Geoffrey Forbes

picture of Geoffrey Forbes

07774 745540

Areas of interest
Crime
Defamation and Media Law

Year of Call
2002

Devil Masters
Sheriff Nigel A. Ross
Gary J. G. Allan. QC
Andrew L. Brown

Summary of Practice

Geoff Forbes has been practising law since 1983 originally as a solicitor in private practice and subsequently at the Bar. His areas of expertise are in criminal law and media law.

His criminal practice is predominantly in defence work in the High Court of Justiciary and Sheriff Courts including first instance work for trials and legal debates and also Appeal Court work in relation to both conviction and sentence appeals.

He was appointed as an Advocate Depute ad hoc in 2007.
With respect to Media Law, he is part of a team of lawyers who provide seven days a week legal support to a broadsheet newspaper with particular reference to the areas of contempt of court and defamation.

In addition he has experience in representation before The Judicial Committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

 

Cases, trials, inquiries

Experience in full range of criminal court work including:-
1. Murder trials acting as junior counsel
2. Rape trials and all related sexual offences
3. Fraud trials- including Carousel VAT Fraud
4. Preliminary Pleas including Devolution Issues Debates 
5. Social Work Referral to the Children’s Reporter
6. Contempt of Court

Appointments

Advocate Depute ad hoc 2007 to date