Ms O’Brien was a solicitor for six years before calling to the bar in 1987. She took silk in 1998 and has enjoyed a busy and distinguished practice across a wide range of civil litigation.

While mainly focusing on personal injury and clinical negligence, her practice encompassed professional disciplinary law, human rights, judicial review, employment law and public law among other areas.

In the course of her career she held roles as standing junior to the Home Office and other government departments. She sat as a temporary sheriff, as chair of the Caleb Ness Inquiry for the Edinburgh Child Protection Committee, as chairman of Faculty Services Limited and as a part time Employment Tribunal judge.

In all of these roles she excelled.

Over her exemplary career, Ms O’Brien has been recognised by legal directories, described more notably as “absolutely marvellous; thorough, incredibly intelligent and simply a mind-bogglingly good advocate”.

Compass Chambers said that she has been a wonderful role model and valued colleague to all. Her guidance, hard work, professionalism and enthusiasm, the stable said, will be sorely missed.

Compass Chambers’ practice manager Gavin Herd commented: “We are all very sad to see Susan leave practice. We will miss her wit and humour, her kindness and generosity as well as her enthusiasm.

“On behalf of everyone at Compass we wish her a long, happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement.”