Quill Legal offering free powers of attorney through unpaid carers’ charity
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Pictured (L-R): Lucy Butterworth of VOCAL and Kay Blaikie of Quill Legal
Edinburgh law firm Quill Legal is working with local charity VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) to offer a pro bono service to provide powers of attorney to unpaid carers and those they care for.
Partner Kay Blaikie has supported carers at the charity’s Edinburgh Carers’ Hub twice a month since August 2024.
Her usual fee for drawing up a continuing and welfare power of attorney is waived, although donations to VOCAL are invited from those who can afford it.
Any contributions made support VOCAL, which works across Edinburgh and Midlothian.
Ms Blaikie said: “Putting a power of attorney in place is such an important step to take. It operates like an insurance policy and carers who sign up for the scheme then have the necessary authority to act on behalf of those they care for, should the need arise.
“The initiative provides an opportunity for carers to start putting their affairs in order and to protect those they care for.
“Quill Legal is a boutique law firm which offers private client services, wills, powers of attorney and the administration of estates as well as a wide variety of notarial services.
“Although there are a number of schemes available in Scotland which offer simple wills in return for a donation to charity, there is little in existence to encourage the granting of a power of attorney by those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
“I wanted to change that and am proud to support VOCAL in this modest way. If any other solicitors would like to volunteer some of their time or to find out more, please get in touch!”
VOCAL provides a crucial service for carers in the community and it is hoped that this scheme will continue so long as there is a need.
Lucy Butterworth, carer services manager at VOCAL said: “We are incredibly grateful to Kay for her generous support and expertise in delivering power of attorney surgeries for our carers.
“Planning for the future is an important consideration for carers, but it can often feel overwhelming.
“We are delighted that Kay is able to offer this service, providing carers with key information and helping them navigate legal matters with confidence and peace of mind.”
Solicitors interested in joining the initiative should contact Ms Blaikie on kay@quilllegal.co.uk.
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