Stephen McGowan, licensing specialist and former winner fo the Chairman's Award at the Law Awards of Scotland has left Tods Murray to work with Lindsays, the same firm as Law Society President Jamie Millar.

“We are delighted to secure Stephen’s appointment. He has established himself as a highly-qualified authority in the licensing area," said managing partner David Reith.

“He is the author of three books on the subject as well as dozens of articles in the trade and legal press. In November 2009 Stephen was appointed to the Law Society Licensing Law Reform sub-committee and was also made a full Council Member of the British Institute of Innkeepers.

“In addition he is the tutor for the CLT paralegal certificate in licensing law and has authored the course book and lecture materials on the subject for Strathclyde University. At the 2008 Law Awards of Scotland, he won both the Paralegal of the Year award and the highly prestigious Chairman's Award, given to the single outstanding nominee in all categories, both of which were awarded for his contributions to licensing and gambling law in Scotland."