News
13 March, 2026
Susanne Tanner KC Wins Advocate of the Year – Special Recognition at Inaugural BWS Women in Law Awards
Ampersand Advocates is proud to celebrate Susanne Tanner KC FCIArb, who has been honoured with the Advocate of the Year – Special Recognition award at the inaugural BWS Women in Law Awards, held on 12 March 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.
The award recognises outstanding achievement, exceptional contribution to, and lasting impact within the Scottish legal profession — recognition that reflects the breadth and depth of Susanne’s career at the Scottish Bar and beyond.
The BWS Women in Law Awards, organised by Business Women Scotland, were launched to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across the legal profession in Scotland. The inaugural event attracted an exceptional field of nominees and was attended by leading figures from across the legal sector, with an address from The Right Honourable Lady Elish Angiolini, who also received the Lifetime Achievement award. The awards are sponsored by Sharri Plimbley Associates and Finders International, with support from the Law Society of Scotland.
Ampersand Advocates warmly congratulates Susanne on this thoroughly deserved recognition. This award reflects not only what she has achieved, but the positive and lasting impact she continues to have on the legal profession in Scotland and beyond.
Susanne Tanner KC called to the Scottish Bar in 2000 and took Silk in 2016, building a practice that spans public law, personal injury, clinical negligence, criminal law, arbitration, public inquiries, independent investigations and reviews. She was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2019, extending her reach across jurisdictions, and holds professional qualifications as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and as a qualified mediator.
Her criminal law work has placed her at the forefront of some of Scotland’s most complex and high-profile prosecutions. As an Advocate Depute and later as Assistant Principal Crown Counsel, she has led numerous serious High Court trials, specialising in the prosecution of sexual offences and serious and organised crime. Most recently, she chaired a landmark review of the prosecution of sexual offences in Scotland, published in December 2025.
Her public inquiry and independent investigations work is equally distinguished. She has acted in the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry, the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry and the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and served as Independent Chair of an inquiry into sexual offending by a City of Edinburgh Council employee, and a whistleblowing and organisational culture review of local government. She has also appeared before the Supreme Court in both criminal and civil matters.
Speaking of the award, Susanne said: “It was an honour to be part of an event celebrating so many talented women across the legal profession and to have my contribution recognised with this prestigious award. I extend congratulations to all the other finalists and winners”.