John Duncan at the English Speaking Union by 28th November 2008. Completed packs must be submitted by 5th December 2008, and we anticipate interviews being held in mid-December at the ESU’s offices in Edinburgh.
Contact details:
John Duncan
Director, ESU Scotland
23 Atholl Crescent
Edinburgh EH3 8HQ
Tel: 0131-229-1528
Email: director@esuscotland.org.uk
The Society's approach to CSR
Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is about how organisations and businesses take responsibility for their economic, social and environmental impacts.
The people involved in providing legal services have a long history of contributing to the wider community. The Society is supporting this important work by creating a resource for individuals and firms to develop opportunities in a number of local and international projects.
The first step in this process is providing information about projects in Scotland and elsewhere. Below are links to organisations with opportunities across Scotland and beyond, who are supporting our scheme.
We decided initially to look at 'volunteering', where people provide direct assistance whilst at the same time often gaining valuable new skills and experience. In the coming months we plan to look at other areas of CSR, such as the environment, and welcome suggestions of areas where we can be links and partnerships.
Volunteer Scotland
Offering hundreds of volunteering options in Scotland's communities.
Challenges Worldwide
Legal volunteering options around the world.
Have you volunteered and made a difference? Does your firm support people taking time out to volunteer in the UK or abroad? Drop us an e-mail about your experiences by clicking here.
The Society is highlighting outstanding examples of CSR strategies by sponsoring the CSR Firm of the Year at the Cuthbert Scottish Legal Awards. In 2008, the award was presented to McGrigors for its Horizons programme. The programme has enabled McGrgors' staff to contribute thousands of hours of voluntary and pro bono work.
YOU DON’T NEED A GAP YEAR TO SEE THE WORLD…If you are needing a break from being behind a desk or dashing between court rooms then this year’s scholarship from the Thyne Scholarship may be of interest.
