Faculty members honoured by Edinburgh university

EDINBURGH Napier University (ENU) has recognised two Faculty members this month by awarding an honorary doctorate and an alumni award.

Angela Grahame KC was formally named a Doctor of the University during a graduation ceremony for students from ENU’s Business School at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

Ms Grahame was Vice Dean of the Faculty of Advocates, the second female incumbent ever to hold this position at Faculty, from 2016 to 2020. She called to the Bar in 1995 and took silk in 2009. Her principal areas of practice include cases relating to personal injury and clinical negligence, often involving large-value and complex claims. She has acquired a specialism in public inquiries, all of which have had a high profile. She is currently Chair of the Professional Conduct Committee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Reacting to her graduation, she said: "It is a complete surprise and an absolute honour to be awarded this doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University. To be awarded this honour by a university that is providing students with both a brilliant education and a bright future in employment is an absolute privilege and joy.”

Giving her official laureation, Professor Richard Whitecross, ENU’s Head of Law, said she had “contributed extensively to legal education and the development of future generations of advocates. She has lectured, mentored, and inspired countless students, trainees and Devils, instilling in them not only the skills of advocacy, but also the professional values of integrity, service and humanity. Her efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that the Scottish Bar is open and accessible to talented individuals regardless of their background."

ENU LLB alumnus and Faculty member Bilaal Shabbir has received a 2025 Excellence Award from the university. An Alumni Award, this recognises an individual or a group of alumni who have shown excellence and distinction in their personal and/or professional lives, and who have made a positive contribution to the university, their community, and profession.

Mr Shabbir graduated from ENU in 2018. After being named Paralegal of the Year, he was called to the Scottish Bar as a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 2023. He is chair of several major sporting disciplinary panels in football, golf, athletics, cricket, and padel.

“My work is quite varied as I specialise in public law and commercial dispute resolution,” said Mr Shabbir. “My public law work encompasses sports law (including sporting discipline and regulation), immigration and nationality law, and professional liability. I am also involved in commercial dispute resolution work, which encompasses professional negligence actions, unfair prejudice cases, and corporate insolvency matters.”

Commenting on receiving the award, he said: “It feels indescribably special because it's a reminder of the long journey I have taken. All those late nights and all kinds of blessings and prayers have carried me through.”