20 September, 2016

Magnificent 6 new silk appointments at Ampersand

Ampersand is proud to announce that almost half of the new Queen’s Counsel approved are Ampersand members.

Her Majesty The Queen approved the appointment of 14 new Queen’s Counsel, on the recommendation of the First Minister, which includes Ampersand’s Lisa Henderson, Lauren Sutherland, Douglas Ross, Euan Mackenzie, Susanne Tanner and Marcus McKay.

The new silk appointments at Ampersand are noted for the diverse range of areas of expertise in which those counsel practice. The appointments come from areas of practice such as Medical and Professional Negligence, Personal Injury, Planning and Environmental and Public law. The appointments bring the number of senior counsel on offer at Ampersand to 25, the highest number in any stable. This is in addition to 29 junior counsel. A large number of the senior and junior members are top ranked by leading legal directories and regarded by the profession as leaders in their respective fields.

Ampersand’s Director, Maria Maguire Q.C. said, “Appointment to the rank and dignity of Queen’s Counsel requires a candidate to meet the criteria which includes – to have demonstrated a marked degree of ability to present complex, difficult, and novel cases in court both clearly and cogently as well as sound intellectual ability, a comprehensive and up to date knowledge of legal principle and the relevant rules of law and procedure. They are expected to have the highest professional standing, respect of Bench and bar and display independence of mind, moral courage and maturity of judgement.  All these appointees undoubtedly share these qualities; I am pleased to see that their hard work, dedication and skills have been recognised in this way. They are exceptional role models.

The appointment of 6 of our juniors to the rank of senior in such diverse areas demonstrates the commitment that Ampersand has to providing advocacy services, at every level, which adhere to these high professional standards. “   Whilst Ampersand Practice Manager, Alan Moffat, added “These recent appointments show a real strength and depth of counsel on offer at Ampersand across a whole range of practice areas, many of which we are particularly regarded for. I am in no doubt that our 6 new silks will add real value to cases in which they are instructed, continuing the great work they have already achieved at the bar. These are well deserved appointments and I am sure their practices will continue to flourish.”

The press release, which details all the appointments, from the Scottish Government can be viewed here.

Back to News & Events