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Morton Fraser’s family law team is singled out for its ‘experience based on years at the top, and good, strong new talent coming through the ranks’. Practice head Leonard Mair is ‘a true professional’, well supported by ‘impressive’ associate Lucia Clark. Rhona Adams ‘provides calm, clear and skilful advice’, and Fiona Sasan ‘tackles difficult cases with intelligence, commitment and diligence’.

Sheehan Kelsey Oswald Family Law Specialists has several recommended individuals including Susan Oswald; the ‘first-class’ Rachael Kelsey, who has a ‘realistic, honest and no-nonsense approach’; and Wendy Sheehan, who ‘combines a host of personal skills and professional application that is very rare to find’. Accredited specialist Alison Edmondson joined from Turcan Connell in 2011.

At Turcan Connell, practice head Alasdair Loudon is ‘an immensely reassuring force’, and Philippa Cunniff is ‘outstanding’. The firm is also noted for its ‘extremely competent staff below partner level’.

Balfour + Manson LLP is ‘highly efficient and experienced in handling all types of family law cases’. Shona Smith ‘excels in her field’, and is ‘diligent and calm under pressure’; and practice head Andrew Gibb is also recommended.

Brodies LLP remains a key player in high-value divorce cases, led by the highly esteemed Scott Cochrane. Associate Marjory Blair moved to Lindsays in Glasgow.

At Anderson Strathern, practice head Susan MacLeod and associate Marika Franceschi have ‘outstanding communication skills and ability to empathise with clients whilst retaining objectivity and independence’. The firm has a particular strength in divorce cases involving high-value claims for financial provision, often with international elements.

Bonar Mackenzie WS’ broad practice, led by Lisa Girdwood, handles matters including divorce, financial provision, separation agreements and children law (including international child abduction).

Catherine Karlin heads HBJ Gateley’s family law practice and is a ‘leading light: professional, succinct and a pleasure to deal with’. Family and children law accredited specialist Sara Matheson is well regarded for children’s referral work, and Shona Templeton is also recommended.

Lindsays boosted its family law practice with the hire of senior associate Marjory Blair, formerly of Brodies LLP, who has expertise in child protection cases. Practice head Lesley Gordon impresses with ‘her skills and manner’, and Alistair Mackie is also recommended.

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP’s family team, led by Noel Ferry, has represented numerous high-net-worth individuals in divorce cases, often involving complex share options. Roger Mackenzie has ‘excellent depth of knowledge regarding divorce matters’.

Anne Dick is a ‘strong’ lawyer who heads the family law team in Mowat Hall Dick’s Glasgow office. The firm has expertise in children issues including residence and contact rights, child support, and child abduction.

The well-respected Iain Patience heads the boutique family law practice at Patience and Buchan. Lorna Buchan holds accreditations in family law, children law and family mediation.

At Simpson & Marwick, accredited mediator and family law specialist Shaun George heads the team, which is ‘supportive, professional, calm, responsive and knowledgeable’. Richard Smith is ‘very solid, and takes a considered approach to problems’.

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