Eric Peterson gained his LLB from Aberdeen University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Dundee, before completing his traineeship, when returning to Shetland to take up his post within Tait & Peterson. Eric is a general practitioner with extensive experience in many areas of practice such as conveyancing, executries, wills and trusts. He has also been accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Crofting Law (2006-2012), and was appointed Honorary Sheriff in 2010. Outside the office Eric is actively involved in the Lerwick Baptist Church and his leisure pursuits include cycling and occasional trout fishing. He is also committed to several charitable organizations as well as spending time with his family.
Martin Taylor, a Partner in the firm, studied at Oxford University and obtained a degree BA (Hons) Jurisprudence. He qualified as a Solicitor in England in 1979, working firstly in the City of London, then as a Partner in a Westminster firm, and since 1996 with Tait & Peterson when he passed the necessary conversion exams to qualify as a Solicitor in Scotland. He became a Partner in 2002. While working in London he specialised in private client business. Since joining Tait & Peterson his work has included conveyancing and crofting matters, executries, wills, trusts, commercial property transactions and occasional civil court work. For 10 years he served as Clerk/Treasurer to the Faculty of Solicitors in Shetland.
Jim moved from Edinburgh to Shetland with his wife in 1985, taking up the position of Accountant within Tait & Peterson. He later undertook two years of training in order to become a fully qualified Law Accountant and recognised member of the Society of Law Accountants in Scotland. His role within the firm has expanded over the years, however his areas of expertise are executry administration, and paralegal conveyancing.
Joan Leask began her work as a legal secretary for another Lerwick firm in 1991, moving to Tait & Peterson in August 1995. She is now joint receptionist and is responsible for maintaining office supplies, preparing the firm's property sale particulars, and assists with the executry administration and secretarial duties.
Kathleen Simpson is currently Tait & Peterson's longest serving member of staff, joining the firm in September 1980 as a part-time legal secretary. In 1989 she was appointed George Peterson's full-time secretary until his retirement and took on the role as joint receptionist. Since then she has been Eric Peterson's full-time secretary.