Simon Bowie KC

Listed as a Leading Silk (Legal 500, 2024)

“A highly regarded silk who is regularly retained to defend institutions and individuals implicated in alleged medical negligence….He is widely recognised for his involvement in large group actions. (Chambers 2024)”

“A thoughtful, detailed, organised and clever advocate who has the ear of the court. A very thorough, calm and methodical approach” (Chambers 2023)

“An excellent strategist…an excellent advocate… first-class skills in dealing with clients… very approachable” (Chambers 2022)

“Regularly retained to defend institutions and individuals implicated in alleged medical negligence…..very responsive” (Chambers 2021)

“A highly regarded silk….an excellent advocate…” (Chambers 2020)

“A highly experienced and astute senior counsel who hides considerable steel under an air of unflappable congeniality” “A highly regarded silk” (Chambers 2019)

“Very good in court… very knowledgeable… always very well prepared”  “His attention to detail is second to none.”  “Extremely user friendly. Very good with clients”  (Chambers 2018)

“Has the ear of the court… excellent at defending cases” (Chambers 2017)

“Very intellectually able… measured, unflappable and very dedicated” (Chambers 2016)

“Always ensures that the client’s best interests are kept centre stage” (Chambers 2015)

“Widely recognised for his work on behalf of both clinical institutions and health professions” (Chambers 2014)

Simon Bowie KC undertakes a wide range of civil litigation. He has “an impressive and broadranging practice which covers a wide range of civil and commercial work.” (Chambers 2014) He has over 19 years experience; he has appeared at most levels of the Scottish criminal and civil court systems.

He has extensive experience of oral advocacy. “He is very calm, self assured, reasonable and a very smooth advocate”. “He has excellent attention to detail”. His “ability to swiftly grasp vast amounts of information is superb.” (Chambers 2015) He has appeared in proofs and reclaiming motions in the Court of Session, and prosecuted serious crime in the High Court and the Appeal Court. He has acted in high profile cases involving complex and novel points of law: shipping/oil and gas law (The “Braer” Oil tanker litigations), construction law (Costain Engineering v Scottish Rugby Union arbitration), negligence/scope of duty of care of police (Gibson v Chief Constable of Strathclyde); corporate insolvency (Geddes Petitioner). Between 2005 to 2008 he was appointed standing junior to the Department for Work and Pensions (social security) and the Home Department (immigration).

Recent high profile instructions/cases: UK/Scottish Covid Inquiries for Public Health Scotland (2023); UK Infected Blood Inquiry for Scottish Health Boards and SNBTS (to January 2023); Mesh litigation “class action” – principal senior counsel for NHS Scotland defending around 500 cases – largest medical litigation in Scottish legal history. Retained by the Scottish Football Association.