Colin

I am qualified in both English and Scots law. I was called to the English bar in 1977, having studied English law (for the Bar exams Part 1 and 2) at the Inns of Court School of Law. I undertook a pupillage in Admiralty and also common law and criminal chambers. In 1979-80 I was in private practice as a barrister in the London area dealing mainly with criminal cases. I was in private practice as an advocate in Scotland based in Edinburgh from 1982 until 2020. I undertook substantial written work and litigation mostly concerned with civil law. I undertook work in the following areas: Contract law, Commercial law, Maritime law, and Tort/Delict including professional negligence, Employment law (including Equality law) and Judicial Review. In these areas the Scots law is similar to the English, and reliance on English cases and text books is common. I also undertook work in Scottish Land Law, Conveyancing, Wills, Trusts and Succession and some Criminal law - all areas of law where Scottish law is very different from from English law. I also have experience in the area of Landlord and Tenant law where there are many similarities with English law, and I used English texts and cases frequently.
Apart from having written on law in the form of Opinions for clients, I have contributed substantial legal writing to the Stair Memorial Encyclopedia, The Laws of Scotland, published by Lexis-Nexis. This is the Scottish equivalent of Halsbury's Laws of England. I wrote and contributed the title Shipping and Navigation (1993) (471 pages of text). This was updated by me reissued in updated form in two parts: Carriage by Sea (within the title Carriage) (2002) (224 pages printed version) and Shipping and Navigation (2005) (370 pages printed version). I contributed also the title Admiralty (Reissue) (2014) (299 pages printed version) - a complete rewrite of the very short original title. I edited and updated the title Remedies (2016) (95 pages printed version), which was originally contributed by others and published in 1988, and involved substantial rewriting. These parts of the Encyclopedia are available on the Lexis database to those with access to it. They should make it clear that I am able to write well and ascertain and express the law accurately from statutes, cases and texts.
I haver recent experience teaching lawyers from outside Scotland for the Law Society of Scotland QLA exams.
I am able to teach the following subjects in both Scottish and English law: Contract; Commercial (Sale of goods); Tort/Delict; Employment (including Equality law); Landlord and Tenant; Maritime law; Conflict of laws. I am also able to reach the following Scots law subjects: Legal system; Land law; Land Law and Conveyancing; Wills, Trusts and Succession; Civil Pleading and Practice; Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence; Civil Remedies; Professional Conduct, Scottish Solicitors' Account Rules and Money Laundering.

Tutoring Experience

I gave lectures to audiences of practitioners organized by the Solicitors Group in the period 2015-2017. I was unable to do do this in later years because of other commitments. The subjects were: Landlord and Tenant update, and Remedies for breach of contracts for the sale of land. I have privately assisted a final year student with a large dissertation.
A a practitioner in private practice I regularly had to address courts and tribunals (particularly Employment Tribunals) up to the level of the Inner House of the Court of Session (The equivalent of the Court of Appeal in England). Addressing courts is an onerous task, demanding a correct identification of the relevant issues, clarity, precision and avoiding repetition; being able to deal with matters not in the prepared speech; and having to cope with searching and sometimes hostile questioning from the judges who seek to test the strength of the submission. It is a task which I think is more difficult than teaching, particularly because of the questioning from the court.
I have recent experience teaching lawyers who were studying for the Law Society of Scotland QLA exams. In the academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24 I provided tutoring to undergraduate students studying for a law degree (Scots law). I have also tutored in Scottish civil procedure for the Scottish Diploma in Legal Practice.
I am confident that I have the ability to teach students ranging from those beginning their studies to postgraduate level, and also lawyers seeking qualifications in Scottish law.

Tutoring Approach

In one to one teaching the benefit is that one can identify the particular strengths and weaknesses, and needs of the student. I would always endeavour to do this, and provide emphasis in areas where the student finds difficulty. With beginners I would wish to ensure that they knew how to use carry out research properly (using both books and IT), and were aware the different sources of law and their application, and the role of softlaw. In approaching any subject I have always found that the best approach is to ensure a good knowledge of basic principles which provide a solid framework for more detailed study. The teaching must be relevant, clear and precise, and supported by authority. It is often important to illustrate points by example and explain the reason for the existence of a particular where that is not obvious. It is important: to try and keep the teaching interesting for the student; to recommend the most suitable books sources further research taking account of those recommended by the by teachers at the institution attended by the student; and, to obtain feedback from the student and ensure that the student has understood the teaching. The goal is that the student has gained what is required from the teaching, and has received value for money.
Finally, I must say that if being paid by the hour, I will provide teaching for an hour, and will not quibble about going over an hour for a short time. Any time spent in social conversation and ascertaining what requires to be addressed will not be included. I ensure that a all students get what they pay for. I generally charge 1 hour for a session which lasts for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, so that no student is paying for time taken up by social conversation.
It important that the student not only gain a good knowledge of the subject, but is also able to express himself or herself well, both orally and in writing. In written exams good writing - correct, clear, precise, lucid and well set out - is likely to impress examiners. I consider that I could assist students with this.
Where advance notice can be given of what the student wishes to cover, I will provide my notes to the student at the start of the tutorial. This can assist in covering a greater amount in the tutorial.
I have been providing tuition for over two years, and my experience is that students approach me for help in subjects they are finding difficult. This has meant a lot of tuition in; civil procedure; land law/conveyancing; intellectual property; unjustified enrichment; employment law.
I have been teaching only on line or by telephone conference. Exceptionally, I can teach from home, but if required by the student this will be confined to times when my wife is also at home.
I provide general notes for all subjects. There is no charge for these unless they are written speciaslly in response to a request.