Solicitors find solace in drink

SCOTTISH solicitors stricken by the credit crunch and legal aid cutbacks are turning to drink and drugs as they fail to cope with business collapse.

LawCare, the charity that provides confidential advice to lawyers suffering from stress, alcoholism and other problems, has revealed that 30 per cent of male and 20 per cent of female lawyers are drinking to excess.

The charity has seen calls to its helpline from lawyers suffering from depression and stress rise 22 per cent.