Talented Scots lawyer Ed Sheeran found dead as probe launched
- Rory Cassidy
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
A probe has been launched after a talented Scots lawyer was found dead in his home.
Ed Sheeran, who was a prosecutor before becoming a defence advocate, was found dead in his home in Glasgow earlier this month.
It's understood Ed, short for Edwin, was discovered by his father, Edward, in the morning, having died during the night.
A probe into his death is now underway, while former colleagues have paid tribute to the 32-year-old, who worked as a prosecutor in Paisley, Kilmarnock and Hamilton.
A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s death investigation authority: "The Procurator Fiscal has received a report on the death of a 32-year-old man in Glasgow on 2 June 2026
"An investigation into the death is ongoing and significant developments will be shared with the family throughout the investigation.”
A post on the website of Westwater Advocates said: "Ed joined Westwater Advocates last year and from the word go he worked with us with energy and a real commitment to build a successful personal injury practice.
"Agents working in that area quickly picked up on Ed’s very friendly and approachable demeanour along with his dedication and enthusiasm for an area with which he had not previously been familiar.
"Ed was an absolute pleasure to clerk for, always considerate and professional and always willing to take advice and suggestions on board.
"He will be missed greatly by the whole clerking team and all of our Stable members.
"Our thoughts are with Ed’s family and particularly his parents Edward and Tracey.
Clerk Sheila Westwater described Ed as “a charming young advocate just embarking on what I am sure would have gone on to be a successful and rewarding career.”
Devilmaster Amy Donachie added: "Ed and I spent a considerable period of time together during his devilling.
"We often discussed the intricacies and nuances of family law. It was an area of law he had no experience of.
"Nevertheless, he was curious and eager to learn. Ed was fiercely intelligent and capable.
"He sought out advice and guidance in the early days of his career at the Bar. He was making strides in personal injury law and developing a busy practice.
"I have no doubt he would have had a fulfilling and accomplished career at the Bar.
"Aside from his professional attributes, he was someone who was approachable and affable. He is sorely missed.”
Ed graduated from the University of Glasgow with a First Class law degree, before graduating with an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
He specialised in conducting criminal trials, at Sheriff and Jury level, dealing primarily with the prosecution of sexual offences and crimes involving violence.
He also had experience in dealing with vulnerable and child witnesses and Proceeds of Crime matters.
During his time as a prosecutor, Edwin regularly instructed the police in the direction of investigations.
He had a knowledge of firearms, having at one point held the Prosecution Policy Portfolio for that matter as well as Serious and Organised Crime.
While training to be an advocate, he gained some exposure to dealing with family law cases and retained an interest in public law matters.
His postgraduate education in London expanded into financial and commercial areas and he was keen to accept instructions in relation to regulatory crime and white-collar cases.
After becoming an advocate he was instructed in reparations work and conducted numerous proofs for Pursuers, in personal injury actions.
He also tutored on the University of Glasgow’s Diploma in Professional Legal Practice Human Rights course.
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