Lynda Towers takes public law post at Morton Fraser

Legal firm Morton Fraser has appointed Lynda Towers, formerly Solicitor to the Scottish Parliament, as Director of Public Law.

Ms Towers has had a career of more than 30 years in the public sector, in the Government Legal Service for Scotland before serving eight years as Solicitor to the Scottish Parliament and assistant clerk/assistant chief executive. This role saw her advise the Parliament up to, through and beyond the 2014 independence referendum from an independent legal perspective.

She has also been involved in drafting, interpreting and advising on primary and secondary legislation at both Westminster and Holyrood; advising Government ministers, Presiding Officers and committee conveners. This includes advice on data protection and minimum alcohol pricing matters, with litigation experience in the CJEU, the Supreme Court and Court of Session on issues such as mental health, benefits legislation, fox hunting, planning and state aid.

Morton Fraser’s public sector clients include City of Edinburgh Council, the Ministry of Defence and the Scottish Government Legal Directorate.

Maggie Moodie, partner and public sector lead at Morton Fraser said: “We are on the cusp of major legislative change in Scotland on the back of the Smith Commission and subsequent Scotland Act. Attracting someone of Lynda's calibre at such a pivotal time is a real coup for us and testament to the quality of our team, our clients and our expertise. It underlines our commitment to appointing people that have a real insight into the public sector, having worked within it, who can therefore deliver an enhanced service for clients."

Ms Towers added: "There is so much going on across Scotland’s public sector at the moment and, as such, there is a huge opportunity to play a part in helping Morton Fraser's clients to shape the changes. This role is an exciting new challenge for me.”