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Legal Representation for Service Users |
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As part of the wider debate on legal representation and support for vulnerable people in terms of the introduction of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and the review of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, the SIAA has been considering what is good practice for Independent Advocates when helping their advocacy partners find a solicitor. In order to avoid compromising themselves, Independent Advocacy organisations cannot recommend particular solicitors or law practices.
We know that in order to help their advocacy partners choose an appropriate solicitor, some advocacy organisations have compiled lists of solicitors who specialise in Mental Health and Adults with Incapacity legislation. This is useful because it provides advocacy partners with relevant information and saves them having to trawl through the phone book. Also it means that the advocate remains independent and separate from the solicitor their advocacy partner may choose.
Alternatively, the Law Society of Scotland's website lists all law practices and solicitors in Scotland, along with their specialist areas of work.
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