Profile

What is your own practice area?

Family law, child law, criminal defence, road traffic. I am also a safeguarder appointed by Children 1st in June of last year and I’m regularly preparing reports for children's hearings, bar reports for the court and I do quality asssurance civil peer reviews for the Society.

What motivates you to get up on a Monday morning?

I actually enjoy my job: I love appearing in court and I like the varied nature of my work. I also have many good friends in the court, and a fantastic bunch of colleagues in the office.

What's your top tip for new lawyers?

Be prepared to diversify and learn new skills. Don’t pigeonhole yourself too early. Be prepared to ask for help, be approachable and don’t be frightened. If you make a mistake, it's not the end of the world; be open and honest. Be prepared and always remember to know the other side of the case and the arguments that will be presented against your case. That way, you will know how to deal with issues which arise. Finally, be realistic and manage people's expectations, especially if they are potentially unrealistic. Be nice! Oh, and a good sense of humour helps!

How long have you been a member of the committee and how did you become involved?

I was appointed just before the summer. After training, we dealt with mock appeals and had lively discussion regarding our approach. Appeals are now coming in for resolution and discussion at the meetings on the second Thursday of each month.

What have been the highlights for you personally?

The training was very good. Philip Yelland is excellent, as is David Meighan. The discussions and assessment process were wonderful. It is great to be working with such able people, along with all my colleagues on the committee, who come from such a broad and diverse set of backgrounds. Getting a car parking space at Drumsheugh Gardens is also a bit of a highlight, when you travel by car from Ayrshire!

What big project/issue is the committee working on at the moment?

A rather complex appeal indeed! I can't go into too much detail but one of the appeals which has come in carried a substantial file of papers for us all to digest. I am to chair the committee as a result of one of my colleagues having a conflict of interest.

What do you see as the other main issues that the committee will have to address in the near future?

Admissions appeals and Guarantee Fund appeals. The latter are usually fairly complex and not just a matter of yea or nay at all. I suppose there is also the possibility that our areas of competent appeals are increased, in order to avoid the present appeal route being exclusively to the court.

Are you a member of any other committees?

No.

If you could change only one thing for members, what would it be?

A reduction in the volume of paperwork and forms required in legal aid applications, particularly civil applications. There is duplication of various questions and often the emphasis is purely on form filling rather than the merits of a case.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

My wife Sarah, and the two “Gs”, guitar and golf. I play guitar in three different bands – one is an out-and-out rock band, one a large professional function band, and one an acoustic trio. This year I have already played two stadium-type festivals and I've been in the studio recording and rehearsing. I have a collection of guitars and amps. I also love golf and play as often as I can. Both take you away completely from the world of law.