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15 April 2020 / Lucy Williams , Matthew Hardcastle
Categories: Opinion , Profession , Regulatory
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Train of thought: the Jackson-Salmond saga

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Lucy Williams & Matthew Hardcastle assess the fallout & possible consequences of loose speech
  • Case confidentiality: a key concern.
  • Codes of conduct: honesty, integrity and independence.
  • Acting in a client’s best interests and regulatory duties.

Gordon Jackson QC is feeling the heat. Having secured a successful outcome for his client Alex Salmond (pictured) in a high profile trial in Scotland over allegations of sexual assault, Jackson resigned earlier this month as Dean of the Faculty of Advocates following reports that he had been caught discussing Mr Salmond, his complainants, and the case on a train journey. It has since emerged that a further complaint has been lodged against the embattled barrister by an attendee of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in November 2018 who says he heard the advocate openly describe victims as ‘moaning about their abuse’ while sitting in a public waiting area.  

These complaints are clearly for the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and possibly the Faculty of Advocates

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