Almira Delibegović-Broome QC to chair JUSTICE Scotland

JUSTICE Scotland is to be chaired by Almira Delibegović-Broome QC, taking over from Shelagh McCall QC, the law reform charity has announced.

Originally from Bosnia-Herzegovina, where her legal studies were interrupted due to war, Ms Delibegović-Broome obtained her LLB (Hons) at Edinburgh University and LLM at Harvard, where she was a Fulbright Scholar. After a period in practice as a solicitor she was called to the Scottish bar in 2003 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2017. She has acted in a number of public law cases over the years and among other appointments is a board member of the charity Remember Srebrenica (Scotland).

She takes over from Shelagh McCall QC on 21 June; Ms McCall and vice chair Catherine Smith QC will provide additional support until a new vice chair is appointed. 

Founded in 1957, JUSTICE aims to promote a fairer and more accessible justice system for all, carrying out research and generating practical, workable recommendations for reform. It scrutinises and challenges developments within the justice system that threaten the country’s adherence to human rights and the rule of law. JUSTICE Scotland was established in 2012, following JUSTICE’s successful intervention in Cadder v HM Advocate.

Chief executive Fiona Rutherford commented: "I am incredibly pleased to welcome Almira Delibegović-Broome QC to JUSTICE Scotland and look forward to working with her. Almira joins us at a time when we are increasing our work in Scotland, and her expertise and experience will be invaluable in generating longlasting, systemic change within the Scottish legal system."

Ms Delibegović-Broome QC responded: "It is an honour and a privilege to be taking on the role of JUSTICE Scotland chair. The defence of the rule of law is more important than ever. I look forward to working with our membership and building upon the work of my distinguished predecessors, in making the justice system work fairly and efficiently for all."