Formed in 1991, Westwater Advocates was the first stable in Scotland to "devolve" and become self governing in March 2007. It is well-established and highly respected multi-disciplinary stable. Devolution means that the members now control admission to and most aspects of the management of the stable. Self governing status has allowed the stable to begin to develop further the business of its already sought-after members and to improve service delivery by its members.

The stable:
One of Scotland's oldest established and largest, Westwater Advocates comprises 47 advocate members including 9 silks, who offer widely recognised expertise across almost all areas of Scots law - both in the provision of advice and representation. Members appear regularly in courts at all levels for a broad range of clients. They also appear regularly in tribunals, fatal accident inquiries, arbitrations and mediations.

Sheila Westwater has been clerk since 1991 and is assisted by deputy Christina Ballantyne. After the promotion of second deputy Gavin Herd to the position of Clerk in Compass Chambers, new deputy Jane Morrison joins the stable on 24th January The team is highly motivated and extremely approachable. The clerks are committed to providing an excellent service. They will advise with integrity and sensitivity on the availability and suitability of advocates for particular work. They will help to choose the right advocate. They will happily advise on the practicalities of instructing counsel. They are always willing to agree fees in advance. As part of its commitment to improving the services offered by it and its members the stable welcomes feedback on all aspects of those services.

Types of work undertaken:
The stable offers a wealth of expertise at all levels of seniority in several notable fields - personal injury, professional (including medical) negligence, contract and commercial work (including construction, insolvency, leases, banking, insurance and partnership matters), family law (financial provision for divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements, adoption and international child abduction, intellectual property and employment law.
The stable also includes highly respected practitioners widely recognised as pre-eminent in the fields of licensing, agricultural and land law, planning, media law, judicial review, childrens' referrals and mental health. While most members work in civil matters the stable includes several notable criminal practitioners with particular expertise in proceeds of crime, health and safety prosecutions and white collar crime.

Instructions are welcome from members of accredited professional bodies under the Direct Professional Access Scheme.

For further information, please visit www.westwateradvocates.com