Areas of Practice: Varied civil practice (e.g., reparation, contentious property and executry, commercial).  Particular expertise in cross-border issues (i.e., questions of jurisdiction, choice of law, and the recognition of judgments), this being the field in which Kirsty obtained her PhD, and has published, led seminars, and given talks. 

Available for both appearance (Court of Session, Sheriff Court) and opinion work.

Called to the Bar in England and Wales 2021 and is a Tenant in Normanton Chambers

Hard working, good judgment and problem-solving ability, approachable

Publications:  Kirsty’s publications are in the area of private international law (and its interaction with the UK’s constitutional structure), and court practice and procedure. In particular:  Author of Conflict of Laws within the UK (OUP, 2007) • Contributor to Wilkinson & Norrie, The Law Relating to Parent and Child in Scotland (3rd edn., W Green, 2013) • Author of “’International’ Rules in an Internal Setting” in Ruiz Abou-Nigm, McCall-Smith & French (eds), Linkages and Boundaries in Private and Public International Law (Hart, 2018) • LexisNexis Lexis PSL Public Law (online service) – provided material for Practice Notes on: ‘The Mechanics of Devolution: an overview’, ‘Structure and operation of the Scottish Parliament: overview’, ‘Structure and operation of the Welsh Assembly: overview’, ‘The process of decision making in Northern Ireland’, and ‘Structure and operation of the Northern Ireland Assembly: overview’ LexisNexis, • LexisPSL Dispute Resolution (online service) – provided material for Practice Notes on ‘Jurisdiction in Scotland – Overview’, ‘Determining jurisdiction in Scottish civil proceedings – checklist’, and ‘Factual evidence in Scottish civil litigation’ • Contributor of the `Cross-border Jurisdiction’ section in Scottish Family Law Service (looseleaf, LexisNexis, 2015 to date) • Contributor of the ‘Court of Session’ chapter in Greens Scottish Lawyer’s Factbook (looseleaf, W Green) • Author of ‘Families in a Family of Nations: Intra-British Islands Recognition of Adult Relationships’ 2020 Jur. Rev. 153 • Author of ‘Drawing Inspiration? Reconsidering the Procedural Treatment of Foreign Law’ (2006) 1 J Priv Int L 181.

Teaching/training:  This has also been in the fields of private international law, and court procedure. In particular, Kirsty has: • led seminars on the private international law aspects of family law as part of the International Private Law Honours course at Edinburgh University (Sessions 2006/07 to 2015/16, 2017/18), and on conflict of laws within the UK (Session 2014/15) • led seminars on certain private international law aspects of family law as part of the International Family Law Honours course at Glasgow University (Sessions 2014/15 to 2015/16, 2017/18 to 2019/20) • led the seminar on private international law aspects of family law on the European Young Lawyers Programme at Edinburgh University (2004 – 2006). • lectured on ‘Evidence, the Process of Litigation and Diligence’ on the Civil Jurisdiction and Evidence course at Glasgow University (Session 2005/06 to Session 2011/12, Session 2013/14). • trained Instructor (Faculty of Advocates).

Other Information • Appointed to Guernsey Financial Services Commission’s Panel of Senior Decision Makers (Aug. 2016 to date) • Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland: Legal Member (Dec 2021 to date) • Was Clerk of Faculty (Faculty of Advocates) between Oct. 2014 and April 2019 • Was Clerk to the Examiners & Depute Clerk (Faculty of Advocates) between 2009 and 2014 • Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Board: was Advocate Member between Jan. 2014 and Dec 2021 • Civil Courts Review: was a Member of the Policy Group (2007 – 2009) • Member of the Franco-British Lawyers Society (Secretary of Scottish Committee: 2006 – 2014).

General Information

•  LLB (First Class Hons) (University of Glasgow)
• Dip LP (with Distinction) (University of Glasgow)
• PhD (University of Glasgow)
• Called to the Bar in England and Wales 2021