Helplines for solicitors
Practice advice
The Law Society helplines provide advice, support and access to pastoral care for solicitors. Some of these helplines can also be contacted online, by e-mail and by fax. Go to the websites for further information.
Please note: These helplines are for solicitors and their staff only and are not available to members of the public. If you are a member of the public and have a query about using a solicitor please go to: www.sra.org.uk.
Law Society helplines
Practice Advice Service - 0870 606 2522
Advice for solicitors and their staff from our team of experienced solicitors on legal practice issues, Law Society policy and Law Society practice notes. Advice is available on complying with the anti-money laundering regulations and navigating the anti-money laundering practice note. Lines are open from 0900 to 1700, Monday to Friday. E-mail: practiceadvice@lawsociety.org.uk.
Lawyerline* - 0870 606 2588 - re-launched March 2009
Now run by the Law Society, this service provides advice on client care and complaints handling. Lines are open from 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday. E-mail: lawyerline@lawsociety.org.uk.
Pastoral Care Helpline - 020 7320 5795
The Law Society's Pastoral Care Helpline offers help with personal, financial, professional and employment problems. This service refers you to the most suitable helpline for your needs. Lines are open from 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday.
Library - 0870 606 2511
Assistance for solicitors and their staff with legal information enquiries. Free to members. We can supply copies of published material by e-mail for a small charge. Lines are open from 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Thursday; 09.00 to 17.00 on Fridays.
JLD Helpline** - 0800 085 6131
For junior lawyers who want to talk to someone about a pastoral or career related problem. Lines are open from 09.00 to 21.00, Monday to Friday.
Pastoral care helplines we may refer you to
LawCare - 0800 279 6888
Support for members of the legal profession and their families on issues relating to stress, depression, addiction and other health problems. Lines are open from 09:00 to 19:30 weekdays and 10:00 to 16:00 on weekends and bank holidays.
Solicitors' Assistance Scheme - 020 7117 8811
Confidential legal advice for solicitors, trainee solicitors and the staff and family of solicitors, on professional and personal difficulties.
Solicitors Benevolent Association
The Solicitors Benevolent Association (SBA) is the principal nationwide charity for solicitors in England and Wales. The aim of the Association is to assist solicitors and their dependants who are in need.
Maternity and Paternity Helpline - 0870 043 4844
Advice for solicitors, men as well as women, on their rights in relation to childcare issues.
Other helplines
Ethics helpline - 0870 606 2577
Provided by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Contact Centre - 0870 606 2555
Provided by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to assist solicitors with enquiries relating to practising certificates, continuing professional development (CPD) and other general enquiries.
*Previously provided by the Legal Complaints Service.
**The JLD helpline telephone number may be changing shortly. Please see the website for information.
Please note that the Law Society does not offer legal advice and that telephone calls to the Law Society may be monitored or recorded for training and quality purposes. Other organisations' policies may differ.