Ex SNP MP Natalie McGarry's lawyer cleared of misconduct over advice given to convicted fraudster

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A LAWYER has been cleared of professional misconduct over legal advice given to former SNP MP and convicted fraudster Natalie McGarry.Matthew Berlow represented McGarry between 2018 and 2019 after she had been charged by police with fraud and embezzlement while a sitting MP.An investigation into Berlow was first launched by watchdog the Law Society of Scotland last year and involved five conduct issues referred to it by the ­Scottish Legal Complaints Commission over his handling of her case.One complaint was that Berlow failed to “consult with or advise” his client on any aspect of the prosecution against her during a nine month period in 2018 when she was due to stand trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.He was also accused of not acting in his client’s best interests when he withdrew from acting for her in April 2019, as she was about to stand trial.The Sunday Mail can reveal that no action has been taken by the Law Society on these complaints and one other.

The watchdog however made a finding of unsatisfactory professional conduct against Berlow for failing to provide alternative representation when McGarry’s advocate was unavailable for her trial.

He was fined £1500.Last week Berlow welcomed the Law Society findings. He said:”I feel vindicated by this investigation and decision.”Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and