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. 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.
Andy Purvis
Head of Operations
Andrew brings a wealth of operational expertise to Winn Solicitors Scotland, having honed his skills in claims management and customer operations across various industries.
After significant success in transforming motor claims departments and implementing cutting-edge systems, Andrew transitioned to the legal sector in 2024.
His unique blend of innovation, operational acumen and client-focused approach is instrumental in elevating our firm's performance and client satisfaction.
Andrew is passionate about mentoring young professionals and contributing to sustainability efforts in the legal industry.
Magdalena Wlochal
Deputy Head of Legal
Magdalena joined us in September 2024. With over 10 years of experience, she was well-placed to progress to our Deputy Head of
Legal for Scotland.
Magdalena’s substantial experience ensures she is confident to navigate serious, complex, and fatal cases with familiarity of all court processes.
Her passion for her role, empathy, and compassion ensures that she is not faltered with the challenges of any matter.
Additionally, her ample experience with the full spectrum of Personal Injury matters, enables her to develop her colleagues, ensuring best practices and the most favourable outcome for our clients
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 Scotland English Law Dual Qualifying LLB Degree from the University of Dundee in June 2021.
Tsepiso Forrest
Solicitor
Tsepiso was admitted as a Solicitor and
Notary Public in September 2024 having completed her traineeship at a leading
national firm.
She graduated with an LLB and Diploma with Distinction in 2021 from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen .In addition to her Scottish legal qualifications, Tsepiso has an MBA and South African legal qualifications.
Tsepiso previously worked in telecommunications industry in Southern Africa before emigrating to Scotland in
2016.
Niamh O’Leary McNeice
Solicitor
Niamh was admitted as a Solicitor and Notary
Public in January 2025 following completion of the Law Society of Scotland’s Qualified Lawyers assessment.
She was admitted to the Irish Roll of Solicitors & Clár na Gaeilge (the Roll of Irish-speaking Solicitors) in May 2024 following a three-year traineeship at a leading Irish law firm.
Niamh graduated with a BCL (Law and Irish) from University College Cork and subsequently attained an LLM in Medical Law from the University of Edinburgh.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Charlotte Thomas
Paralegal
Charlotte graduated with a First Class
Honours degree in Politics and International Relations, before going on to pursue an LLM in Human Rights Law (with distinction) from The University of Strathclyde.
Charlotte also has experience as a Legal
Research Assistant, Administrative Assistant, and has volunteered with various refugee charities.
Wojciech Chmielowski
Paralegal
Bio coming soon...