Biography

Clara Smeaton called to the Bar in June 2023 as Lord Reid scholar.

 Clara completed her training contract at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. She worked as a procurator fiscal depute for several years at Glasgow and Hamilton Sheriff Courts, including in the solemn trials team at Glasgow, and in the specialist domestic abuse unit. 

 Clara was seconded to EuroJust in the Hague, where she worked on the UK desk on cases involving the prosecution of transborder crime by organised criminal groups.

 Having a strong interest in immigration and international law, Clara subsequently worked in the asylum law department at Jones Whyte in Glasgow, before joining the immigration department at McGill and Co. (subsequently joining Burness Paull LLP).

 Clara developed a particular interest in immigration appeal work, as well complex applications and administrative reviews under the EU Settlement Scheme and the Covid-19 Home Office concessions.