As the debate around the provision of pro bono legal work in Scotland comes to the fore, Linda Urquhart, Chairman of Morton Fraser, offers a perspective from the commercial law firm.

What an interesting debate with lots of people making sweeping statements based on interesting perceptions of others!

I think it's good that pro bono is being discussed because I think it's important for the general public to understand that lawyers do do things for nothing and do, generally, have a social conscience.

Lawyers in Scotland, whether solicitors or advocates, have, historically, I believe, always undertaken pro bono work to varying degrees and continue to do so. Most do this from personal desire to give something back and the few less public spirited tend to recognise that their approach is no longer acceptable, that clients expect them to do pro bono work and so, albeit in a perverse way to benefit themselves by retaining their clients, they get on and do it.

The issues which seem to be exercising people in the current debate are:-

- the idea of making pro bono work a requirement, which is a bit like making charitable giving compulsory and not something which, to me, feels the right route to pursue;
- the need to publicise pro bono work - again, it's a bit like boasting about how much you give to charity. Most firms will talk about their pro bono work, but there's a balance to be struck; and
- the issues around legal aid - which are outwith my ken!

Commercial firms in Scotland have extensive CSR activities, of which pro bono is just part. I think that's a positive thing for the profession. Morton Fraser does charitable fundraising and broader support for charities, such as provision of meeting rooms for events and we also do quite a bit in the education field, whether with law students, offering work experience or liaising with schools. We take part in the Scottish schools law project and are building our relationships with local schools.

We've not joined Lawworks as we've always done a huge variety of pro bono stuff, whether as a firm or as individuals and we didn't see the need to join up to an organisation to continue to do so. We'll continue to do our bit, I'm pleased to say.

Linda Urquhart is Chairman of Morton Fraser and Chairman of Investors in People Scotland. She is the former Chairman of CBI Scotland where she remains on the board. She is on the Board of Scottish Enterprise