Welcome to our September newsletter!

We have truly witnessed the arrival of autumn over the last month: chilly temperatures, leaves changing colour, and cosy jackets appearing from summer hiding. But as the days get shorter, we also bear a higher risk of low mental health.

Winter depression

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a type of seasonal depression - affects around 3% of the UK population. The reason for SAD is still relatively unknown, but it is though the shorter daylight hours has an effect on our circadian rhythms, appetite, and mood.

Stress and burnout

Alongside seasonal depression, the legal profession and wider society are at risk of additional mental health concerns, including burnout and stress. Our most recent blog post from LawCare dives into the topic of stress in the profession on a deeper level.

Read now: Under pressure - Managing stress in the Scottish sector

Loneliness

We also must consider the impact of the pandemic on our mental health and wellbeing. Whilst remote working can open the doors to flexible working and better work-life balance, it also brings a higher potential for loneliness and lack of community.

This is an area of well-being that is rarely addressed, yet can have a huge impact on our ability to work at our best, as well as on our social life, family life, and overall health.

Creating solutions

Technology has proven time and time again to play an incredible role in providing support for mental health and well-being. We have apps such as Calm and Headspace to support mindfulness. We have sunrise lamps to mimic sunlight and tackle SAD, and 24-hour helplines, such as LawCare, provide one-to-one help. Yet loneliness is often left to the sidelines, particularly within the legal profession.

So how can we use technology to tackle the lack of community and in-person experiences we now face in our post-2020 workplaces? It is an idea we are building on here at Diversity+, so we would love to hear your thoughts. Reply to this email with any thoughts on how we can build community and utilise technology to help us, and let us know if you feel this would be a worthwhile idea for us to explore further.

What’s new at Diversity+?

New blog post: Managing stress in the Scottish legal sector

Following the theme of mental health and wellbeing, this month’s blog post comes from Trish McLellan at LawCare. Read the article to find out why stress is particularly prevalent in the legal profession, the signs and symptoms to look out for, and how to manage stress at work and beyond.

Read now: Under pressure - Managing stress in the Scottish sector

Diversity+ Law Academy Launch

If you haven’t heard, our Diversity+ Law Academy 2025/26 cohort is off to a flying start. We already have workshops and mentors lined up, and at the end of this month, we are hosting a launch event to thank our sponsors and supporters, open up networking opportunities for our students, and generally celebrate and prepare for the year ahead.

Want to see your name on our list of sponsors? We are always open to more financial sponsors and additional supporters for our academy. Reach out to us at hello@diversityplus.info to discuss further or learn more on our website.

Learn more about Diversity+ Law Academy

Seeking Opportunities

This is the section of our newsletter where we feature individuals who are looking for their next career move, traineeship, or work experience. If you would like to be featured, please get in touch: admin@diversityplus.info

Duha Dar

My name is Duha, and I am currently undertaking the Diploma in professional Legal Practice (DPLP) at the University of Aberdeen. I have gained valuable experience through a range of roles, including customer service, administrative support as a receptionist, and student support at my university.

I have also taken part in legal opportunities such as the Barclays Legal Insight Week, which has strengthened my communication and analytical skills. These experiences have also enhanced my adaptability, attention to detail, and ability to work well under pressure. I am now seeking part-time legal opportunities that will allow me to build on the knowledge and skills I am developing through the diploma.

Alongside my studies, I enjoy going to the gym and keeping active. I am also passionate about volunteering, having been involved in a variety of initiatives since high school. These include helping to organise diversity events, supporting university societies such as the Pakistani Society and Law Society, and raising funds for charitable causes through activities such as bake sales. I am driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the community and support those around me.

If you have an opportunity to offer Duha, please reach out to us at admin@diversityplus.info

Vacancies

Traineeship

1st Legal Ltd

Based in Ayr and working across Scotland, 1st Legal Ltd are looking for a trainee to join their team, working within Mental Health Law, Child Law, Family Law and Criminal Law. Excellent communication and organisation skills are key, as well as a driving licence and access to a car.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to arlene@1stlegal.co.uk

Learn more

Traineeship

McGlashan MacKay

Another traineeship role, this time with McGlashan MacKay Solicitors, who are specialists in Immigration and Asylum law. Applicants should have a strong desire to appear in court, as well as attention to detail, professionalism, and a commitment to client care.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@mcglashanmackay.com

Learn more

Qualified Solicitors and Paralegals

Drummond Miller LLP

Drummond Miller are seeking two solicitors or paralegals to join their conveyancing team in Bearsden. The successful candidate will have experience in conveyancing, excellent communication skills, and strong organisational abilities.

The closing date for applications is 28th September 2025. To apply, please send your CV, covering letter, and salary expectations to sleek@drummondmiller.co.uk

Learn more

Events & Projects

Diversity+ Law Academy: Launch Event

Tuesday 30th September

Start 5:30pm

Law Society of Scotland Offices, Atria One, 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EX

This special occasion brings together our current Law Academy students, alumni from last year’s cohort, sponsor firms, mentors, collaborators, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of the program and formally launch this year’s initiative.

While this is an invite-only event, we are always open to hearing from any individuals, firms, or organisations who wish to support our Diversity+ Law Academy. Email us at hello@diversityplus.info or visit our Diversity+ Law Academy project page for more information

Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Legal Profession

Wednesday 1st October

6:00 - 8:00PM

Online

We are delighted to announce that Naeema of Diversity+ will join the panel at SYLA's Mental Health & Wellbeing event. This event aims to create a safe and open space to discuss the mental health challenges facing legal professionals at all stages of their careers, raising awareness around key issues such as burnout, stigma, and intersectionality, while sharing practical strategies for fostering resilience, inclusion, and psychological safety across the profession.

Women in Leadership: Self Image and Positive Self Talk

Thursday 23rd October

6:00 - 8:00PM

Brodies LLP, 110 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3BX

This event is being held in collaboration between Look Up and Beyond and Glasgow Girls Collective, and features speakers who will discuss their journey with self-image and how positive self-talk features in their life, as well as a mini workshop with small exercises and strategies to take away and practice.

The keynote speech from Look Up and Beyond will discuss self-image, what this means to you, how its developed through the years, and how have role models played into this. We will also hear from additional speakers Alice Thompson (founder of social bite, psychology insight – growth mindset, very personable), Karen Leigh (mindset and NLP coaching), and Melanie Woods.

Tickets are £12 (plus booking fee) and includes light snacks and drinks.

Registration for this event will open on Wednesday 1st October, via the Glasgow Girls Collective events page.

Visit the Glasgow Girls Collective events page

As always, details of all our upcoming events can be found on our events page.

Please encourage your colleagues and friends to subscribe to our newsletter too, so they can keep up to date with our latest events!

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September Diversity+ Newsletter