General information
Iain called to the Bar in 2022 as a Faculty Scholar. He specialises in public law, including immigration and asylum, retained EU law, human rights, and judicial review.
Whilst devilling, Iain gained experience of drafting petitions and answers for judicial reviews and preparing notes of argument and grounds of appeal. He also gained experience of commercial procedure, drafting pleadings for breach of contract and professional negligence actions, and opinions on issues such as implied contractual terms and enforceability of a standard security.
During his time as a solicitor, Iain regularly appeared in the immigration tribunal in complex criminal deportation, EEA, human rights, and asylum appeals. He has litigated several cases in which the best interests of the child were a key issue. He was also involved in a Sheriff Court action for damages seeking reparation following detention of fishing vessels by the Home Office.
Iain was appointed as a Nominated Presenting Officer by the Office of the Advocate General in April 2022, representing the Secretary of State in immigration appeals. Notwithstanding this appointment, he is free to accept instructions on behalf of petitioners and appellants.
In June 2022 Iain was appointed as Standing Junior Counsel to the Faculty of Advocates Complaints Committee & Disciplinary Tribunal.
Whilst devilling, Iain worked for the Citizens Rights Project as a Welfare Rights Officer, drafting information sheets outlining the requirements EU citizens need to meet to access benefits. Iain also regularly writes for the Free Movement blog.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Laws with Honours of the First Class, University of Glasgow, 2013
Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, University of Aberdeen, 2014
DEVILMASTERS
David Massaro (commercial contracts, property, professional negligence, judicial review)
Tim Haddow (public law, immigration, human rights)
Janice Green (criminal)