Robert Howie KC
Robert Howie KC was admitted as an advocate in 1986. He took silk in 2000. He has been involved in a large number of adjudications as Counsel, legal adviser or adjudicator. He has also acted as the Court’s reporter in several petition cases including Earl of Balfour, Petitioner 2003 SC (HL) 1 and Chisholm, Petitioner 2006 SLT 394. He regularly appears in the Inner and Outer Houses of the Court of Session. He has appeared in the Sheriff Court, the Lands Tribunal and in several Arbitrations. Robert Howie has also led in the House of Lords and the UK Supreme Court.
Robert Howie KC is ranked in the current edition of Chambers and Partners under 4 areas of practice. In Construction Law he is described as “A really great lawyer who is deserving of his great reputation and an opponent to be reckoned with… He is very good at marshalling and dealing with legal arguments.” He is also ranked in Chambers and Partners for Insolvency described as being “very commercially and tactically minded… His advice is always first-class, clear, well thought out and supported by detailed knowledge of case law.” Under Commercial Dispute Resolution “His thoroughness and knowledge are second to none… He is one of the cleverest advocates at the Scottish Bar. He’s near the top of the pile in terms of quality commercial work.” And under Professional Negligence “He has an amazing ability to come up with a left-field argument… He is very bright, very able and an inventive thinker.”
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Sheena Hume
Sheena joined Ampersand in 2015. Prior to joining us, Sheena worked at a top Edinburgh Law firm, initially as a trainee then as a Solicitor in their Employment Department. Sheena holds a LL.B and Legal Practice Diploma from the University of Edinburgh.
Sheena’s legal experience provides her with ideal insight to assist with all inquires in relation to instructing counsel. Sheena brings a friendly and professional service to the Clerking team and is always ready to assist.
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Shawn McArthur
Shawn McArthur joined Ampersand in 2018. Prior to joining Ampersand Shawn was a Legal Secretary at a global law firm, based in Edinburgh, working Dispute Resolution and prior to that worked in Property and Insolvency teams.
Shawn brings a friendly outlook and efficient work ethic to the team.
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Jennifer Dunn
Jennifer Dunn joined Ampersand in 2007. She holds an honours degree in politics and completed a paralegal qualification in Civil Court Practice. With over 15 years experience in the legal sector, including time as a Legal Secretary in a firm of Edinburgh solicitors, Jennifer has an extensive knowledge of all aspects of instructing counsel.
Jennifer’s personable outlook and efficient manner has established her as an important member of the Clerking team.
Jennifer works Mondays to Thursdays.
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Alan Moffat
Alan Moffat heads up the Ampersand Clerking team. With over 25 years experience in the legal sector, Alan has been with the stable since 2000 – initially as deputy clerk and taking over as head clerk in 2007. Alan previously worked at the Sottish Legal Aid Board. Alan holds an LL.B with Distinction and paralegal certificates in civil court practice and criminal law. He is the Legal 500 Scotland Awards Clerk of the year 2024.
Alan has in-depth knowledge of fees in privately funded cases, judicial expenses and legal aid funding. He regularly attends taxations before Auditors of Court and negotiates accounts on behalf of counsel.
Alan has particular interests in LegalTech and Wellbeing and sits on the Law Society of Scotland’s LawscotTech Advisory Board and on the Faculty of Advocates Wellbeing Committee. He has spoken regularly for the Law Society of Scotland’s ‘CPD for New Lawyers’ series, on instructing advocates and is happy to provide insight into the bar for trainee and newly qualified solicitors.
During his career, Alan has built up an extensive knowledge of legal practice, providing him with the tools to assist Ampersand’s instructing agents and members. Alan’s knowledge of members’ practises and fees means he is well placed to assist with all inquiries in relation to instructing counsel.
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Aidan O’Neill KC
King’s Counsel at the Scottish Bar, Bar of England and Wales and Bar of Ireland. A wide ranging legal practice in both London and Edinburgh, with particular experience and expertise in commercial judicial review, environmental/Aarhus law and in employment/equality law. A specialist in EU law, in human rights law and in UK constitutional law. Awarded the Legal 500 UK Bar Award for Scottish Silk of the year for 2020 and EU law Silk of the year in 2015 and Scottish Legal Awards 2017, 2018 and 2019 Silk of the year.
A highly experienced pleader before the top courts. Senior counsel in almost thirty cases to date from across the UK before the UK Supreme Court/ House of Lords, as well before the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights.
Previously teaching fellow at Princeton and Edinburgh universities. Author of substantial academic articles, blog posts and legal practitioner texts.
Selected recent Cases
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