Stephen O’Rourke has returned to full-time civil practice at Terra Firma Chambers after spending the past three years as an Advocate Depute at Crown Office.

Since calling to the Bar in 2002 Stephen has developed a broad civil & commercial practice. He has particular expertise in the areas of planning and administrative law; tax, trusts and partnerships; property and agricultural law; land valuation appeals and professional & medical negligence. He has appeared in cases before the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, the Inner and Outer Houses of the Court of Session, the Sheriff Courts, the Scottish Land Court, the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and other First Tier Tribunals.  He has also represented parties in arbitrations and mediations.

During his time at Crown Office Stephen remained active in his civil practice and this week appeared at the UK Supreme Court in the high-profile appeal of Penny Uprichard v the Scottish Ministers.  From March 2013 Stephen will also commence his appointment as Standing Junior Counsel to the Office of the Advocate General.

Emma Potter, Practice Manager of Terra Firma Chambers said: "Stephen’s return to full-time practice is great news both for Terra Firma and instructing solicitors alike.  His return will enhance the collective expertise on offer across all of our core practice areas and I am confident that he will continue to be very successful in his civil practice”.