I am an Advocate at the Faculty of Advocates, the independent referral bar in Scotland and a member of Optimum Advocates. I was a solicitor and notary public in Scotland from 2016-2021. I worked mainly in the fields of civil litigation and information law. My areas of interest include public and administrative law, criminal law, data protection and privacy, freedom of information, family law and property disputes. I have a Bachelor of Laws degree (with honours) from the University of Stirling and a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and a Master of Laws degree, from the University of Strathclyde.

My honours dissertation (2013) was titled ‘To Codify or not to Codify? An exploration of codification of the criminal law and a consideration of  whether Scotland should adopt a criminal code.’ While my Masters dissertation (2015) considered the use by the Information Commissioners of their power to issue Monetary Penalty Notices for breaches of the Data Protection Act 1998; with a view to considering the incidents in which Data Controllers could expect a Monetary Penalty Notice as possessed to other forms of regulatory penalty.

Legal Advice

This blog is written for recreational purposes as a outlet for my thoughts and views on various legal topics.  Nothing written on this blog should be relied upon as legal advice and should not be used as a replacement for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances. I am, of course, happy to provide legal advice and should you wish to instruct me, you can contact the clerking team at Optimum Advocates. Please note that as a member of the Faculty of Advocates I can only be instructed by solicitors and others with the right to instruct Scottish counsel, my clerks can assist should you need guidance on this point.

Prout de jure

Prout de jure is a general proof of facts and circumstances according to law.  It appeared to be a fitting title for the blog given the purpose that it exists for.