Valerie Stacey was called to the bar in 1987 having practised as a solicitor since qualifying in 1978. As an Advocate Depute from 1993 to 1996 she led for the Crown in trials and in the Court of Criminal Appeal. Since taking silk in 1999 Mrs Stacey has continued to appear in many cases and inquiries in the Sheriff Court, in the Court of Session both at first instance and in the Inner House, and has also appeared in the House of Lords. She has appeared in NHS and ICAS tribunals. She has drafted pleadings on behalf of the Scottish Executive in an application by a citizen to the European Court of Human Rights.