YEAR END NEWS FROM MURRAY STABLE
Posted: December 11, 2007
The Murray Stable is the first to embrace the spirit of Lord Gill's proposals to provide greater access to justice in Scotland. Rated as one of the most innovative of the eleven stables of advocates, the Murray Stable has taken full advantage of changes recently introduced by Faculty Services Limited which permit a more outward looking approach.
Stable Director Janys Scott QC explains that as from the beginning of 2008 all members of the Stable will be accessible by e-mail, and will have electronic diaries, making for greater availability and efficiency. Clerk Iain Murray adds that traditional clerking was very inward looking and was often subconsciously aimed at serving the convenience of counsel. The modern clerk has to put these considerations aside and be more client-driven than ever before to enable solicitors to add value to their clients.
The Stable has a popular website (www.murraystable.com) with information on instructing counsel and a section with news and articles. The articles demonstrate the breadth of expertise in the stable, ranging from hot topics in administrative and commercial law to current issues in housing, immigration and education. The website has attracted interest from many parts of the world, giving the Stable an international reputation. There are about 2000 "hits" on the Murray Stable website every day, with over 35% of new visitors bookmarking the site for return visits.
Stable members are currently developing a programme of seminars for carefully targeted audiences which regularly encompass and involve other disciplines, professions or jurisdictions. These events centre on current legal topics and often have their genesis in cases presented in court by those taking part. Iain Murray is always pleased to consider invitations to provide speakers for such events.
Murray is the first, and as yet the only Stable, to adopt published standards of client care, available to view on our website. Solicitors instructing advocates who are members of Murray are assured of a rapid response to instructions. Clerks currently answer 96% of telephone calls within four rings. When they are unable to answer immediately they will deal with voicemail within 20 minutes of receipt, during working hours. In the case of Murray the working day starts at 8.30am and concludes at 5.30 pm Monday to Thursday, 5.00pm on Fridays.
Members of the Stable include advocates with established reputations as leaders in a number of fields, including public law, intellectual property, human rights, licensing, employment and family law. Aside from long-standing members, the Stable also has a number of bright young advocates, destined to be the leaders of the future.
Several members of the Stable as originally constituted have indicated an intention to set up a new stable of their own in the New Year. The Murray Stable wishes them well for the future and takes this opportunity to emphasise the Stable's core strengths and values.