Levy & McRae are delighted to welcome Laurelle Johnstone to our Criminal Law team.

With experience in both prosecution and defence, Laurelle brings valuable insight and practical knowledge to our Department and joins as an Associate.

Laurelle initially gained criminal law experience as a defence solicitor in private practice, appearing in courts throughout Scotland. In the last four years Laurelle has served as a Procurator Fiscal Depute, prosecuting a vast amount of cases at both summary and solemn level. Through working with the solemn team, Laurelle has developed significant knowledge of the law in relation to sexual offence cases.

“We are very pleased to have Laurelle join our team,” said Neil Hay, Partner and Head of Private Crime. “Laurelle`s background in both prosecution and defence enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively.”

As our Criminal Law department continues to grow, we remain committed to building a team of highly skilled professionals who uphold our dedication to legal excellence.

More about Laurelle Johnstone in her own words:

I graduated with an honours degree from Glasgow university in 2014, at which time I took a year out of education and worked as a prison officer. I thereafter returned to Glasgow university to complete my diploma, graduating with Merit in 2016.

Since then, I have practised criminal law from both sides of the table, spending my first 5 years in defence and latterly spending 4 years as a Procurator Fiscal Depute. Having this wealth of experience has allowed me to develop an excellent understanding of the criminal justice system as a whole. I have appeared in a vast amount of cases and courts throughout Scotland at both summary and solemn level. In particular, my time within the solemn team at COPFS has meant I have dealt with a lot of sexual cases, so I have a great understanding of the law in that area.

I pride myself on meticulously preparing cases as well as excellent advocacy skills in courts. I have built up a great relationship with court staff, police and other agencies over the years and have a friendly, warm and welcoming approach. I am understand and empathetic and will strive to succeed in every case I work on.

As a side note, outside of work I am currently training for my first bodybuilding competition which I will partake in at the end of March.

Criminal Law Practice at Levy & McRae:

For decades, Levy & McRae have been known as the premier private crime lawyers in Scotland. Our highly rated team has acted in many of the most high-profile and challenging cases and has a reputation for unrivalled case preparation and excellent court advocacy. 

In a time of crisis, we are on your side, guiding and leading you through the complexities of the criminal law. We provide a discreet and confidential service for those facing investigation or prosecution, with the aim of avoiding court proceedings and publicity. If court proceedings cannot be avoided our experienced and highly rated team of criminal law specialists will provide you with robust & effective court representation.

The private crime team is led by three Partners (two of whom are solicitor-advocates) who are all recommended by the Legal500. They lead a team of senior associates, associates, solicitors, and support staff, providing an unrivalled offering in criminal defence.