Tell us about your background
My university education began at Strathclyde where I studied Economics and Psychology, graduating in 1975. I went on to study Law at the University of Edinburgh, followed by postgraduate studies at both the University of Oslo and the University of Dundee.
I qualified as one of the first Solicitor Advocates in Scotland and founded the Society of Solicitor Advocates.
Why did you choose Strathclyde?
I chose Strathclyde because I was in a dilemma as to whether to study law or medicine. A family friend of my father's recommended that I pursue an arts degree first and then consider law after that. I already had a strong interest in politics, economics and psychology and hence I chose Strathclyde.
Where are you now?
I am currently involved in the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry, representing the Scottish Police Federation and individual officers, as well as the Scottish Covid Inquiry, where I am representing the Scottish Police Federation and families who lost loved ones in Care Homes.
I was also recently elected President of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences, and I am an adviser to Inside Justice.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been many highlights in my career, but some cases that stand out include the Piper Alpha Disaster Group, the Braer Tanker Disaster Group, the Lockerbie Air Disaster Group, the RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre, the inquiry into the death of rally champion Colin McRae, The Shirkey McKie fingerprint inquiry, and representing the families of the Dunblane Primary school massacre.