Scullion News & Resources

Kris’ Story

About me

Throughout school, I always envisioned myself in a career helping people, but it was whilst studying Higher Modern studies that I knew I wanted to become a Criminal lawyer, and I am proud to be able to say that I achieved this dream. There are not many people who can say they entered the career they dreamed of in school.

In my personal time, I am a firm believer that the simplest pleasures in life are the best, and nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family, going out for food, or on little adventures, whether just locally for the day or abroad.

And when time permits, I love getting out on the golf course… A ‘keen’ golfer rather than a ‘good’ golfer, I am constantly reminding folk that the two are not mutually exclusive.

Interesting fact:

Whilst in Primary school, an unknown author came into our school to promote her new book. She sat with us at the local library, read the first chapter, and gave us a signed copy of the book to take home. We were effectively the “test subjects”, with the publishers wanting to see how its key demographic reacted to the book, and we really liked it.

The author’s name was JK Rowling, and the book was “Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone”, so it’s fair to say that the book and its author did pretty well in the end. And I still have my copy of the book at home, with my 8-year-old self having inscribed “this book belongs to Kris Buchanan” all over it…

About my work in the firm

I joined as a trainee in 2011, and have spent my entire legal career with Scullion LAW, rising through the ranks, to when in April 2018 I was made the Director of the Criminal Court Department.

I spend a large chunk of my time managing the day-to-day operations of the Court Team and focusing on our strategic development, but at my core, I am a criminal defence lawyer who specialises in road traffic matters.

I have the privilege of managing a team of brilliantly talented lawyers and support team, ensuring that our firm’s meticulous standards for preparation and presentation are met for every client.

Criminal Defence has formed the backbone of our business for the past 40+ years, and, in my opinion, is the “jewel in the crown” of Scullion LAW. It is what we are best known for, and I feel immensely proud to continue the legacy of our founder, Mr Scullion.

Skills:

I have a tremendous amount of passion for the work I do, and I pride myself on providing my clients with simple and straightforward advice, whether it’s good news or bad news.

I believe fundamentally what is key to being a good lawyer is being able to manage a client’s expectations correctly from the outset, and maintain their confidence throughout their legal journey.

Clients will always appreciate clear and honest advice, whether it is what they want to hear or not. I believe that my clients know I am acting in their best interests, and will do everything in my power to get a good result for them, which in turn makes them value and respect me.

How I can help

Since 2012, I have been involved in over 2000 Road Traffic matters, ranging from the most serious cases of causing death by dangerous, to more common road traffic matters, including technical cases such as speeding, drink driving, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

Having had such extensive experience, I boast a wealth of knowledge in road traffic law and procedural matters that is unrivalled within the firm, and indeed the industry.

Why me?

Many years ago I found myself in the unfortunate position whereby I was charged with an offence under the Road Traffic Act and could have potentially lost my driver’s licence. I am therefore in the unique position of being able to say to my clients that I understand the position that they find themselves in and the stress they are under.

I believe that this unique insight gives me the motivation and drive to assist those who find themselves in a similar position to me, whereby their house, job, and career all depend on having the ability to drive. So when I say to clients “I will do everything I can to assist”, I mean it.

There is no matter too big or too small. I will fight every matter that is important to the client. If there is a 1% chance, then there is still a chance.