Friday, March 1st, 2019
Susan O'Brien QC Retires From Practice
After an outstanding legal career spanning nearly 40 years, Susan O’Brien QC is retiring from practice today. Susan was a solicitor for 6 years before calling to the Bar in 1987. She took Silk in 1998 and has enjoyed a busy and distinguished practice across a wide range of civil litigation. While mainly focusing on Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, her practice encompassed Professional Disciplinary law, Human Rights, Judicial Review, Employment Law and Public Law among other areas.
In the course of her career Susan held roles as Standing Junior to the Home Office and other Government Departments. She sat as a Temporary Sheriff, as chair of the Caleb Ness Inquiry for the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, as Chairman of Faculty Services Limited and as a Part Time Employment Tribunal Judge. In all of these roles she excelled.
Over her exemplary career, Susan has been recognised by Legal Directories, described more notably as “absolutely marvellous; thorough, incredibly intelligent and simply a mind-bogglingly good advocate". Susan’s unassuming contribution to Scottish jurisprudence merits acknowledgement. She has been a wonderful role model and valued colleague to all at Compass. Her guidance, hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm will be sorely missed.
Compass Chambers’ Practice Manager said “We are all very sad to see Susan leave practice. We will miss her wit and humour, her kindness and generosity as well as her enthusiasm. On behalf of everyone at Compass we wish her a long, happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement.”