Support our colleagues

Dear Colleagues

It has been a very difficult week for everyone and our prayers and wishes go to Daragh’s wife, children and his family and friends.

As a profession, we come under a huge amount of pressure, be it from the Law Society, the banks, our clients and even our colleagues.

We all as colleagues need to support each other and often that means reaching out to a colleague whom you perceive is having difficulties. Often a problem shared is a problem halved. It is often difficult to take the first step to approach a colleague for fear of appearing weak or being embarrassed but I must urge you to take that first step.

I can personally say that  as someone who was an employed solicitor, a sole practitioner and now a partner, I have experienced stress and at times wondered how will I ever get over the obstacles that life and the practice of law can put in your way. Thankfully I was fortunate to have good friends and colleagues who were always there to lend a hand or an ear when I needed assistance.

While the main focus of the GSBA has been to provide CPD seminars to all of our members, maybe it is time for the GSBA to step up a gear and provide greater support to it’s members. We are proposing to create our own panel of colleagues who are prepared to give assistance, advice and if necessary representation on a pro bono basis and again in the strictest confidence to colleagues experiencing difficulties. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who would be willing to go on that panel.

The GSBA committee are always available to any colleague needing any assistance or even just a friendly ear. All enquiries will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. If assistance can be given, we will do our best.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Kind regards

James Seymour

President GSBA