Our Legal Team
Bruce Short Solicitors’ team members
Michael Short, Principal Solicitor
LL.B., Dip. L.P., N.P.
Email: ms@bruceshort.co.uk
Michael qualified from Dundee University as a Solicitor in 1986, moving to found Bruce Short Solicitors in 1988 having completed his traineeship at a large firm, developing a passion in Criminal Law. Michael is the firm’s Principal and Head Solicitor, leading our experienced team throughout the Scottish Courts.
Michael is highly respected by Sheriff’s and Solicitors alike throughout Scotland, and in his 40 years of experience, he has worked with and trained countless Solicitors who now boast their own firms and impressive portfolios in the Sheriff and High Courts of Scotland.
If you wish for Michael’s assistance with this, please contact our office and we would be happy to arrange an appointment for you.
Gary Foulis, Compliance Partner
LL.B., Dip. L.P., N.P.
Email: garyfoulis@bruceshort.co.uk
Gary is our firm’s Compliance Partner and is responsible for ensuring our adherence to the Law Society of Scotland’s Code of Practice and client relations, amongst other matters. Gary qualified from Dundee University in 2007 and joined our firm in the same year, becoming partner in 2011.
Gary used to be one of Scotland’s busiest Parole lawyers, assisting clients throughout Scotland in Parole Hearings and Prison Rules matters throughout the country, but now primarily deals with Criminal Defence matters in the Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts throughout the country.
Gary deals with a great deal of cases at both Summary and Solemn level, having conducted many successful trials with and without a Jury throughout his 20-years experience.
If you wish for Gary’s assistance with this, please contact our office and we would be happy to arrange an appointment for you.
Alexandra (“Ali”) Short, Training Partner
LL.B., Dip. L.P.
Email: alexandrashort@bruceshort.co.uk
Ali joined the firm as a Trainee Solicitor in 2014 having qualified at the University of Edinburgh and previously completing a Mathematics degree there also. She became a fully qualified solicitor in 2016 and has worked with the firm since then, becoming an essential part of the team with her excellent preparation of cases and outstanding record conducting trials, proofs and other hearings at a summary and solemn level throughout the country.
Ali’s name is well-known throughout the country and respected by Sheriffs, Solicitors and Advocates alike. Through her years of experience within the firm, she has become extremely knowledgeable on many aspects of the law and is an expert in criminal defence work, her work being essential to the acquittal and desertion of many client’s cases.
Ali is the firm’s Training Partner and is responsible for overseeing any trainee solicitors within the firm, and any member of staff training through any particular course.
Mark Robbins, Solicitor
LL.B., Dip. L.P.
Email: markrobbins@bruceshort.co.uk
Mark joined the firm in 2020 as a Trainee Solicitor, and completed his Traineeship in 2022, becoming a fully qualified solicitor. Mark has a large portfolio of experience in criminal defence matters, conducting Trials and Proofs alike within Justice of the Peace and Sheriff Courts throughout the country.
Mark has particular expertise in Road Traffic Law and can advise and assist you with any charges of this nature, as well as with representation in the Scottish Courts.
Zoe Lyburn, Solicitor
LL.B., Dip. L.P.
Email: zoelyburn@bruceshort.co.uk
Zoe worked within the firm as a Precognition Officer in 1991, then going to complete her degree in Law at Edinburgh University. She later graduated from Dundee University with a Diploma in Legal Practice and completed her traineeship at Bruce Short Solicitors in 1996, working as a Solicitor until 2004. She took a personal hiatus from the sector and rejoined us on a part-time basis in 2023.
Zoe is an expert in criminal defence trials and is one of our most experienced lawyers in this department. She has expertise running summary trials throughout Scotland and has had many successful outcomes in tricky situations. She conducts criminal defence cases in the Justice of the Peace and Sheriff Courts and can assist you with any representation you may need in the criminal courts.
Kyle Short, Trainee Solicitor
LL.B., Dip. L.P.
Email: kyleshort@bruceshort.co.uk
Kyle obtained his Diploma in Legal Practice in 2024 from Edinburgh University and started his Traineeship with our firm immediately after. He is expected to fully qualify as a Solicitor in June 2026.
Kyle deals with criminal defence matters and has experience in Justice of the Peace and Sheriff Courts throughout the country. He also has experience appearing in the High Court of Justiciary alongside many Advocates and Solicitor Advocates and this has given him a great deal of insight into the system. Kyle also deals with preparation work of criminal cases.
James McPhie, Paralegal
Email: contactus@bruceshort.co.uk
James joined our firm as an Office Assistant in 2022, moving on to become a Paralegal in 2023. He deals with the preparation of cases behind the scenes within the Justice of the Peace, Sheriff and High Courts throughout Scotland.
James qualified from a Pre-PEAT Traineeship through the Law Society of Scotland in 2025, and is currently completing the Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Dundee, hoping to become a Trainee Solicitor in 2026.
Lois Flucker, Paralegal
Email: contactus@bruceshort.co.uk
Lois joined our firm in 2019 as an Office Assistant, and is now a Paralegal who completed her Paralegal training in July 2025. She handles the disclosure and ensures that all the evidence in our cases are obtained, and assists with both the administrative running of the office and the preparation of criminal cases.
India Foulis, Paralegal
Email: contactus@bruceshort.co.uk
India joined our firm in 2022 as an Office Assistant, and completed an Accredited Paralegal Course in 2025. She assists with the administrative running of the office as well as the preparation of criminal cases.