Getting A Lawyer

Here are some questions - and answers - you might have about getting a lawyer. If your question isn't covered here, get in touch.

Rights of Attendance at Children's Hearings

This case study addresses commonly asked questions about the rights of attendance in children's hearings: who has the right to attend, does the child have to go, who can be the child's representative and other considerations.
Current Vacancies

We are hiring an Impact and Evidence Lead, Fundraising Manager and Office Manager
Clan Childlaw responds to the Children's Care and Justice Bill consultation

27 Jun 2022 | Clan Childlaw has submitted a response to the Scottish Government consultation on the Children's Care and Justice Bill. Our submission focused on the need to uphold the human rights of children who are in conflict with the law in Scotland.
Update on the UNCRC Bill in Scotland

25 May 2022 | Yesterday the Scottish Government announced how it plans to bring the UNCRC Bill within the Scottish Parliament’s devolved powers following the Supreme Court ruling in October 2021.

Access to Records
What changes will the Children (Scotland) Act 2020 make for children and young people?

The Children (Scotland) Act 2020 improves legal protection for children's right to be heard in courts and children's hearings and their right to a family life with their brothers and sisters - this blog explains the changes it will make
What we do

Clan Childlaw is Scotland's law centre for children and young people. We protect and strengthen children’s rights and improve their lives.
Changes to the Law for Brothers and Sisters

On 26 July 2021, the law changed on what local authorities and Children’s Hearings have to do to support brothers and sisters.
Sibling rights

We have long called for the law to be changed to prioritise care experienced children and young people's sibling relationships and are delighted that these changes are now law
Current Vacancies

We are hiring an Impact and Evidence Lead, Fundraising Manager and Office Manager
Are you a child or young person without British citizenship? Here’s some advice on how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

Children and young people, including care leavers, must apply to the EU Settlement scheme if they are an EU, EEA or Swiss national. The deadline to apply is 30 June 2021.
UNCRC in Scotland: What does the UK Government’s legal challenge mean?

Our Legal Policy Manager Janet Cormack explains what has happened so far with UNCRC in Scotland and what could happen next.
Child law case summaries

Summaries of cases undertaken by Clan Childlaw.
Law student essay competition

To mark our 10-year anniversary, we asked law students around Scotland: What is the biggest children’s rights issue in Scotland and how can the law be used to resolve it? Congratulations to winner Michael Malvenda!

Getting A Lawyer

Confidentiality

Do I have to pay for a lawyer?

How can a lawyer help me?

How to get your own lawyer

How We Can Help You

What age do I have to be to get a lawyer?

What do lawyers do?