Before joining the Faculty of Advocates, Ross worked for nine years as a dispute resolution solicitor with one of Scotland's large commercial law firms.

His work reflected the diversity of the Scottish economy and focused in particular on the commercial property, financial services and drinks sectors.

As a solicitor, he handled cases at all levels of the Scottish court system, including the House of Lords. Many of his litigated actions were conducted in the Court of Session Commercial Court, and he also ran cases in the Sheriff Court, the Lands Tribunal and the Special Commissioners for Income Tax. Two of his drinks industry cases involved litigation in Spain and Greece.

He has also represented clients in mediations, third party expert determinations and arbitrations (when a solicitor).