SILK OF THE YEAR 2018
Lockerbie Appeal, Glasgow Bin Lorry Case, Nat Fraser Trial, David Gilroy Appeal
One of the very few QCs in Scotland to have appeared before the UK Supreme Court on several occasions
Senior Counsel for main survivors' group at Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry; chair of independent reviews into stop and search (2015), biometrics in policing (2017/18), the impact on communities of the 1984/85 Miners' Strike (2018/19); Mental Health Legislation (2019 to date); chairing Independent Advisory Group looking at Police Scotland's use of Coronavirus Emergency Powers (April 2020 to date)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000jcz7/appeal-court-the-end-of-the-line
https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/john-scott-qc-to-lead-scrutiny-of-emergency-police-powers
https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/john-scott-qc-warns-court-system-is-heading-for-crisis
http://www.journalonline.co.uk/Magazine/63-10/1026396.aspx
http://www.journalonline.co.uk/videos/#.W8S9xS-ZNQI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiFM5cxG2Rs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eTJsAN3R9Q
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/jul/09/murder-trial-tv-review-court
John Scott represented us in a very challenging nuanced situation and received a very successful result.
I had cause to engage John Scott QC [as a criminal defence lawyer] in December 2015 until July 2017. I had initially engaged another lawyer. I quickly became disenchanted due to the poor calibre and quality of advice I was receiving and sought a change of representation.
I took soundings from other lawyers to find a name that not only was considered excellent in the law, but was also characterised by their integrity and probity. The name I was given was John Scott QC and I have to say he did not disappoint. From the outset he was supportive, candid and did all he could to set my mind at rest. Suddenly the advice I was receiving was based on fact, balance and judgement. His language was measured, his manner was courteous at all times and I had no doubt that I could trust him to act in my best interests. The fee basis was entirely customer-centric and I have no doubt I received excellent value for money which contrasted sharply with my previous experience.
More than even in matters legal, I saw him reflect and apply nuance to wider issues and challenges the legal establishment must consider. He is clearly an asset to Scottish society and I predict a growing contribution as he moves through his career.
As events unfolded I had no need of his undoubted excellent legal knowledge. However, I have no hesitation in providing a very positive recommendation for the way he conducts himself.
Some thoughts from me about the profession and law
Award winning lawyer from an award winning firm.
Silk of the Year - The Law Awards of Scotland, November 2018.
The Firm Magazine’s Criminal Lawyer of the Year in 2009, 2010, 2011 and once again in 2013 (there was no award in this category in 2012 and it has not been awarded since 2013). No other lawyer has received this award on 4 consecutive occasions.
Only criminal defence lawyer in Scotland to be recognised repeatedly as a Leading Individual in key UK legal directory "The Legal 500".
Former Senior Partner in Firm recommended repeatedly in top rankings for Crime in Scotland in the two key UK Legal Directories (Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners).