News
30 December, 2025
Sir Ian Forrester KC: Ampersand advocate knighted in New Year Honours list
Ampersand is delighted to hear the news that Ian Forrester KC, a Member of the Faculty of Advocates since 1972 and a former Judge of the Court of the European Union, has been conferred the honour of Knight Bachelor on the 2026 New Year Honours list.
Sir Ian is recognised for his lifetime contribution to international legal practice, writing and teaching in law, supporting and actively providing pro bono legal practice, Franco-British legal relations and other charitable work. Before his appointment as an international judge, he also represented a wide range of clients including the Government of Gibraltar, the BBC and the Scottish Football Association, and was described in the legal world as one of the world’s top competition lawyers.
In 2015, he was nominated by the UK to serve as the UK Judge on the General Court of the European Union, a role he fulfilled with distinction, and earned a strong reputation, reflecting well on the UK, right up until the UK’s EU Exit. He has subsequently served on the Competition Appeal Tribunal, is a former President of the Franco British Lawyers Society and an Assembly Trustee of the Church of Scotland, further cementing his legacy in both the legal profession and public service, as well as supporting the arts and music.
Stable Director, Isla Davie KC, said: “Sir Ian Forrester KC has a formidable reputation as one of our leading legal minds. His stellar career and the regard in which he is held in the legal world are testament to that fact. What is perhaps less well known, for those who have not met him in person, is that he is an incredibly charming and modest man. It is a real pleasure having him as a member of Ampersand stable. As the saying goes, this really couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.”
We offer Sir Ian sincere congratulations on this honour.
