First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament seeking agreement to recommend to Her Majesty The Queen that Dorothy Bain QC and Ruth Charteris QC be appointed as the new Scottish Law Officers.
The First minister has recommended that Dorothy Bain QC to take up the position of Lord Advocate relaicing James Wolffe QC.
Ruth Charteris QC has been recommended to become the new Solicitor General for Scotland, succeeding Alison Di Rollo QC.
If parliament approves the nominations, and they are successful, the appointments will mark the first time both posts have been held by women simultaneously.
Appointments for these positions are made by Her Majesty on the recommendation of the First Minister, with the agreement of the Scottish Parliament.
The First Minister said:
“I am extremely pleased to be seeking parliament’s agreement to recommend Dorothy Bain QC and Ruth Charteris QC as Scotland’s law officers.
“Dorothy has extensive experience in both civil and criminal law. She has appeared in cases at all levels, including the Court of Session (Inner & Outer House), the Court of Criminal Appeal, the High Court of Justiciary, the United Kingdom Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.
“Dorothy was the first woman to be appointed as Principal Advocate Depute and has conducted many complex and high profile criminal prosecutions and appeals. She is currently Counsel to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in Scotland and a serving Chair of the Police Appeals Tribunal.
“Ruth was a Standing Junior to the Scottish Government from 2012 and was Second Standing Junior to the Scottish Government from 2016 – 2020. On taking Silk she moved into Crown Office to become a full-time Advocate Depute.”
Dorothy Bain QC said:
“I am honoured to be nominated by the First Minister to hold the office of Lord Advocate. I am conscious of the responsibilities and importance of the role and, if appointed, will do my best to serve the people of Scotland.”
A biography of Dorothy Bain QC can be found here
Ruth Charteris QC said:
“I am extremely honoured to be recommended for appointment and, if approved by Parliament, look forward to working with Dorothy Bain.”
A biography of Ruth Charteris QC can be found here