John Macpherson

Year of Call
2005
Devil Masters
David M Jack
Allan M Nicol
Simon D R Bowie KC

Contact

johnmacpherson@amadvocates.co.uk 0131 260 5824 (Practice Manager)

Practice Profile

John returned to practice at the Bar in August 2016 after a spell working as a family law and litigation partner in a busy Highland practice.

Since calling in 2005, John has received a wide variety of repeat instructions with particular emphasis on family and child law.

As well as all aspects of separation and financial provision on divorce, he advises on and appears in cases dealing with adoption, permanency, residence/contact and international child abduction. He has a particular interest in the rights of former cohabitants and has regularly given presentations to solicitors on that subject.

He was one of the first group of lawyers in Scotland to be accredited as an arbitrator by the Family Law Arbitration Group Scotland (FLAGs) www.flagsarb.com which offers parties a less formalistic and more cost-effective means of dispute resolution where they have been unable to agree a solution by either negotiation and/or mediation.

While back in practice, John developed an interest in advising on partnership, mental health and employment law matters.

As well as his civil practice, John has extensive experience in all the Scottish criminal courts, appearing for the defence as well as for the Crown. He has a working knowledge of Proceeds of Crime legislation having appeared as Crown junior in one of the first cases to be prosecuted in the High Court as well as assisting Crown Office in initiating recovery proceedings.

Prior to calling at the Bar, John ran his own business as a proprietor/pharmacist of two pharmacies in the north of Scotland. After retraining as a lawyer, he specialised in corporate and commercial law, latterly acting for both private and public organisations on the Private Finance Initiative.

Education & Professional Career to Date

Pharmacist.
Degrees: BSc (Hons), Pharmacy, LLB (accelerated), DipLP

Appointments

  • Ad Hoc Advocate Depute (2021–present)
  • Director of GB Boxing (British Amateur Boxing Association) (2016–2018)
  • Chairman of Boxing Scotland Ltd (2017–2018)
  • AD HOC Advocate Depute (2017–present)
  • Founding Director of FLOW Photofest (2016–2017)
  • Director of Boxing Scotland Ltd (2013–2017)
  • Director of Scottish Huntington's Association (2008–2012)

Selected Cases

Publications & Seminars

John delivers training in the form of seminars and workshops to trainee solicitors, solicitors (including solicitors specialising in family law), police and social workers. The training mainly focusses on family law but also includes training on presenting in court and advocacy skills.

Directories

"Taking The Hardship Test." Dealing with long term periodical allowance. Issue 40, Family Law Bulletin, Autumn 2010