Lawcovernotes December 2016

13. ^ ^ The Lawyers Assistance Program is a free and confidential advice service for members with practice management issues. Initially, members can speak in confidence with a trained coordinator who is also an experienced solicitor. In addition to offering a sympathetic, yet impartial ear the coordinator may also point you in the direction of suitable counsellors, agencies or schemes, such as LawCare, for further assistance. The service operates from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Simply call 1800 777 662 or email info@ lap.com.au to access support. ^ ^ LawCare is a professional, confidential counselling service for members and their immediate family. Counsellors available through LawCare are practising GPs experienced in dealing with the unique difficulties faced by professionals. Initial assessment and referrals by phone are free of charge. You will only incur costs for face-to-face consultations, much of which can be claimed back through Medicare or private health cover for clinically relevant medical conditions. Call 0416 200 788 to speak to a counsellor at LawCare. ^ ^ Senior Solicitors’ Scheme The Senior Solicitors’ Scheme provides confidential assistance to solicitors who are the subject of a complaint to the Legal Services Commissioner. The Scheme aims to resolve problems before they reach a more serious stage. For more information go to: www. lawsociety.com.au/ForSolictors/ professionalsupport/supportingyou/ seniorsolicitorsscheme/index.htm. ^ ^ SolicitorsBenevolentAssociation The Solicitors Benevolent Association can assist in relieving the financial distress suffered by a solicitor or former solicitor, their immediate family or any surviving spouse or dependant. Generally, relief is through a grant or interest-free loan after full details of the claimant and their family are provided. Urgent relief can be awarded in appropriate cases. If you need financial help and are a member of the Law Society, call (02) 9926 0378 for more details about this service. Visit the Solicitors Benevolent Association page for more information. ^ ^ The Law Society also runs a “Wellbeing Seminar Series” for its members. See http://www. lawsociety.com.au/ForSolictors/ professionalsupport/supportingyou/ Wellbeing/index.htm Jenny Baker Claims Solicitor