After 349 years, RFPG has first woman Dean

The Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow has elected the first female Dean in its history of at least 349 years.

Nicola Irvine, a partner in Glasgow solicitors Russells Gibson McCaffrey, has been chosen to lead the respected legal body, which has existed since before 1668 and represents the majority of legal practitioners in Greater Glasgow.

Born and brought up in Glasgow, Ms Irvine graduated in law from the University of Strathclyde in 1999 where she also secured her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. She joined Russells Gibson McCaffrey in 2002 and specialises in civil litigation, commercial disputes, debt recovery and criminal defence work. She is also a member of the Law Society of Scotland's Civil Jistice Committee.

As Dean she succeeds Gilles Graham of Clyde & Co. Donald Reid, chairman and partner in Mitchells Roberton, has been elected Vice Dean.

Ms Irvine commented: “Some might say that in 2017 and after 349 years it was about time that the Faculty elected a woman to be Dean; as proud as I am of that, it does not detract from the privilege of being elected by my peers to represent them.

“I expect to be very busy over the next two years and intend to be an active Dean. The Faculty is a proactive organisation which provides members with a comprehensive programme of continual professional development and representation at the highest level. The Faculty regularly responds on behalf of members to Government consultations in relation to proposed changes in the law.”