She joins the firm with a focus on public and regulatory law, data protection, freedom of information, human rights, corporate governance and parliamentary affairs.

Working closely alongside fellow Harper Macleod partners Jennifer Jack and James McMorrow, she will be based within the firm’s corporate, commercial and regulatory team, which advises a wide range of public sector clients on regulatory and public law matters, and private businesses on their interaction with government and public bodies.

Ms Killen has worked in the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament and the US Senate in legal and political roles, and in higher education, as well as more than twenty years in private practice. She was a member of the Scottish government’s Human Rights Leadership Task Force and sits on the Law Society’s sub-committees on constitutional law, human rights, privacy law and its freedom of information working group.

Martin Darroch, chief executive of Harper Macleod, said: “Fiona’s appointment to the firm underlines our commitment to serving and advising Scotland’s public sector, and those who engage with it.

“Fiona is a leader in her field. Among her many strengths is her ability to see the big picture along with the operational detail across a wide range of aspects of public life in Scotland. As well as advising on public law and regulatory matters, she recognises its impact on day-to-day life and the issues which matter most to the whole of Scotland.”

Ms Killen said: “Scotland has embraced a rights-based approach in many areas of life, meaning public bodies are tasked with delivering equitable and person-centred services. At the same time, the country is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, creating multiple pressures on public resources.

“Harper Macleod is embedded within civic Scotland and advises high-profile clients on complex situations across all walks of life. It is a real privilege to join the firm and to work alongside already highly-respected colleagues.”