‘Formidable advocate with razor-sharp mind’: Aberdeen solicitor Frank Lefevre dies aged 88

With nearly 60 years of experience, Frank Lefevre shook the entire legal system in the UK to the core.

By Denny Andonova

April 19 2023, 9:47 pm

Frank Lefevre spent nearly 60 years on the legal stage in Aberdeen. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Renowned Aberdeen solicitor Frank Lefevre has died aged 88.

Mr Lefevre, who dedicated almost six decades to seeking justice for those wronged, will forever be remembered as the “formidable advocate” who shook up the legal system.

Born and bred in Aberdeen, he attended Robert Gordon’s College and headed off to study law at the city’s university.

Mr Lefevre began his long-standing career in criminal law before moving on to civil litigation in personal injury and commercial work in the mid-1970s.

While he was an extremely successful criminal solicitor, one of his most remarkable achievements was introducing the no-win-no-fee culture to the UK.

Frank Lefevre photographed in 1988. Image: Supplied.

Mr Lefevre identified a crucial flaw in the civil legal aid system following one particular injury claim in 1986.

Determined to fix that, he sought advice from a Texan lawyer and set up his own firm Quantum Claims in 1988 to replicate the American way of working in Scotland.

Lefevre Litigation colleagues: ‘Formidable advocate with great wit’

Frank Lefevre died surrounded by his children at his home this afternoon.

Colleagues at his firm Lefevre Litigation announced the news of his death, saying he will be missed by many in Scotland and beyond.

They wrote: “Sad to intimate that Frank Lefevre passed away peacefully with his children by his side at home this afternoon at the age of 88.

“He was a formidable advocate, possessed a razor-sharp mind and had great wit and inimitable style.

Liz Campbell, Frank Lefevre and Graham Matthews. — The Society of Advocates in Aberdeen (from left) executive director of education, training and qualifications – Liz Campbell, keynote speaker Frank Lefevre and president Graham Matthews. Image: Colin Rennie/DC Thomson.

“FHL was firstly an extremely able criminal lawyer, he then took on the establishment and set up Quantum, a no-win-no-fee compensation specialist firm, and latterly he could be found winning countless tribunals in the employment law sphere.

“He was a publican, golfer and very able squash player, but foremost a great provider for his close family and friends.

“He was a one-off and will be missed by many in Aberdeen and the wider legal community in Scotland and beyond.

“We are so proud that our firm bears his name and many will be grateful for the hard won courtroom battles he fought on their behalf.”

Frank Lefevre was ‘an excellent lawyer with a sharp wit’

Tributes have now poured in from former colleagues and friends who hailed Mr Lefevre as a “true gent with a kind heart”.

Ilona Slotwinski wrote: “I’m heartbroken to hear this. He was a truly wonderful man and I treasure the time I had working with him at Quantum for nearly 10 years.

“He taught me so much. A true gent with a kind heart. He will be sorely missed by everyone.”

Emily Fitzgerald posted on social media: “Great pleasure to have known and worked for Frank. He was such an intelligent and witty man.”

Fiona Hendry shared: “Very sad to hear this news. I have fond memories of Frank in the criminal courts when I worked in the court service in the seventies.

“He was an excellent lawyer with a sharp wit.”