People

Frances called in 1985 after eight years in the Procurator Fiscal’s office during which time she served as junior counsel on the Lockerbie Inquiry. She is now one of the busiest and most respected members of the criminal bar.

Frances took silk in 1998 and has become recognised as the top female criminal defence counsel, appearing frequently in the High Court, particularly in murder, rape and other sexual offences cases.

Sophie is a penultimate law student at the University of Aberdeen. She is particularly interested in delict and commercial law.

Alongside studying for her LLB, Sophie is a Representation Advisor with the award-winning student founded, led, and operated Aberdeen Law Project.

Annahita Moradi-Balf is a barrister specialising in international human rights law, public inquiries and immigration detention. Prior to specialising, she trained as a criminal defence barrister representing individuals in youth, magistrates’ and crown courts. Her domestic and international cases involve a range of issues including due process, torture and ill-treatment, healthcare, land and natural resources. She is a legal consultant to a committee at the Council of Europe advising on the international law framework for immigration detention conditions.

Committed to improving effective and equal access to justice, in 2022 she won the ‘Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year’ Award and was a finalist for the ‘International Pro Bono Barrister of the Year’ Award.

Hannah is currently in her third year of studying the LLB Bachelor of Laws (Hons) with Risk at Glasgow Caledonian University. She is Projects Manager of GCU Law Clinic which involves planning and organising the clinic’s projects over the academic year. Upon completion of the LLB, she hopes to continue her academic studies by completing the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

Alongside her studies, Hannah is also a volunteer advisor at a Citizens Advice Bureau, providing free advice to the public on a range of issues such as benefits, employment, debt and consumer issues.

Lindsay graduated from the University of Dundee with a Scots and English Law LLB (Hons) in 2013 and obtained a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in 2014. Lindsay completed her training contract at a boutique law firm.

Lindsay is Co-chair of the Tayside and Perthshire Law Project and remains committed to pro bono work within the profession, such as educating communities about their legal rights and assisting students in marginalised areas.