Two new Partners at Digby Brown following landmark support for historic abuse survivors

Digby Brown has appointed two leading lawyers to Partner in recognition of their success and pioneering work for historic abuse survivors.

Colin Moffat and Richard Pitts earned their new posts due to the ground-breaking results they have secured on behalf of historic abuse victims across Scotland.

Colin, based in Glasgow, is known across the sector for ground-breaking success such as the first known Fettes College victory – a £400,000 settlement in June 2022 that opened the door for other survivors and securing justice for victims of disgraced university lecturer Kevin O’Gorman. 

Richard, based in Edinburgh, is also potentially the most experienced historic abuse solicitor in Scotland. He is best known for his success and expertise in Ministry of Defence actions, recovering £1.3million for cadet victims against just one perpetrator, as well as high-profile actions against Loretto School and Edinburgh Academy.

The promotions not only recognise the unique expertise of the two solicitors but also reflect Digby Brown’s commitment to the historic abuse community.

The firm’s commitment is further bolstered by the appointment of Partner and former APIL President Gordon Dalyell as supervising head of the historic abuse team whose experience will enhance the breadth of legal service available to survivors in their pursuit for justice and holding perpetrators to account. 

Fraser Oliver said: “Colin and Richard are thoroughly deserving of these new appointments.

“They have been instrumental in delivering nearly a decade of landmark results and providing empathetic support to vulnerable clients - they truly represent the values of Digby Brown and our commitment to providing access to justice.  

“Historic abuse is a relatively new area of law but their consistent delivery of life-affirming results has helped improve and clarify the legal understanding for everyone. 

“The appointment of Gordon is also significant as he brings more than 30 years of legal expertise to our historic abuse team which aligns perfectly with his background in pursuing miscarriages of justice.

“Gordon’s guidance of the abuse team will enhance access to justice for even more survivors and get them the recognition and support they deserve.

“A sincere congratulations to all three of them.”

Colin was at the frontline of the legal battle on behalf of survivor ‘Frank’ against Fettes College in Edinburgh that resulted in a £400,000 settlement in June 2022 

Frank was repeatedly abused by a teacher, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and after his legal victory with Colin, the survivor said: “The process has been cathartic for me and even brought me in touch with other survivors and we are able to help each other.”

Richard is behind two high-profile actions of the last year – a £1.3m settlement against the MoD and a £1m historic abuse claim on behalf of Angus Bell, a former pupil of Loretto School.

Confirmation of the civil action for Mr Bell later resulted in Police Scotland opening an investigation into the school which is understood to still be ongoing.