Masters of the Bench

Lord Fairley was educated at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, and The University of Glasgow. He graduated with a first-class honours LLB in 1989. Between 1992 and 1998, whilst working as a solicitor, he developed an interest in employment law. He was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1999 and took silk in 2012. Between 2011 and 2014 he served as an Advocate Depute, and between 2010 and 2014 he was also a fee-paid judge of the Employment Tribunals.

In January 2020, Lord Fairley was appointed as a Senator of the College of Justice (Court of Session / High Court of Justiciary). He became a visiting judge of the Employment Appeal Tribunal in October 2020 and, since 1 February 2025, he has been the President of the Employment Appeal Tribunal, the third Bencher of Middle Temple to hold that position.

Lord Fairley plays the clarinet and saxophone and is a former member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland. Between 1991 and 1995 he played regularly with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. His hobbies include music, skiing, curling and tennis. He is married to Una Doherty K.C. and has two children.