Two new members for Themis Advocates

Prior to calling to the bar, Mr Shabbir was head of Court of Session litigation at a boutique litigation firm in Edinburgh. As a solicitor, he had a significant and varied judicial review practice encompassing immigration/nationality law, professional liability, oil and gas and electoral disputes. He acted as Edinburgh agent for several years in some of the leading public law cases in Scotland.

He also practised within a band 1 rated team in a leading international law firm defending professional negligence claims, primarily for professionals in the construction sector, insurance brokers, financial advisors and accountants, on behalf of some of the UK’s largest insurers. His practice encompassed wider commercial litigation work including commercial contracts, insolvency, and shipping. He was involved in advising and representing a core participant in the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry. Whilst devilling, he gained further experience in professional negligence claims against solicitors.

Mr Whitaker joins Themis with a wealth of experience, having been a solicitor for nine years practising in commercial energy law within leading international firms in Scotland, Singapore and London. Having worked on high value international complex energy projects, he has also been involved in international arbitration relating to energy disputes. The focus of his devilling was public law where he gained experience in equality, human rights, immigration, and asylum law. In addition, he was also involved in commercial disputes, criminal trials and appeals.

Themis practice manager Kiera Johnston said: “I am delighted to welcome both Bilaal and Kristian to Themis Advocates. Both are extremely, well established litigators, whom I am excited to be working with and building their practices together. They bring a wealth of knowledge and will be great additions to the team.”