Retrain as a lawyer/work in an advocacy role

[Lifeisfullofsurprise]

Hi everyone
I currently work in mental health. I am a therapist. I have a psychology background and feel really privileged to be in the position I am in, at the same time however, I am quite frustrated and feel helpless at times. Many of my patients experience mental health issues due to life stressors such as being denied residency with the threat of being persecuted in their home countries; or being subjected to domestic violence. I came into this role to help people and change lives; and whilst I feel to some extent some change is possible, many times I feel paralysed due to patients’ life circumstances.

I have thought about retraining as a lawyer many times even thought of studying law at university at 19, but for whatever reason I thought it was not the right fit.

I live in Scotland, so training here is very different from England, and the training for solicitors and advocates (barristers up here) is the same initially. I’m also in my 40s, my children are all school age now and my husband has a fairly flexible job.

I would love to work in some kind of advocacy role representing people, but I think most of these roles require a law background?

would be great to hear from any Scottish lawyers if possible
TIA x

You can do a postgraduate conversion over 1 year. Not a lawyer but have considered this course.

Course is at Abertay, presumably other unis have similar.

Thank you for your messages. Yes it’s a two year LLb for graduates up in Scotland. Just wondering if anyone is working in an advocacy role which didn’t law background and is making a decent salary ?

Employment law doesn’t require solicitors rights of audience. Maybe look for a trainee HR advisor role in the first instance and see if you can progress from there?

I wouldn’t discourage anyone from doing Law or entering it at mid-career stage, it’s always been a fascinating career and gives you many options.

I originally worked in commercial, became self-employed before cashing-in (AKA Selling Out) and going into conveyancing when my family were young.

What I will say though is that in my experience at the stage you are coming in at it will be difficult to choose both the work that you value and also the salary that you mentioned.

There is a perception that all qualified legal professionals are in high salaried roles.

Although very few are on the breadline the majority don’t make anywhere near as much as you would think, and in general advocacy isn’t one of the highest paid areas, I don’t know how easy it is to break into as I’m not aware of anyone I know who currently works in that area.

If it’s a genuine vocation then don’t let anything put you off, but be aware of the challenges, the long hours to establish yourself with the impact that has and accept the fact that it’s unlikely to make you wealthy for quite some time.

Most advocacy roles I know of are voluntary, I volunteered as an advocate for a mental health organisation many years ago.

What area of advocacy do you want to work in?

My first thought was that you could be an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA). I've got a relative who does this. I've just done a search though and I don't see any Scottish jobs https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Job/idva-jobs-SRCH_KO0,4.htm Is there a Scottish equivalent role? You don't need to be a solicitor.

Advocates (aka barristers in England) require law degree etc. Work is focused on technical legal arguments

Advocacy worker sounds more what you're interested in. No need for law degree. This is hands on advocacy ie supporting people to express their views. Who Cares? Scotland are recruiting for advocacy workers
https://www.whocaresscotland.org/opportunities-events/

And here's another advocacy organisation https://www.pia.scot/

And the umbrella organisation www.siaa.org.uk/find-an-advocate/

Just to add to that there are some paid legal roles that support advocacy organisations and charities.

These are few and far between though and often any legal advice is given on an ad-hoc/voluntary basis.

Many of the larger charities employ legal workers, maybe that would suit you better for any career aspirations.

Check out Charity Jobs for Advocacy roles.