Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline

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Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline (1555 – 1622) was a Scottish lawyer, judge and politician. He was Lord President of the Court of Session from 1598 to 1604 and Lord Chancellor of Scotland from 1604 to 1622.

Born in Seton East Lothian, Alexander Seton became a Privy Councillor in 1585 and was appointed a Lord of Session as Lord Urquhart in 1586. The Setons were Roman Catholics who had been supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots. He rose to be Lord President of the Court of Session and was created Lord Fyvie on 4 March 1598. He was regarded as the finest legal mind of the time, becoming an advisor to James VI and guardian and tutor to Charles I. In 1604 he was appointed Lord Chancellor of Scotland and was created Earl of Dunfermline in 1605. He died at Pinkie and was buried in the family vault in Dalgety Church, near Dunfermline.

Legal offices
Preceded by William Baillie of Provand	Lord President of the Court of Session 1593–1604	Succeeded by James Elphinstone, Lord Balmerino
Political offices
Preceded by 3rd Earl of Montrose	Lord Chancellor of Scotland 1604–1622	Succeeded by 1st Earl of Kinnoull
Peerage of Scotland
Preceded by New Creation	Earl of Dunfermline 1605–1622	Succeeded by Charles Seton