Terra Firma Chambers' Roddy McIlvride KC will retire from practice today after 20 years at the Bar.  

Roddy called to the Bar in 2005, taking silk in 2014.  He was regularly instructed in commercial actions in the Court of Session and also appeared in the Supreme Court, including an appearance as leader when he was still junior counsel.

He was appointed as a standing junior to the Advocate General for Scotland in 2009 and continued to be instructed by OAG and the Scottish Government after taking silk, appearing on behalf of both the UK and Scottish Governments in numerous proceedings before the courts.

Regularly ranked by both Chambers and Partners UK and The Legal 500 as one of the leading silks at the Scottish Bar for Commercial Litigation, Roddy is a widely respected Advocate whose technical analysis allied to his calm and authoritative Court presence was greatly appreciated by both instructing agents and clients.

Roddy has been Vice-Chairman of Terra Firma Chambers since 2023, with Philip Simpson KC now stepping into that role.  TFC Chairman James Findlay KC said: “We will miss Roddy’s presence in many ways, not least his sage presence as Vice-Chairman.  Chambers wish him well in retirement.  I do however look forward to welcoming Philip as Terra Firma’s new Vice-Chair and to his contribution to Chamber’s continued success.”

Emma Caskie-Potter, Practice Manager of Terra Firma Chambers, said “Roddy was one of the founding members of TFC and he has been a pleasure to work with over the years.  He is popular amongst the clerking staff and his fellow members of TFC and will be sorely missed by us all.  We are particularly concerned as to who will step in to purchase a round (or two) of Sambuca at our next stable dinner.  His are very big shoes to fill indeed!” 

Everybody at Terra Firma Chambers would like to take this opportunity to wish Roddy a long and very happy retirement.