With almost 20 years with the Civil Service, Chris Nicholson talks to us about what drew him to Public Law and Human Rights. A recently appointed WS Society Council member, who is keen to push for further diversity and inclusivity in the profession. Sarah Leask asked about career highlights and what attracted Chris to work in Government.

What/who made you consider law as a career?

It sort of just happened gradually. I did well in school, Galashiels Academy, and wanted to go to University. I was the first in the family to do so. I had an interest in current affairs and was drawn first towards journalism. I would have gone to Napier University if it weren’t for a local journalist suggesting that a law degree would give me more options so that’s what I did. I was also aware of careers in Law and the Civil Service at that point having completed my Sixth Year Modern Studies in Law, Politics and Society.

What attracted you to work in Government?

I enjoyed all aspects of the law degree, tax perhaps less so in honesty, but I was naturally drawn to Public Law and Human Rights for the reasons mentioned above. I was keen to practice in that area but I wasn’t aware of a career that would allow me to do so and this included working inhouse with the Government. That was until one of my lecturers, Jean McFadden, mentioned it to me. She had been the Leader at Glasgow City Council as well as an academic and I would later become a researcher for several of her books as well as a tutor on almost all the public law courses she lead on at Strathclyde. I was really lucky to have her guidance and it helped me secure the traineeship with the Government Legal Service for Scotland.

Tell us about a career highlight or something that makes you proud be in the legal sector?

I’m almost 20 years with the Civil Service and can easily identify a highlight in each role I’ve had. I’ve had around 6 different jobs in that time and each has been different so that longevity and variety in public service has been a highlight in itself.  

More recently, I instructed the Lord Advocate’s reference to the UK Supreme Court on the proposed independence referendum Bill. Prior to that I was in the team that created the Scottish National Investment Bank; taking the Bill through Parliament, seeing it pass unanimously and then seeing the contribution it has made to the economic landscape has been highly rewarding. I’ve also recently taken on a tribunal role and, now that I have cleared the backlog they had, I’m really enjoying that as well.

In terms of the profession generally, doing the best for your client, helping them achieve desired outcomes and resolves disputes whilst acting with integrity throughout and upholding the rule of law – always makes me proud about who we are and what we do as lawyers.   

How did you first come to hear about the WS Society and in what way has the WS Society played a role in your career?

I grew up in the Borders where several of the local Firms were WS members. I remember being impressed by the history and traditions of the Society as they were told to me. I was actually fortunate enough to work a few summers for my fellow Council member Iain Burke WS whilst at University – that was a great experience in my terms of my personal and professional development and he’s been a friend and sometime mentor ever since. I never envisaged joining the Society but I completed my Professional Competence Course here, came into regular contact with them when I was on the committee of the Scottish Young Lawyers Association and attended various training events so, on reflection, it was quite a natural development and I was delighted when I was asked to join. Even at that stage I knew the Society were striving for a diverse membership looking forward and fortunately this included me as an in-house public law practitioner.

What would you say to any lawyer considering WS membership?

I would encourage them to join. Since I did so I’ve continued to make use of the Society’s CPD offering as well as using the Library as probably the most impressive hot-desking space imaginable; though I can be distracted by the library collection and being part of a living heritage that is the Society and the building itself. I’ve hosted meetings with colleagues and clients and also used the Upper Library for several events. Meeting fellow members, creating and maintaining networks and relationships has been made all the more easier by a very welcoming and supportive staff and membership.

I was asked to join the Council earlier in the year. I look forward to finding out what this will all involve and I hope to contribute to the Society’s push for further diversity in its membership and inclusivity in the profession.