SC’s story…

SC was offered a training contract with a Magic Circle firm in 2006. Six months into her training, she became very ill and was forced to take a week off work. She suffered extreme exhaustion and felt “completely wiped out”. She also started to experience alarming symptoms such as muscle spasms in her legs. SC was diagnosed with ME several months later (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome – part of the diagnosis is that you have to suffer from it for at least six months) and was unable to work for a further 18 months. She was unable to do much other than rest, and occasionally needed the help of a wheelchair. When she finally returned to work she was very weak and could not concentrate for more than short periods of time, so had to build up her hours very slowly.

“I am now indebted to the SBA for providing a financial value. The SBA confirms my professional standing as a lawyer”

By 2009 she was again working full-time. Her ambition had always been to be a Human Rights Lawyer and she was absolutely determined to finish her traineeship. SC qualified in March 2010. In May 2011 however she “had to concede” that she had relapsed. SC now works part time for an anti discrimination organisation, focusing on cases of racial discrimination by the police. SC is realistic about the slow nature of a full recovery but her buoyancy and sheer grit will be a huge inspiration to other young professionals experiencing similar challenges.

SC says that the SBA support has “had a significant impact on my life”. It “feels important that the SBA, as a charity which specifically helps solicitors, recognises my profession. That is most important to me. I feel valued in my work place, but I am now indebted to the SBA for providing a financial value. The SBA confirms my professional standing as a lawyer. I would not be in a position to pursue my career were it not for their financial assistance.”

Posted here on Wednesday 9th May 2012.

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David’s story…

David had been working as a commercial solicitor for just a few years when he suffered a brain haemorrhage (an arterial venous malformation – AVM) whilst cycling to work. He was extremely lucky to survive. It caused severe disabilities on his right side which impacted his leg and arm movement – and a severe speech impairment. He was in a coma for two weeks and spent a further eight months in hospital. AVM’s were highlighted in a television programme “Seconds to Live” a few years ago.

This was in May 2007 and since then he says he has made “slow progress”. Although his firm was supportive and he had a particularly sympathetic supervising partner it was a challenge in the early days to preserve his independency. Since then, despite all the odds and demonstrating enormous courage he has done voluntary legal work for the Citizens Advice Bureau – where he feels he can most help others.

“the SBA has been of “vital importance” to him because it allows him to retain his independence”

David now has an electronic muscle stimulator that he attaches to his leg to assist with his walking over a reasonable distance.

The SBA has helped David with living expenses for “basics”. He says the SBA has been of “vital importance” to him because it allows him to retain his independence and travel to and from the gym and appointments for his rehabilitation via taxi. At the age of just 30 he is understandably pleased that he can continue to lead such an active and independent life.

Posted here on Wednesday 9th May 2012.

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Job vacancy: SBA The Solicitors’ Charity seeks a full-time assistant “beneficiary secretary”

SBA The Solicitors’ Charity seeks a full-time assistant “beneficiary secretary” to process grant applications.

Candidates must be comfortable with access databases, arithmetic and creating bespoke letters and case summaries. More importantly, this is a role for someone who will willingly put aside routine work to listen and empathise with beneficiaries who telephone in. Confident knowledge of state benefits and housing application procedure would be a distinct advantage. Occasional day travel outside London may be required.

SBA is a well-endowed charity dating from 1858. Each year, it provides financial support to hundreds of solicitors and dependents in need. Casework often involves sickness, disability, divorce, redundancy or old age. The SBA offices enjoy a pleasant situation beside Wandsworth Common, brilliant rail access across south London and on-site private car parking.

SBA is expanding to cope with the implementation of the Legal Services Act 2007. Current staff size is 7 (but totalling just 4 FTE) plus a national network of volunteer solicitor caseworkers, so a cooperative and team-working mindset are critical.

Responses required before 1st June 2012

Salary £30-35,000 pa (depending on experience) plus up to 10% matching pension contribution and health insurance. CV (max 2 pages) and application letter (max 1 page) required before 1 June 2012: no agencies please.

Further details from Tim Martin, CEO, 020 8675 6440.

Posted here on Thursday 26th April 2012.

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