PBW Law promotes one of Scotland’s youngest partners

Scottish legal practice PBW Law has announced the promotion of Michael McKitrick to Partner, recognising his outstanding contributions to the practice. At the time of his promotion, Michael, who is 30 years old, is one of the youngest solicitors in Scotland to achieve partnership status.

Michael began his professional journey with PBW Law in 2019, working part-time while completing his diploma at the University of Strathclyde. Prior to this, he studied for his LLB at the University of Stirling. He joined the firm full-time as a trainee solicitor in October 2020, qualified in 2022, and was promoted to senior solicitor in 2024.

Since qualifying, Michael has built a diverse litigation practice split equally between civil and criminal matters. He has particular expertise in cases involving police officers and high-profile public inquiries, and he regularly appears in courts across Scotland. His recent highlights include:

• Leading major Fatal Accident Inquiries, including the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry, the Scottish Covid Inquiry, and the M9 Inquiry.

• Managing the landmark “Allard” case on behalf of the Scottish Police Federation, successfully recovering approximately £5 million in unpaid wages and interest for 177 members.

• Handling complex civil claims, including police misconduct cases, judicial reviews of Police Scotland decisions, and personal injury and damages actions.

  
  

Michael McKitrick, Partner at PBW Law, said: “I am proud to join the partnership team at PBW Law. It has been an honour to work alongside such talented colleagues and to contribute to cases that make a real difference. I am especially grateful for the trust Peter has placed in me and the time he has invested in developing me as a lawyer. Very few are fortunate to have a mentor who has had a career like Peter’s. His guidance has shaped my career in ways I can never fully put into words.”

PBW Law’s Senior Partner, Professor Peter Watson, added: “Michael’s promotion reflects his exceptional legal expertise, commitment to excellence, and dedication to clients. From his early days working part-time with the firm to becoming a key member of our litigation team, Michael has consistently demonstrated professionalism and attention to detail. It is a pleasure to work alongside him and watch his career continue to develop.”

Michael joins PBW Law’s partnership team alongside existing partner Pamela Rodgers, further strengthening the firm’s leadership and commitment to excellence across all areas of practice.

PBW Law is one of Scotland’s leading boutique legal firms, known for its work in both civil and criminal law. Since 2015, Professor Peter Watson has led the firm, based in Glasgow, which has become one of Scotland’s most successful boutique legal practices. Professor Watson was among the first lawyers in Scotland to qualify as a Solicitor Advocate and currently serves as President of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences (BAFS).

PBW Law is recognised by Chambers and Partners for its expertise in Police Law (Mainly Defendant), and the firm’s Senior Partner, Professor Peter Watson, holds an individual lawyer ranking. PBW Law is also a member of Legal Network International (LNI) and was the first Scottish firm to join the alliance.