SLN Spotlight: Gillian Craig

The SLN Spotlight falls on MacRoberts partner Gillian Craig this week. Gillian joined MacRoberts in 2002 and has a particular interest in property litigation including lease disputes, rectification, variation of title conditions and CPO compensation claims. Clients say she “impresses with her technical prowess on a range of contentious real estate matters”.

What has been your best experience as a lawyer?

There have been lots; I’ve won some pretty tricky cases and you can’t beat the buzz of a good decision; also the first time I was ranked in the directories – recognition by clients and peers is wonderful.

What has been your worst experience as a lawyer?

Again, there’s been a few of those too – being harangued by Sheriff Croan in my first ever court experience (a proof in Kilmarnock Sheriff Court) was something of a baptism of fire – but I learnt a lot, and in particular, that issues with witness availability were not sufficient to discharge a proof apparently (“come mud, blood, hell or high water – this proof is proceeding”).

But that was nothing compared to the genuinely dreadful experience of working through the nights as a corporate trainee – particularly at weekends when my friends would call me from nightclubs. I left university with corporate honours but absolutely hated that type of work in the late 90s.

Or, possibly, the prospect of having to give evidence in the Court of Session on the day I was due to give birth to my first child – I was only released from my citation the night before and had visions of labour in Parliament Hall – which I wasn’t very keen on, obviously.

All in all, you need to develop a thick skin.

Why did you choose the law?

I have an identical twin who is far cleverer than me, she wanted to be a lawyer and I thought it would be a good idea to copy her – I had no idea what I wanted to do. Ironically, she has left the law now – I’m the one who developed a passion for it.

Who or what has been the greatest professional influence in your life?

The partners who brought me on at MacRoberts: Sheriff Craig Turnbull (soon to be Sheriff Principal) and Richard Barrie; chalk and cheese in their approach but both incredibly clever and hugely influential. Also, Louise Arrol (advocate) who convinced me to leave transactional practice for the glory of court work.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in the law?

I am joint senior tutor in the Diploma at Glasgow University, so actually advise students on this regularly. What I always say is that you get out of it what you put in – it’s a career and not just a job, so don’t expect 9-5. But there are any number of roles for a lawyer and it is important to understand your strengths and weaknesses to find the position for you.

What would you want to be if you were not a lawyer?

A vet.

How do you relax after work?

I have two young children and two dogs – whatever “relaxation” is, it involves them.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Millport – I’m obsessed; we’ve had a chalet there since I was a baby and it is full of incredibly happy childhood memories which I’m trying to recreate for my children.