20 August 2019

BTO now has 20 Solicitor Advocates – the largest team in any firm in Scotland

Leading independent Scottish law firm BTO Solicitors LLP has announced that two of its associates have become civil Solicitor Advocates. This development brings the total number of Solicitor Advocates in the firm’s ADVantage Advocacy Service team to 20, the highest headcount in any firm in Scotland.

Alistair Barbour and Debbie Reekie were admitted at a calling ceremony today at the Court of Session.  They now have extended rights of audience before the superior civil courts in Scotland as well as the Supreme Court. 

Alistair Barbour is a key member of the largest Insurance litigation team in Scotland, consisting of over 70 professionals. He specialises in personal injury actions and having gained four years’ experience as a pursuers’ agent, he has focused for the last seven years at BTO on the defence of personal injury actions, including employer’s liability, occupier’s liability, public liability, motor claims and claims arising from occupational stress. 

Debbie Reekie, a Law Society of Scotland accredited specialist in family law, trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, is expert in dealing with all aspects of family law, including financial provision on separation and divorce, cohabitation cases, prenuptial agreements and cases involving children.  Of unique benefit to certain clients accused of, or victims of, criminal acts, Debbie also has first-hand experience of the criminal justice system having previously worked as a criminal defence agent.

David Gibson, Chairman at BTO, commented:  “I am delighted that Alistair and Debbie have achieved this qualification.  Their new appointments illustrate their impressive legal and advocacy skills and are a welcome addition to our hugely talented ADVantage team, all of whom are committed to offering advocacy services as a “one stop shop” direct to our clients and to other firms of solicitors who lack their own advocacy capability.”