Sheila Westwater's 40th Anniversary with The Faculty of Advocates

Congratulations to Sheila Westwater, who marks her 40th anniversary with the company today.

Sheila joined as a deputy for two clerks, Christine Ferguson and Alan Robertson, on 1 September, 1986.

In January 1991, she became only the second female clerk to have her own stable, and in keeping with tradition, the stable took her name.

Westwater Advocates is one of the longest established, multi-disciplinary stables at the Faculty.

Lord McGhie, a founding member said “It was a great pleasure to be asked to write a few words about Sheila. Thinking about this has revealed many gaps in my memory but also brought back many buried memories. In my day it was traditional to go into the stable of your devil master and I chose Jim Milligan who in addition to being a lovely man and a very able lawyer was in John Speirs stable – in the days when all four clerks worked in a room at the end of the corridor at the back of the Law Room with, I think, one phone on the wall outside. So I started my career choosing John Speirs as clerk. When Sheila was to run her own new stable I again had the privilege of choosing my clerk. That was a bigger decision as I was leaving a long-established stable with all the advantages of established connections. But it was a choice I never regretted. Sheila proved to be all I wanted, or wished for, in a clerk. She was honest and straightforward in her dealings with counsel and solicitors – these qualities were not universal in the clerking system at that time. She was hard-working and totally reliable. She had a pleasant, friendly manner. She was, of course, hugely supportive of her counsel – while realistic about their abilities.

“I remember at least two occasions when a friend had asked if I could act for them and I advised them of the advantages of independent counsel. I was happy to rely on Sheila to suggest suitable people and her nominations both proved excellent choices.

“Since leaving the Bar I have also had the benefit of her excellent organisational skills ensuring regular lunches to meet and catch up about life at the Bar. Changed days, indeed, but her friendship has lasted over the years and is something I have greatly enjoyed.”

Desmond Cheyne KC, current Stable Director “A good clerk is efficient, smart, quick, has a good memory and is your friend. A great clerk has all these virtues and is also wise, enthusiastic and loves her job and Faculty in equal measure. Sheila Westwater is a great clerk and has been so since we had coal fires in Parliament House. We’re lucky to have her.”

Calum MacNeill KC, former Stable Director “It has been my great good fortune and privilege to have had Sheila as my Clerk ever since calling in 1992. Some marriages don’t last 34 years! In that time, she has been a constant, utterly reliable and conscientious support and a source of the soundest advice. Her interventions with that dry sense of humour are always relished. She has become a Parliament House legend and will remain so, I hope, for years to come.”

Lynne Forisky, Faculty of Advocates Co-CEO “For the past 40 years, Sheila’s dedication, warmth and genuine care for the people around her have been at the heart of Westwater. Her approach has inspired incredible loyalty over the years, not only from her members but from the many colleagues who have had the pleasure of working alongside her. “Under Sheila’s leadership, Westwater has become so much more than a stable – it is a close-knit family, built on trust, friendship, collaboration and a real sense of looking out for one another. “To dedicate 40 years to supporting members and colleagues through an ever-changing legal landscape is a remarkable achievement. Along the way, Sheila has given so much of herself, always willing to go that extra mile and always with the best interests of her stable and its people at heart. “So, from members and staff, past and present, a very heartfelt thank you, Sheila. Thank you for your dedication, your support, and everything you have done for Westwater and Faculty Services Ltd over the last four decades.”

Christina Ballantyne, Deputy Advocates Clerk “Wow. 40 years! Sheila, what a massive achievement and how lucky have I been to not only call you my boss but my dear friend… looking forward to a few glasses of fizz and many more years of fun and laughter!”

Jane Morrison, Deputy Advocates Clerk “Congratulations Sheila! I have been lucky to be part of your team for 15 years. I have learned so much from you as a clerk and had a lot of fun at the same time. The trust and respect the members hold for you is an inspiration. On behalf of the clerking team, congratulations on your 40^th anniversary. It is an amazing achievement, and we are grateful for your steadfast leadership as we enter the next decade!”