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    MEET THE TEAM

    MULTI AWARD WINNING SCOTTISH LAWYER

    MEET THE TEAM

    Aamer Anwar

    Principal Solicitor

    MA(Hons), LLB, DipRCR, Dip LP, NP

    For over three decades Aamer has been a tireless advocate of civil liberties, building a fearsome reputation in criminal law and cutting-edge civil liberties law, The best description of Aamer Anwar given by an ex-Guantánamo prisoner:- “In times of fear, hatred and violence it is often very difficult to find people with the courage and the fortitude to fight for the rights of the demonised, downtrodden and marginalised but Aamer Anwar, is one of those people, an avid defender of other’s rights.” Instructed in some of Scotland’s highest profile cases, Aamer has built a reputation for securing results against the odds. He acted in the trial and successful appeal of Scotland’s first Islamist terrorism case HMA- v Siddique and the Ice Cream Wars appeal Campbell & Steel-v-HMA. His international work has meant instruction by the relatives of the deceased Al-Megrahi in the ‘Lockerbie bombing’ appeal, as well as successfully leading his legal team to defend Catalan Minister, Professor Clara Ponsati MEP from extradition to Spain. Aamer leads the legal campaign for the family of Sheku Bayoh who died in police custody, The Public Inquiry is now taking place where our firm acts for the family, but also in the civil action against the Chief Constable. Aamer has led a relentless campaign to improve accountability in light of many deaths in prison custody, which has led to several inquiries, reviews and civil actions. Aamer is the lead solicitor acting on behalf of the Scottish ‘Covid-19 Bereaved families at both the UK Public Inquiry as well as the Scottish one. Aamer has won Lawyer of the year at Legal Awards Scotland as well as Solicitor of the year in the Herald’s Law Awards of Scotland. He has received the Lloyds TSB Jewel award for Professional Excellence as a ‘recognition of his outstanding achievements and a huge impact his work has had UK wide.’ Aamer is a regular media commentator, as well as writing on the wide range of issues such as crime, civil liberties and terrorism. He is also a member of the campaigning advocacy body INQUEST which deals with deaths in state custody, and a member of the International Bar Association. Aamer is a Notary Public registered at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and can speak three different languages, being fluent in English, Urdu and Punjabi.

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    April AC Meechan

    Senior Consultant

    LLB (Hons) Dip LP NP

    April heads up our Personal Injury, Civil Action and Public Inquiries Department. She is one of the most experienced personal injury solicitors in Scotland, having worked on behalf of hundreds of accident victims and their families over the past 30 years as well as clinical negligence. Her fields of practice include Fatal Accident Inquiries and Public Inquiries. This includes the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry which is currently ongoing. She is acting for our clients in relation to the forthcoming Scottish and UK Covid Public Inquiry, but also the suicide cases of Katie Allan and William Lindsay at Polmont YOI. April heads our specialist casework department that deals with death in hospitals, police and prison custody, immigration detention, mental health settings and deaths involving multi-agency failings or where wider issues of state and corporate accountability are in question. At the heart of April’s approach is to ensure that the experiences and needs of bereaved people are recognised because to do so means holding the state to account and changing policy and practice to prevent future deaths. She has been instructed in a wide variety of personal injuries litigation in the Sheriff Court, All Scotland Personal Injury Court, the Sheriff Appeal Court, the Outer House and Inner House of the Court of session. April has experience of a wide area of personal injuries litigation to include road traffic accidents, stress at work, accidents at work, public liability and occupiers liability, industrial diseases, where clients have been exposed to for example excessive noise at work, asbestos which has given rise to conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. April has a particular interest in catastrophic cases involving brain, spinal and fatal injuries. She was instructed in the groundbreaking fatal case of McGhee v RJK Building Services. She represented the McGhee family following the death of Mr. McGhee senior. The case set a new standard in Scotland for the award of damages to close relatives following a fatal accident. April also represented a number of individuals in the Glasgow Bin Lorry case. April regularly gives advice to interested groups including professionals and members of various communities. April is known for her sensitivity and compassionate manner with clients and their families, often when they have suffered traumatic injury or loss. April’s focus is always on achieving best outcomes for our clients.

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    Ryan Sloan

    Senior Associate Solicitor

    BA(Hons), LLB, DipLP, NP

    A graduate of Strathclyde University, Ryan has been with the firm since completing his training with us in 2009 and is now a Senior Associate playing an integral role in the day to day running of the firm. Ryan has tremendous experience in defending all types of criminal case. Having worked with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service prior to joining the firm, Ryan brings a degree of prosecutorial insight to our criminal caseload, which he uses to the great benefit of our clients. Ryan has conducted multiple Sheriff and Jury trials enjoying the reputation of being an excellent trial lawyer, having acted for the most minor of offences to the most serious offences, including serious assaults, misuse of drugs matters, firearms offences, serious and organised crime, public order offences, offensive weapons, proceeds of crime and sexual offences. Ryan works closely with the country’s leading defence Counsel to defend grave offences prosecuted in the High Court. Having extensive experience of criminal appeal work, Ryan has been heavily involved in a number of noted and important appeal cases such as Gage v HMA, Sangster v HMA, and Rehman & Ishaq v HMA, and played a leading role in the firm’s pursuit of justice for Abdulbaset Al-Megrahi convicted of the Lockerbie bombing. Ryan is also a Notary Public and a member of the Glasgow Bar Association, with an interest and expertise in criminal appeals and parole hearings, he has also conducted numerous licensing hearings and civil proofs. Ryan is always exceptionally well prepared, respected, trusted, and liked by our clients, Ryan is one of the foremost practitioners practicing criminal law in Glasgow and beyond.

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    Sarah Murray

    Senior Associate

    LLB (Hons), DipLP, NP

    Sarah is a Senior Associate and joined the firm in 2010 as a trainee. She graduated from Aberdeen University in 2008 and also attained her Diploma in Legal Practice there in 2009. Sarah is highly regarded for her meticulous case preparation and has a particular specialism in the preparation of High Court level criminal matters. She also specialises in cases involving sexual offences where she has assisted a great number of our clients in securing acquittals in such matters, many of which have been against the odds. Sarah has experience working alongside some of Scotland’s leading advocates and is well regarded by everyone with whom she has worked with at the criminal bar. Sarah appreciates that many of our clients are experiencing a difficult and stressful time in their lives when they come to us and ensures that she provides them with as much support, reassurance and guidance as possible during what can be a traumatic time. Sarah is a lead solicitor in the civil Actions and Public Inquiries Department working on the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry and the Covid-19 Public Inquiries.

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    Denize Okan

    Head of Immigration & Senior Associate Solicitor

    LLB(Hons), DipLP, NP

    Denize is the head of our Immigration and Asylum Department. Prior to joining Aamer Anwar & Co, Denize worked as a Senior Solicitor in a law firm that specialised in Immigration, Asylum and Human Rights matters. With her expertise spanning asylum, personal immigration, and business immigration, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of these fields. She regularly appears in the First Tier Tribunal in respect of a diverse range of Immigration and Asylum cases, showcasing her knowledge and representing clients from a wide range of cultural and societal backgrounds. Denize has a specific interest in LGBTQI+ asylum cases and Human Rights Appeals, however, she enjoys working on a wide range of matters and finds joy in delving deeply into the facts of each individual case that she works on. Denize has also assisted businesses with obtaining work visas, sponsor licenses, and addressing immigration issues for employees demonstrating her commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of immigration law. She has worked on transactions involving foreign nationals, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and laws. Before embarking on her career as a solicitor, Denize gathered invaluable experience across various legal settings, including the Domestic Abuse Courts and the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, where she played a pivotal role in assisting with the investigation of residential care establishments run by religious organisations. This experience reaffirmed Denize’s interest in promoting access to justice and advocating for the voices of vulnerable individuals. Denize prides herself on her empathetic and compassionate approach towards her clients. Committed to attaining the best possible outcome for each individual, she places great importance on ensuring her clients feel heard, valued, and respected. Denize endeavours to provide unwavering support to all clients throughout their legal proceedings, guaranteeing that they receive the necessary guidance and assistance at every stage during what can often be a very challenging time.

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    Erin Monaghan

    Associate Solicitor

    BA (Hons), LLB, Dip LP

    Erin joined the firm in March 2020 as a solicitor at Aamer Anwar & Co. Erin’s legal career began at the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission. From 2016-2017, Erin worked within the regulatory team of a global insurance risk at commercial law firm BLM, whose practice areas were primarily defending regulatory prosecutions by the HSE, SEPA, ORR and local authorities, fatal accident inquiries/public inquires, transport law and representing accused persons in road traffic prosecutions. Since 2017, Erin’s focus has been on criminal law with her appearing daily in sheriff courts all over the country. There she represents clients at both summary and solemn level by conducting trials, debates and proofs as well as representing accused persons at custody appearances. Erin also can provide advice to clients who are being interviewed by the police and will attend police interviews to represent them during this process. Erin’s practice also includes conducting hearing before the Parole Board of Scotland as well as advising clients on other parole matters and licence conditions. Given her time at the SCCRC, Erin deals with a number of cases involving appeals of conviction and/or sentence and applications to the SCCRC. In addition to her criminal practice, Erin also has experience in areas of civil law, for example, children referral proceedings, imposition of Sexual Offences Prevention Orders, complaints against the police/applications to the PIRC and any issues surrounding the PVG scheme.

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    Robbie Cole

    Associate Solicitor & Notary Public

    LLB (Hons), Dip LP, NP

    Robbie joined the firm in August 2023. Having trained at a notable criminal defence firm in Ayr, Robbie spent two and a half years working at a UK commercial firm, defending regulatory prosecutions by the HSE, SEPA and local authorities, as well as representing clients in serious white collar crime investigations, road traffic prosecutions, and public inquiries. Robbie was named as a “key lawyer” for health and safety/regulatory in the 2024 Legal 500 directory. At Aamer Anwar and Co, Robbie represents clients at Fatal Accident Inquiries with a particular focus on deaths in custody. He acts for clients in civil actions against the State, complaints against the police, and applications to the PIRC. Robbie also represents clients in criminal courts throughout Scotland, as well as police interviews and high-profile criminal investigations. He is highly experienced in criminal court advocacy. Robbie is part of the team that acts on behalf of Core Participants at the UK and Scottish Covid-19 Public Inquires and the Sheku Bayoh Public Inquiry. Robbie is dual qualified as a solicitor in both Scotland and England & Wales.

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    Sandy Orgill

    Solicitor - Criminal Law

    BA (Hons), LLB, DipLP

    Sandy Orgill joined Aamer Anwar & Co as a trainee solicitor in October 2021, and is now a qualified solicitor. Previously he studied law at the University of Edinburgh between 2016 and 2018 and he also completed his Diploma in Professional Legal Practice there in 2021. From 2018 to 2020 Sandy worked as a lay representative for the Citizens Advice Bureau at Airdrie where he made hundreds of appearances at Airdrie Sheriff Court dealing mainly with housing and debt cases. Sandy’s calm and measured approach inspires confidence in clients who may be negotiating highly stressful situations. He has a particular interest in criminal law and criminal court work.

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    Rhiannon Spear

    Trainee Solicitor

    MA Hons, LLB, DipLP

    Rhiannon joined Aamer Anwar & Co. as a paralegal in 2021 whilst juggling her Diploma in Legal Practice, her caseload as an elected Councillor. Rhiannon started her full-time traineeship with the firm in June 2022. Rhiannon is a dedicated campaigner for equality with a diverse background and expertise. Rhiannon spearheaded the campaign for inclusive education which found international praise as Scotland became the first country in the world to commit to fully inclusive education. Rhiannon is now Chair of the world-changing Time for Inclusive Education Campaign. Rhiannon was elected as a Glasgow City Councillor in 2015 and was appointed Chair of Education, Skills, and Early Years in Glasgow. Rhiannon founded Glasgow’s first ever Social Enterprise Board. During her term as Councillor Rhiannon completed her LLB, Diploma and became a mother to her daughter Vida.

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    Shelby McQuade

    Trainee Solicitor

    LLB (Hons) DipLP

    Shelby joined Aamer Anwar & Co as a trainee solicitor in January 2023 after completing her Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh in 2022. Prior to this, Shelby obtained her LLB (Hons) from the University of Strathclyde. As a Diploma student Shelby excelled in Criminal Advocacy building extensive experience consulting with and advising clients within the University of Edinburgh’s Free Legal Advice Clinic. While at college Shelby followed the Chhokar murder re-trial closely in 2016, sitting in on the majority of hearings where she fostered a passion for justice. In the years since she has shadowed an array of court matters from the Justice of the Peace to the High Court. Shelby has a First Degree black belt in Taekwondo becoming Scottish Champion multiple times and British Champion twice. Shelby was a valued member of the Scottish National Taekwondo team and has travelled the world competing for Scotland internationally.

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    Rebecca Lyle

    Trainee Solicitor and Notary Public

    LLB (Hons) DipLP NP

    Rebecca joined Aamer Anwar & Company as a Trainee Solicitor in November 2022 having completed the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Strathclyde earlier in the year. Previously, Rebecca also obtained from Strathclyde an LLB in Scots and English Law with First Class Honours. As an Honours student, Rebecca undertook vast research on the adversarial and inquisitorial modes of procedure in Scotland and throughout the world – her depth of this knowledge making for a valuable addition to both the Public Inquiry and criminal defence team. Rebecca also has extensive experience in the preparation and management of cases at both summary and solemn level from the Justice of the Peace Court through to the High Court of Justiciary.

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    Stephanie Howe

    Office Manager

    Our office manager, Stephanie Howe, joined the firm in March 2020 as the country went into lockdown. Despite joining at an extremely turbulent period, Stephanie was able to integrate seamlessly into the firm. Drawing on more than 15 years’ experience of both the prosecution and some of Scotland’s leading defence firms, she presided over the largest expansion of staff and operations in the firm’s history.  Her experienced approach to handling vulnerable clients has been an invaluable asset as the firm lays the groundwork for supporting the families of those bereaved by Covid in the upcoming inquiry and the many other complex cases which our firm is well known for. Stephanie is the friendly face of Aamer Anwar who greets our clients on a daily basis.

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    Nicola Crielly

    Paralegal

    Nicola Crielly joined Aamer Anwar & Co in August 2022 as a Paralegal to primarily work alongside Senior Civil Litigation Specialist April Meechan in the Civil Actions and Public Inquiries Department. She currently works supporting the COVID team, primarily taking statements from bereaved family members and assisting with complex personal injury cases the firm is handling at any given moment. Nicola previously worked with Bonnar Accident Law for 17 years, specialising in a wide variety of Personal Injury work, including high-value and complex cases. She dealt with all aspects of pre-litigation work and was responsible for all legal aid applications at Bonnar’s. Nicola studied at Glasgow Caledonian University and completed her BA in Law and Administration Studies and then went on to earn her LLM (with distinction) in European and International Law.

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    Lynn Hoey

    Paralegal

    Lynn joined Aamer Anwar & Co. in September 2022 and will be working as April Meechan’s PA in the Personal Injury, Civil Action and Public Inquiries Department. She will be dealing with court administration on complex high-value civil cases.  Lynn will also be providing administrative support on public inquiries. Lynn specialises in civil court litigation administration, with knowledge and experience with Court of Session and All-Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court cases and procedures. Previously with Bonnar Accident Law, which specialises in personal injury law, Lynn worked as an administrative assistant in 1999 before training as a legal secretary.  She worked with various firm partners and associate solicitors in all areas of personal injury law from minor RTAs to complex high-value fatal accident cases, medical negligence, and industrial disease

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    Stacey Taylor McSkimming

    Paralegal

    Stacey Taylor McSkimming joined Aamer Anwar & Co in January 2023 as a paralegal during the exciting expansion of the Civil Litigation Team, primarily working alongside Senior Civil Litigation Specialist April Meechan in the Civil actions and Public Inquiries Department. Stacey has joined the UK and Scottish Covid 19 Team assisting the lead team and bereaved family members. Stacey has 17 years experience of dealing with complex personal injury cases and has achieved many great pre litigation settlements for her clients. Stacey a former Senior Paralegal with Bonnar Accident Law has vast experience in road traffic accidents, workplace injuries, construction industry accidents and occupiers liability. Stacey specialises in high value and complex claims and has a particular interest in medical negligence claims. Stacey graduated in 2003 with BA Legal Studies and started her BSc nursing qualification in 2021 before returning to her allegiance of civil litigation. Stacey is a qualified dance teacher (B.A.T.D) in Stage, Freestyle, and Cheer Pom. She has been dancing since the age of 3 and teaching for 25 years. Stacey is a devoted mother of two boys.

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    Kay Edgar

    Legal Secretary

    BA (Hons) Law & Business

    Kay joined Aamer Anwar & Co in February 2024 and is a dedicated legal secretary with extensive experience in immigration, asylum, and civil law. In 2017, Kay attained a BA (Hons) in Law and Business and has 7 years’ legal experience. With a background in providing support to solicitors, Kay has developed a deep understanding of the intricate processes and procedures involved in these areas of law. Having worked closely with solicitors specialising in immigration and asylum law, Kay has gained a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by individuals seeking legal protection, as well as the complexities of navigating the legal system in these areas. Her versatile skill set and strong work ethic make her an indispensable member of the legal team, consistently delivering high-quality support and contributing to successful outcomes for clients. Her professionalism, reliability, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable resource for the firm.

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    Golnaz Ghanatpisheh

    Executive Assistant to Aamer Anwar

    LLB, BA

    Otherwise known as Naz to her friends and colleagues is presently an Executive Assistant to Aamer Anwar. Golnaz is a dynamic professional with outstanding communication skills, working closely with the firm’s media partners as well liaising with our legal colleagues and clients. Golnaz has an LLB from the University of Strathclyde after having completed a Batchelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Golnaz has an extensive background in complaints, quality assurance and data analysis. Prior to that Goplnaz was a banking executive with two major international high street banks. She is an essential member of our team who ensures that her behind the scenes organisation ensures our Firm functions.

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