Scarlett McGourlay

Scarlett joined Chambers as a pupil in 2025. Being supervised by Ruth Armstrong and David Maunder gave Scarlett the opportunity to learn the key skills required to succeed in her Common Law Pupillage. Counsel possesses a sharp legal mind, and couples this with a personable manner that enables her to connect with a wide range of clients. Her admirable determination to fully represent her Clients and seek the the best possible outcome is evident in the detailed approach taken to preparation and the value Counsel places on communication with Client and those instructing.

Having witnessed a wide range of hearings in Family and Crime and learned key elements of witness handling and working with vulnerable clients, Scarlett was keen to see this applied in other areas and spent time shadowing members of Chambers in Employment and Civil Law.

Prior to joining Queen Square Chambers, Scarlett studied law at University of Glasgow where she also took the opportunity to study abroad completing an exchange programme at Allard Law School, University of British Columbia.

Counsel was also involved in Allard’s pro-bono ‘Law Students Legal Advice Programme’ managing her own caseload of 20 files encompassing both Civil and Criminal litigation. Notably Counsel acted for a leading member of Vancouver’s Extinction Rebellion Group. Scarlett had first hand experience of negotiation and mediation in this matter as a plea deal was reached prior to trial and the matter proceeded to a sentence hearing at which Scarlett successfully made submissions for a six month curfew.

Working at the ‘Legal Advice Programme’ also gave Scarlett experience of a wide range of Criminal matters alongside Employment and Residential Tenancy disputes.

Scarlett accepts instructions across a range of areas. Her pupillage experience in particular giving her a solid grounding in Family and Crime matters. Her volunteer roles have exposed her to the intersection of domestic violence/ mental health and addiction issues giving her an understanding of support needed when these issues are prevalent. Counsel is also driven by a genuine desire to listen, support and represent the more vulnerable members of society utilising skills honed in and outside the legal sphere to work with Clients towards the best resolution. Counsel’s Family practice also encompasses Matrimonial Finance where her focus on constructive discussion and mediation is well suited to finding a solution and progressing matters.

Having a strong experience of Criminal matters both during pupillage and through volunteer work, Scarlett is at home on her feet in Magistrates or Crown Court, able to deftly respond to live evidence and legal points. This extends to Regulatory matters heard in the Magistrates Court where Counsel provides appropriate representation for more commercial clients.

Counsel also maintains a Civil practice where she accepts instructions in Employment (having advised on Employment Law issues in volunteer roles) and Civil matters including Small Claims & Fast Track Trials.

Taking a detailed approach to written work, Scarlett enjoys untangling knotty commercial and property litigation matters into clear and comprehensive advice that puts a Claim on the front foot from the outset.

When not working Scarlett enjoys climbing, yoga and horse riding. All of this is fueled by her famous overnight oats and vegan diet.

Awards

• University of Glasgow – RUK Excellence Bursary
• The Si Hands Giving Tree Award for Outstanding Contribution to Youth
• Dr Victor Lim Travel Scholarship
• Middle Temple – Brick Court Chambers Scholarship

Education

• University of Glasgow – Common Law LLB – First Class Degree
• University of Law – BPC – Distinction

Volunteer Roles

• Allard Law Student Legal Advice Programme
• Caseworker ‘The Emma Ritch Clinic’ assisting complainants in sexual offences cases
• Mental Health Network, Glasgow – providing advocacy and peer support
• Unpaid Worker Training Course at Glasgow East Women’s aid – learning about aiding women and children in crisis situations
• Camp Taconic, Massachusetts – Lead Counsellor
• Camp Cooper – Lead Counsellor and Pastoral support for female staff