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Unraveling Jamie Dawson KC: Lead Counsel in the UK Covid Inquiry
Jamie Dawson KC has emerged as a central figure in the UK Covid Inquiry hearings in Edinburgh, leading the questioning of prominent figures such as Nicola Sturgeon, John Swinney, and Humza Yousaf.
This article delves into the background of Jamie Dawson KC and explores the reasons behind his selection as the lead counsel for the UK Covid Inquiry sessions in Scotland.1
II. Jamie Dawson KC: Background and Education
Born in Morningside, Edinburgh, in 1977, Jamie Dawson KC pursued his education at Oxford and Edinburgh universities.
Qualifying as a barrister in 2004, he later achieved the prestigious appointment as a King’s Counsel (KC) in 2020.
III. Family Connections in Scotland’s Legal System
Jamie Dawson KC’s family has deep roots in Scotland’s legal system. His father, Lord Dawson, served as the lead counsel in the inquiry into the Piper Alpha oil platform explosion.
Lord Dawson’s legacy includes being the Solicitor General for Scotland and a Senator of the College of Justice until his passing in 2007.
IV. Legal Career and Expertise
Mr. Dawson has steadily built his legal experience, appearing in various courts, including the Inner and Outer House of the Court of Session, the High Court of Justiciary, and sheriff courts.
Notably, he has earned a reputation in medical and dental negligence cases, acting as both a pursuer and defender.
V. Involvement in Public Inquiries
Ampersand Advocates notes Mr. Dawson’s involvement as lead counsel for Scottish victims in the Infected Blood Inquiry, the UK’s largest-ever public inquiry at the time.
His role in this inquiry, with findings expected this year, demonstrates his commitment to serving justice in complex cases.
VI. Role in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry
Appointed as one of 11 QCs in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry legal team, Mr. Dawson supports Hugo Keith QC, the lead counsel, and Martin Smith, solicitor to the inquiry.
His responsibilities include the preparation and delivery of the body’s investigative work.
VII. Notable Contributions in Scottish Hearings
Renowned in Edinburgh legal circles, Mr. Dawson has already left a mark during the Scottish hearings.
His distinctive, relaxed yet forensic approach to questioning, marked by strategic pauses, led to significant revelations, including a verbal U-turn from Humza Yousaf regarding the deletion of WhatsApp messages
Can we in Scotland- take a moment, to tell Jamie Dawson KC @dawsonj29 we do not want him to hold back tomorrow. Rarely does one man have an opportunity- to do so much for democracy. Out the truth. #yourshot pic.twitter.com/2umUTAxh6p
— Areopagitica (@Newareopagitica) January 30, 2024
Meet Jamie Dawson KC: Lead Counsel at the UK Covid Inquiry
Jamie Dawson KC, the lead counsel at the UK Covid Inquiry, is making headlines for his impactful cross-examinations of SNP figures. Described as ‘relaxed, well-prepared, and relishing the limelight,’ Dawson is gaining attention for his role in the marathon sessions at the inquiry.2
Background and Education:
According to information from the Ampersand website, Dawson, born in Morningside, Edinburgh, in 1977, studied at both Oxford and Edinburgh universities.
He was called to the Bar in 2004 and achieved the status of Queen’s Counsel (KC) in 2020. Dawson specializes in public inquiries and previously represented the Scottish infected at the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Legal Career and Achievements:
Dawson’s legal career has been marked by a series of successful knockdowns of key figures, including top politicians, civil servants, and political aides over the past decade.
The lawyer from Ampersand Advocates in Edinburgh has demonstrated a laser-like scrutiny that has left individuals metaphorically bloodied and battered at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Style and Reputation:
Described as “convivial and droll,” Dawson is a popular figure in Edinburgh’s legal circles.
His father, Lord Dawson, served as a judge of the Supreme Courts of Scotland in 1995. Dawson’s style, along with his talented junior Usman Tariq, has been noted for its incisiveness compared to others leading similar inquiries.
Preparation and Outlook:
Friends of Dawson have reported that he is “relaxed, well-prepared, and relishing the limelight” ahead of the high-profile sessions.
Observers have highlighted the difference in style between Dawson and his counterparts, emphasizing his more incisive approach and revelations during the inquiry hearings.
Upcoming Showdown with Nicola Sturgeon:
Having successfully faced numerous figures, Dawson is now set to cross-examine Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the SNP, on Wednesday.
Speculation suggests that Sturgeon might face a tough challenge metaphorically in the courtroom, considering Dawson’s track record.
Jamie Dawson KC: A Legal Profile
Jamie Dawson KC embarked on his legal career in 2004 when he was called to the Bar. With a stellar trajectory, he achieved the prestigious title of Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 2020. His practice spans a broad spectrum of civil law, encompassing both appearance and advisory roles.3
Legal Practice Overview
- Jamie boasts extensive experience appearing in various legal arenas, including the Inner and Outer House of the Court of Session, the High Court of Justiciary, sheriff courts, tribunals, and public inquiries.
- His primary focus revolves around medical and dental negligence cases (both for pursuers and defenders) and public inquiries.
- Additionally, he is actively involved in personal injury cases (for both pursuers and defenders), defamation, insurance and commercial disputes, as well as trust and property cases.
Key Achievements and Notable Cases
- In a landmark engagement, Jamie served as lead Counsel in the UK’s largest-ever public inquiry at the time – the Infected Blood Inquiry
- Representing the Scottish infected and affected core participants, Jamie is eagerly awaiting the release of the inquiry’s findings in 2024.
- Currently, he plays a pivotal role in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry legal team, supporting the Lead Counsel, Hugo Keith KC, and Solicitor to the Inquiry, Martin Smith, in the preparation and delivery of the investigative work.
Courtroom Drama
Jamie Dawson KC mines the daily briefing archive for some compelling evidence of Sturgeon’s hypocrisy. pic.twitter.com/4d5XiNcPKX
— Sam Taylor (@staylorish) January 31, 2024
Accolades and Recognition
During his tenure as a junior Counsel, Jamie received accolades in legal directories for his expertise in clinical negligence and personal injury cases. Notable comments from these directories include:
- “Fantastic at dealing with complex medical evidence and technical details.” (Legal 500, 2020, personal injury and clinical negligence work, Band 1)
- “A committed advocate with vast experience defending clinical negligence cases.” (Chambers & Partners, 2020, clinical negligence work)
- “Very good at getting into the details in clinical negligence cases.” (Chambers & Partners, 2020, clinical negligence work)
- “Very good at picking up on things and running with them.” (Chambers & Partners, 2017, personal injury work)
- “Thorough and professional.” (Chambers & Partners, 2016, clinical negligence work)
- “Extremely impressive and very helpful.” (Chambers & Partners, 2016, personal injury work)
- “Very thorough and goes into a lot of depth; his advocacy skills are very good.” (Chambers & Partners, 2014, personal injury work)