Dean of Faculty election begins as Jackson steps down

The process of electing the next Dean of the Faculty of Advocates has begun as Gordon Jackson QC has stepped down after four years in the post.

Mr Jackson, the first Dean from the criminal branch of Faculty, who previously served two years as Vice Dean, succeeded James Wolffe QC in June 2016. He announced his intention to resign in the wake of the Alex Salmond trial, in which he represented Mr Salmond, following controversy when he was recorded making remarks about some of the complainers while on a train journey.

Under the Faculty’s constitution, there is no automatic progression from Vice Dean to Dean and an election is held. Faculty’s membership is being invited to submit nominations within the next fortnight.

If more than one nomination is received, an online ballot will follow and the result will be announced on 28 July.