Administrative & Public Law

Ampersand Advocates houses highly praised practitioners who are skilled at acting in public law cases involving significant constitutional and human rights issues. The stable is praised for its impressive number of highly-rated junior and senior counsel, and members frequently appear before the highest courts in Scotland and the UK. In recent months, members acted on behalf of the Scottish Ministers in a challenge over the lawfulness of the Secretary of State's decision to prevent Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill being submitted for royal assent.

"The clerking team is led by a very experienced clerk,Alan Moffat. He ensures constant review and improvement in the services that the team can provide to both counsel and clients."

"The clerks are always quick to respond and highly helpful."

"The clerks are always very responsive to instructing agents and willing to assist."

Aidan O'Neill KC is involved in cases of the most profound constitutional significance, appearing before the highest courts in the UK and EU. He specialises in challenges against government policy on public law, human rights or EU law grounds. He is renowned for his willingness to argue difficult cases, predominantly on behalf of petitioners. "Aidan is one of the leading Scottish practitioners in this area." "Aidan is phenomenal. His commitment and preparation is pretty much unparalleled." "Aidan is incredibly well-versed in constitutional law and the history of the law in Scotland. He certainly knows his stuff." "In terms of his ability, he is simply brilliant. His knowledge of public law is exceptional and second to none."

Douglas Ross KC has extensive experience representing the Scottish Government in complex judicial reviews. He also accepts instructions from petitioners. He has particular expertise in public law cases involving prisons and human rights law. Public international law is another notable area of focus. "Douglas makes the difficult winning argument appear obvious and irresistible, which is a great quality in an advocate. He always strikes as clear and persuasive."

Ian Forrester KC's return to private practice is a highly significant development for the Scottish Bar. Until 2020 he sat for the UK on the bench of the General Court of the European Union. To the Faculty of Advocates he brings immense experience of legal practice in a host of areas, including competition and international trade law.

Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen KC is an impressive advocate who operates a broad public law practice drawing on commercial, planning, environmental and human rights expertise. She acts for petitioners and respondents and is also active in prominent public inquiries. "Her legal knowledge is excellent and her cases are always well researched. She can take vast amounts of information and distil it down to the key issues. She has high written and oral advocacy skills."

Timothy Young has a strong public law practice featuring a variety of instructions by both pursuers and defenders. He is notably knowledgeable about matters of policing. "His advice to the clients is measured and helpful."

Paul Reid garners praise for his strong expertise in judicial review. He is experienced in the representation of government departments and other public bodies in a broad range of matters ranging from constitutional and EU law to professional regulation and procurement. "Paul is an outstanding advocate." "Paul is my first choice for judicial reviews especially arising out of healthcare matters."

Usman Tariq has a busy public and administrative law practice, in which he acts mostly for central government. He has strong experience of judicial reviews concerning EU, human rights and immigration law. "Usman is a very skilled barrister. He contributes a great deal to strategy."