John Brannigan

Year of Call: 2021

John graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2011 with a First Class Honours Degree (LL.B) in Scots Law and Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice in 2012.

Since calling to the Bar 2021, John has built a strong reputation across Scotland for his court ability in all types of cases. He is instructed by firms all over the country and has become one of the busiest Advocates at the Junior Bar. As a result, John has been instructed in high-profile trials such as the widely publicised Emma Caldwell murder and a televised murder trial shown on the BBC in 2024 (‘The Killing of Dr Brenda Paige’).

In addition to his busy trial practice, John is routinely instructed in appeal cases both in the Sheriff Appeal Court and High Court of Appeal. He has appeared in his own right before both the Lord President and Lord Justice General in 3-bench reported decisions, including a successful Petition to the Nobile Officium, and he was also instructed on behalf of an appellant in the Post Office Proceedings.

John is held in high regard both by agents across the country as well as his peers and those in the Judiciary.

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Areas of Practice

Testimonials

Meticulous preparation and comprehensive knowledge of the law and legal principles underpins his courageous advocacy.

A supremely capable advocate who cuts to the root of the dispute with his easy-going manner and extensive knowledge of the law.

John Brannigan always ensures the best outcome possible for a client, his experience as a criminal defence solicitor assists in ensuring the client is placed at complete ease.

When instructing John, he ensures to speak to the client in an engaging and relatable manner and after consultations with him, they are left feeling reassured that everything possible will be done to help their defence.

He is always professional with all parties involved, ensuring that each case is prepared completely and effectively.

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Selected Cases

PF, Dumfries v Brian Templeton [2025] – Secured an acquittal in a contentious ‘DASA’ case.

Alison Davidson v HMA [2024] –Successfully represented the Petitioner in a Petition to the Nobile Officium, in a 3-Judge hearing chaired by the Lord Justice Clerk.

Robert Thomson v HMA [2024] – Junior Counsel for an appellant in the Post Office Proceedings. More details>

HMA v Iain Packer [2024] – Lead Junior Counsel in the high-profile cold-case murder of Emma Caldwell.

HMA v Glen Affleck [2024] – Successfully secured acquittal following a ‘No Case to Answer’ submission upheld for both a ‘DASA’ charge and an assault charge.

HMA v Kevin McCluskey [2024] – Secured a ‘Not Guilty’ verdict in the face of strong evidence from the complainer, eye-witness, evidence of injury and immediate distress coupled with immediate, detailed disclosure.

Nathan McKenzie v HMA [2023] – appeared as sole Counsel in a 3-Judge appeal chaired by the Lord Justice General, relating to the issue of the Crown libelling a rape allegation within a ‘DASA’ charge at Sheriff Court level. More details>

HMA v Anthony McDonald [2023] – defended in a case involving 3 complainers and client acquitted of all 7 charges after trial.

His Majesty’s Advocate v Christopher Harrisson [2023] – Lead Junior Counsel in a high profile ‘cold-case’ murder trial which was televised in the Summer of 2023.

His Majesty’s Advocate v Colin Hamilton [2023] – Secured client’s acquittal in respect of a Serious and Organised Crime charge, as well as successful no case to answer submissions in respect of charges involving being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Robert McDonald and Euan Milligan v HMA 2022 [2022] HCJAC 34 – Represented both appellants who appealed in relation to the issue of “discount”. More details>