The Stable
The Mackinnon Stable was first established in 1990 with a complement of some 27 members and over the following decade grew to a point at where it was the largest Stable in the Faculty of Advocates at the time, having up to 48 members for some years up to the year 2000. That year, as a result of rationalization and restructuring by the Faculty due to the increasing numbers joining, a decision was taken to create new Stables within the existing structure and this Stable was split to allow for the creation of one of the extra new groupings.

At this moment in time we are a more compact unit, presently comprised of some 33 members at differing levels of seniority, each of whom remains an entirely independent legal practitioner and who provide representation for clients in courts of law, tribunals, hearings and inquiries at all levels in Scotland and on occasion abroad. They also provide opinions and draft and revise legal documents.

Types of work undertaken
The majority of our members are criminal practitioners who represent a wide variety of clients in different cases in the High court, Sheriff Court and The Court of criminal Appeal. We also have a number of counsel in the stable with mixed criminal and civil practices covering a diverse area including; reparation, employment law, property law, human rights, medical negligence, child welfare law, social security law, immigration, prison law, licensing, planning and judicial review matters.

The Clerks
The Clerks are responsible for the day to day administration of Counsels' practices. They can give advice on the selection of appropriate Counsel for any particular piece of work taking into account the nature of the work involved, Counsel's availability, experience, special knowledge and interests. In addition the Clerks have responsibility for the negotiation of Counsels' fees. In private fee paying matters the Clerk can provide an estimate of the costs and is happy to negotiate fee levels in advance coming to a binding agreement prior to the case proceeding. In general the level of fees is likely to depend on the seniority and experience of the advocate and the difficulty and importance of the case.

The clerks can be contacted through e-mail, by post or by telephone on the numbers shown on this site and will be able to provide you with any other information you may require regarding the Stable.