Eight new recruits to ‘best job in legal profession’

Back Row, from left: Murray Steel, Shane Dundas, Bruce Langlands, Gregor Rolfe. Front: Ranald Macpherson, Tracey Brown, Michael Way.

EIGHT new members have been admitted to the Faculty, and welcomed to “the best job in the legal profession”.     

Those ending their days as devils and donning their wig and gown were: Tracey Brown, Bruce Langlands, Megan Dewart, Ranald Macpherson, Murray Steel, Shane Dundas, Gregor Rolfe and Michael Way.

The Vice-Dean of Faculty, Angela Grahame, QC, officiated at the traditional calling ceremony where, as well as being accepted into the Faculty, the eight were appointed to the public office of Advocate and made the declaration of allegiance before a Senator.

The Vice-Dean said: “You are not only becoming members of the Faculty of Advocates, you are now starting the best job in the legal profession (in my humble opinion). 

“I can guarantee over your careers that you will be challenged, inspired, elated and ...exhausted (not all at the same time) and sometimes, you may even be paid. 

“The best times of your professional life start today - you're not going to regret joining our ranks and I wish you every success in your future careers.  Good luck."

Tracey Brown, from Glasgow, was a nurse for more than ten years. In 2005, she graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MPhil in Law and Medical Ethics, and from the University of Strathclyde with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. She trained as a solicitor with Austin Kelly & Co and qualified in 2008. She was a Senior Solicitor with Thompsons when she commenced devilling.

Bruce Langlands grew up in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, and graduated from the University of Dundee in 2007 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He trained as a solicitor with Digby Brown, qualifying in 2010, and continued with the firm until commencing devilling. He was accredited as a Senior Litigator with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, and was granted extended rights of audience in 2017.

 

Megan Dewart is from Edinburgh and graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2010 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and from the University of Oxford in 2011 with the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law. She trained as a solicitor with Simpson & Marwick WS, qualifying in 2014. Prior to devilling, she was Law Clerk to the Lord President.

Megan Dewart missed the photocall.

 

Ranald Macpherson, from Edinburgh, attended the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 1992 with the degree of Master of Arts in Philosophy with English Literature, and in 1994 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws.He trained as a solicitor with Simpson & Marwick WS and qualified in 1996. He became a partner in 2002 (and latterly with Clyde & Co (Scotland) LLP) and was granted extended rights of audience in 2004.

Murray Steel, from Glasgow, graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2002 with the degree of Bachelor of Accountancy. He graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2005 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and in 2017 with the degree of Master of Laws in Construction Law. He trained as a solicitor with Harper Macleod LLP, qualifying in 2008. He was an Associate with BLM LLP when he commenced devilling.

Shane Dundas grew up in Edinburgh.  He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2015 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and the Diploma in Legal Practice in 2016.  He trained as a solicitor with Clyde & Co (Scotland) LLP, qualifying in 2018, before commencing devilling.

Gregor Rolfe, from Dundee, graduated from the University of Dundee in 2002 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws with German. He trained as a solicitor with Simpson & Marwick WS, qualifying in 2005. After four years with Dundas & Wilson LLP, he returned to Simpson & Marwick, and was appointed a Legal Director of Clyde & Co (Scotland) LLP in 2016. He was granted extended rights of audience in 2012.

Michael Way is from Edinburgh.  He graduated from the University of Oxford in 2006 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence, and from King’s College London in 2012 with the degree of Master of Arts in criminology and criminal justice. In 2015, he graduated from the University of Edinburgh with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He trained as a solicitor with Brodies LLP, qualifying in 2018 before commencing devilling.