Faculty mourns Geoff Clarke QC

Geoff Clarke QC of Compass Chambers has died suddenly while hillwalking.

Mr Clarke, who stepped down as chairman of Faculty Services Limited (FSL) in December after holding the post for three years, called to the bar in 1994 and took silk in 2008.

He specialised in personal injury, professional negligence (including medical negligence) insurance, consumer protection, commercial and contract litigation. He also acted in many rating and valuation appeals, and had a special interest in disease claims and claims of utmost severity, having particular knowledge of health and safety issues. He was ranked in Chambers and Legal 500, was a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb) and was an assessor of advocacy skills for the Faculty of Advocates.

Dean of Faculty Roddy Dunlop QC said he had the “heaviest of hearts” in breaking the news to members. "He went for a hillwalk last Thursday. His heart decided that that walk would be his last. Whilst paramedics reached him swiftly, there was nothing they could do", Mr Dunlop disclosed.

"Geoff, until recently chairman of FSL, was a prominent member of the senior bar. He was also my friend, and a friend to many of you. Geoff leaves wife Kelly, and sons Kieran and Calum. The thoughts of Faculty are first and foremost with them. But my thoughts are also with his many friends at Faculty and in the wider profession."