About Us

Since opening our Edinburgh Office in 1995, our practice has grown to include offices in Galashiels, Jedburgh and Hawick. 

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We represent clients in the Justice of the Peace and Sheriff Courts in Edinburgh, Selkirk and Jedburgh, although we will routinely travel to courts in the Central Belt, Fife and even as far afield as the Highlands and Islands.

We also enjoy a good reputation in the High Court with David Allan holding rights of audience as a Solicitor Advocate.

Our Partners are David Allan, Mark Harrower, Mathew Patrick, Ross Dow and Ed Hulme. We are supported by a team of dedicated assistants and well supervised trainees.

Our team

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Dave Allan
Solicitor Advocate (Partner)

A founding Partner of WSA Bannerman Burke, with over 30 years experience as a defence solicitor, appearing in Sheriff courts throughout Scotland. Dave is also qualified as a Solicitor Advocate, with rights of audience in the High Court, enabling him to offer his expertise at all levels, from minor road traffic offences to the most serious prosecutions such as murder, rape, large-scale drug cases, frauds and assaults. With such a broad range of experience, clients always find Dave a reassuring presence.

Contact Dave Allan:
Emaildave@wsalawyers.com

Mark Harrower
(Partner)

Well known in courts all over Scotland as a defence solicitor who offers a personal touch, Mark has built a reputation as a lawyer who goes the extra mile whatever the case. Practising in Lothian and Borders courts for over 30 years, Mark has tackled every conceivable type of criminal prosecution in his career. Clients represented by Mark are notoriously loyal to him, having seen the lengths he will go to defend them.

Contact Mark Harrower:
Emailmark@wsalawyers.com

Ross Dow
(Partner)

Based in our Galashiels office, Ross has been consistently well instructed in the Scottish Borders since he first appeared in 1999. Having conducted countless Summary and Sheriff and Jury trials, there is little that he has not encountered in the courtroom. He is also regularly involved as instructing solicitor in complex and serious High Court and Appeal Court cases. 

Contact Ross Dow:
Emailross@wsalawyers.com 

Mat Patrick
(Partner)

Based in Galashiels and Hawick, and appearing on a daily basis in Selkirk and Jedburgh Sheriff Courts, Mat prides himself on the thorough service he provides to his clients. With an enviable knowledge of the intricacies of Scots criminal law, he is always able to reassure those he represents by explaining their case in simple terms. Mat deals with cases in courts at all levels and is often involved in complex prosecutions with the prospect of grave consequences for the client. His reassuring approach is much sought after and appreciated.

Contact Mat Patrick:
Email: mat@wsalawyers.com

Ed Hulme
(Partner)

Also based in our Borders office, Ed joined the firm from Bannerman Burke Defence in 2018, bringing with him over a decade of experience in criminal defence court work. Known for his attention to detail, Ed particularly enjoys Sheriff and Jury work where he has an enviable record of success. His calm and personable character is consistently recognised by clients and colleagues alike.

Contact Ed Hulme:
Emailed@wsalawyers.com

Kevin Connor
(Solicitor)

Since joining the firm in 2016, Kevin has a track record in dealing with particularly serious and complex cases. Feedback suggests that clients particularly appreciate his reliable, calm nature and a work ethic which means everything that can be done will be done.

Liam Alexander
(Solicitor)
With a background in litigation, Liam joined us in 2021 with enviable experience of courtroom advocacy. That has proven vital for our clients in the criminal sphere. Feedback praises his tenacity and skill in conducting Trials, in particular a natural ability with cross-examination. Coupled with an approach that clients consistently find relatable and reassuring, Liam demonstrates exceptional dedication, expertise, and professionalism in handling a wide range of criminal cases.