Denis Yule

After 50 years of distinguished legal service within the profession, Denis Yule, solicitor with Mackinnons Solicitors LLP has decided to fully retire.

From commencing that journey as a young, fresh-faced legal apprentice with the then L Mackinnons & Son, Market Street, Aberdeen in 1971, Denis has left an indelible mark with his many colleagues and clients in a colourful litigation career.

Those who attended the University of Aberdeen between 1980 and 2010 will recall with affection Denis’ evidence and procedure course and will have learnt and then applied the rules and anecdotes imparted there. Several QCs, sheriffs and judges have been influenced by Denis’ early tutelage. On his part, he has enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing so many of his students progressing their careers and later meeting and sharing stories of experiences learnt.

Many former fiscals within the service will have recognised his attention to detail and the intellectual challenges posed by Denis when reviewing charges in defence of his clients. That was particularly so on the fishing and regulatory side. Legal points were always taken with fair notice and a genuine enjoyment in applying proper legal interpretation of language, meaning and statute. Those clients represented, particularly across the Scottish fishing fleet, all have cause to appreciate Denis’ sage advice and still share long-standing friendships with him to this day.

A skilled negotiator in civil practice, the late Graham Bell QC once remarked that he gave nothing away from his demeanour or outward appearance. From the bench, there will hopefully still be several sheriffs and judges who may read this and acknowledge that Denis’ submissions were always well crafted and put across with clarity and structure.

Other notable highlights from this career include his professional services to the Law Society as an external examiner and serving as president of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen.

We wish Denis and his wife Yvonne a long and enjoyable retirement together. An accomplished performer in amateur dramatics, he will enjoy continued visits to the Edinburgh Festival, Pitlochry and local shows in his native Aberdeen.

Thank you for the good memories and enjoy!