Our People
Meet the Winn Solicitors Scotland Team
James Peden
Partner, Head of Legal
James has a wealth of experience and expertise having started his traineeship at Brodies LLP in 2004. Dealing in a variety of areas of law, James developed a keen interest in litigation and secured a position working in Insurance and Risk.
After qualifying in 2006, he then earned Solicitor Advocate status five years later thanks to gaining extensive court experience. Now able to represent clients in the highest courts in Scotland and the UK, James joined Winns in 2022 from Plexus Law where he had successfully helped open a new Edinburgh office back in 2013.
James spearheads our legal offering in the Scottish marketplace and is responsible for driving its successful growth and evolution.
James Nelson
Solicitor
James was admitted as a Solicitor and Notary Public in October 2023 having completed his traineeship at a leading global firm.
In addition to his legal qualifications, James has also obtained a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Investigation.
Heather Webster
Solicitor
Heather was admitted as a Solicitor and Notary Public in August 2023 following a two-year traineeship that was focused on pursuing personal injury claims.
Upasna Rathi
Solicitor
Upasna previously worked for a specialist personal injury law firm in Edinburgh. She dealt with needlestick injuries, serious and fatal injuries, workplace accidents, public and occupiers’ liability, and Criminal Injuries Compensation claims.
She also graduated with Scotsand English Law Dual Qualifying LLB Degree from the University of Dundee inJune 2021.
Amanda McConnell
Team Leader - Paralegal
Amanda has over 20 years experience in dealing with personal injury claims at claimant law firms, defender law firms, and insurers.
Acting for law firms on both sides of the claims process, as well as working for an insurer, has given her a very useful insight in to all aspects of claims.
Katrina Wheatley
Paralegal
Kat has worked in the legal sector for almost four years.
She graduated from Heriot Watt University and successfully obtained an MA Hons (2:1) in Accountancy & Business Law.
Georgia McLaren
Paralegal
Georgia graduated from the University of Strathclyde and successfully obtained a LLB Hons (2:1) in Scots Law.
She previously worked in finance before beginning her legal career with Winn Scotland.
Richard Shortel
Paralegal
Richard joined Winn Scotland having recently graduated with a First Class Hons degree in Scots law.
Whilst studying he worked in customer service and volunteered with various charities.
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Freddie Cook
Paralegal
Graduating with an LLB Hons (2:1) from the Open University in 2023, Freddie worked in sales and music before transitioning to law.
He is beginning his SQE in 2024 and hopes to continue volunteering with the School Mock Court Project to promote legal education and engagement across both primary and secondary education.
Owen Grant
Paralegal
Owen graduated with an LLB Hons (2:1) in Scots Law from the University of Strathclyde before going on to attain an LLM with Merit from the University of Glasgow. His long-term goal is to qualify as a Solicitor through the SQE route.
Emilia Campbell
Paralegal
Emilia has recently joined Winn Scotland after graduating from the University of Aberdeen with a 2:1 in her LLB Scots law with
English law degree (hons). Her long-term goal is to qualify as a solicitor.
While studying she worked in customer service and administration
Colleen O'Hare
Administration Assistant
Colleen joined Winn Scotland having recently graduated with a First Class honours degree in Criminal Justice.
Whilst studying she worked in customer service and administration.
Aoife Kelly
Paralegal
Aoife completed her Law degree at Ulster University in Derry and achieved a 2:1. Aoife served as a Criminal Defence Paralegal, and worked in Legal Support before becoming a Paralegal at Winn Solicitors (Scotland).
She also has experience as a Legal Research Assistant, LLB Tutor, and Administrative Assistant.
Niamh O'Leary McNeice
Paralegal
Niamh graduated with a BCL (Law and Irish) from
University College Cork and subsequently attained an LLM with Distinction from the University of Edinburgh.
She was admitted to the Irish Roll of Solicitors and Clár na Gaeilge,
(the Roll of Irish-speaking Solicitors) in May 2024 following a three-year traineeship at a leading Irish law firm.
Niamh hopes to be admitted as a solicitor in Scotland following completion of the Law Society’s Qualified Lawyers Assessment.
Grace Kelly
Paralegal
Grace graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2024 with a First Class Honours Law LLB degree.
Her long-term goal is to qualify as a Solicitor through the SQE route.
While studying she volunteered at her University’s Law Clinic and with Citizens' Advice.
Olivia Massie
Trainee Solicitor
Olivia began her traineeship in a busy criminal
defence firm in Edinburgh and has regularly appeared independently in criminal
courts across Scotland.
She has a keen interest in personal injury and litigation.
Olivia graduated with a Scots LLB degree from the University of Edinburgh in 2022.