JUSTICE are delighted to announce that Usman Tariq KC will take on the role of Chair of JUSTICE Scotland, succeeding Almira Delibegović-Broome KC.  

JUSTICE has been at the forefront of law reform in the UK since 1957, aiming to build a fairer justice system within everyone’s reach, carrying out research and generating practical, workable recommendations. JUSTICE Scotland was established in 2012, following JUSTICE’s successful intervention in Cadder v HM Advocate, and focuses on important issues within the Scottish justice system. Usman will work alongside JUSTICE Scotland Vice-Chair, Seonaid Stevenson-McCabe.  

JUSTICE Chief Executive, Fiona Rutherford said: “I am very pleased to welcome Usman Tariq KC to JUSTICE Scotland and look forward to working with him. Usman’s experience, insights, and leadership will be invaluable for building long-lasting change within the Scottish legal system.”  

Usman Tariq KC said: “I am delighted to join the JUSTICE Scotland team and build on Almira’s excellent work. Nearly 10% of JUSTICE’s members are now in Scotland. I believe that JUSTICE, as one of the most respected and trusted voices in the justice system across the UK over its 68-year history, is uniquely placed to bring cross-border expertise, experience and networks to the conversations in Scotland to ensure a fair, accessible and well-functioning justice system.  

“This feels like a particularly important time for the JUSTICE community as there are increasing attacks on the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary across the world as well as misinformation about the justice system and those who work within the system. There are also significant concerns about the erosion of access to justice for some of the most vulnerable in our society because of the legal aid crisis.  

“JUSTICE has always been proudly independent, non-partisan and collaborative. JUSTICE Scotland will work with stakeholders from across the wide ecosystem of the justice system in Scotland to uphold the rule of law, access to justice and ultimately, build a better justice system.”

Usman is a King’s Counsel at the Scottish Bar. He was previously standing junior counsel, including latterly the Second Standing Junior, to the UK Government in Scotland. He served as a full-time Advocate Depute at the Crown Office between 2021 and 2022 where he prosecuted serious crime. Since 2022, he is appointed as counsel to the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry.  

He is passionate about improving diversity and inclusion in the Scottish legal profession. He co-founded the Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association (SEMLA) and was appointed to the Law Society of Scotland’s Racial Inclusion Group, reviewing racial inclusion in the profession. He is a member of the Scottish Government’s Future of the Legal Profession short-life working group and the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland’s Judicial Diversity Reference Group.  

Outgoing JUSTICE Scotland Chair, Almira Delibegović-Broome KC said: “It has been a great pleasure and honour to serve as JUSTICE Scotland Chair these past three years. I wish the new Chair, Usman Tariq KC, and the rest of the JUSTICE team all the very best in moving JUSTICE Scotland forward. JUSTICE's work will stay close to my heart as I remain involved in its work as a member of the JUSTICE Council.”

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