YOUNGEST son of the late William Balfour, merchant, Glasgow, who, among other offices, was President of the Chamber of Commerce in his time, Mr. David Davidson Balfour was educated at Glasgow High School and University, and began his professional career as an apprentice in the office of Messrs. Moncrieff, Paterson, Forbes, & Barr. There for many years he acted as managing clerk to the late Dr. Adam Paterson. Having been admitted a member of the Faculty of Procurators, he began business as a writer, first on his own account, and afterwards in partnership with Mr. George Paterson. Recognised from the first as a sound lawyer, he acquired a special reputation for a thorough knowledge of maritime law, which brought him many clients.
    In 1876 the late Sheriff Clark was promoted to be Sheriff Principal of Lanarkshire, and being desirous of appointing a member of the Faculty of Procurators to the vacancy caused by his own promotion, he selected Mr. Balfour and appointed him Sheriff Substitute at Airdrie. The appointment met with universal approbation in the profession, and more than once the judges of the Supreme Court have expressed their approval of the method in which Sheriff Balfour has dealt with his cases. In 1879 he was removed from Airdrie to Glasgow to fill the vacancy created by the death of Sheriff Galbraith, and he is now, by retirals and deaths, the senior sheriff substitute in the county.

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