Graeme Hawkes QC is an experienced commercial litigator, with a particular emphasis on commercial contracts, property and professional negligence. He also has a public law practice, having been a standing junior to the Scottish government (2005-11) and regularly appearing in extradition cases on behalf of the Lord Advocate (including two Supreme Court appeals).

Archie MacSporran QC has a broad experience in civil litigation, having called to the bar in 1992, and specialises in high value, complicated medical negligence cases in the Court of Session. He has acquired very considerable experience in cerebral palsy and other brain injury cases.

Laura-Anne van der Westhuizen QC has a civil practice with particular emphasis on commercial law, planning and environmental law and public law. Since calling to the bar in 2009 she has been instructed in a variety of general commercial matters including company and insolvency matters, contractual disputes and shipping matters. She has been instructed for developers and local authorities in planning disputes, for interested parties in fatal accident and public inquiries, and in relation to judicial reviews. Before calling to the Scottish bar she practised as an advocate in South Africa from 2002 and continues to hold membership at the Cape bar. She called to the bar of England and Wales in 2008.

Stable director Susanne Tanner QC said: “I warmly congratulate Graeme, Archie and Laura-Anne on their appointments as Queen’s Counsel. I know that they will all thoroughly enjoy practice at the senior bar. Their appointments increase the number of Ampersand silks to 28, offering services across all of our key practice areas.”