Blackadders LLP’s wide-ranging practice encompasses financial provision matters, as well as family law cases complicated by mental health issues and those involving serious domestic abuse allegations. Leading the team, Craig Samson specialises in financial claims on separation and divorce. Gareth Masson combines experience in issues relating to care and contact arrangements for children alongside expertise in adoption and permanency orders. Shona Smith is a name to note for financially complex separations involving international or cross-border issues. Emma Saddler left the firm in August 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Craig Samson and Shona Smith are both standout family lawyers. They always have a good grasp of the issues, are client-focused, and have really seen and done it all. They are both incredibly pragmatic, though, and keen to cut through to find a solution that works.
- Blackadders has a strong family team. They have a good reputation, with a varied toolbox of approaches. They are always keen to cut through issues to find a pragmatic way forward.
- The family law team is split between Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, and Edinburgh and offers strength in depth in terms of their experienced offering and level of support for the partners within the team.
- Gareth Masson is honest, reliable, diligent, and the trust and faith I have in him cannot be matched by any other solicitor. He always goes above and beyond to make sure I am represented as well as I can be and makes sure I am able to understand exactly what is happening in my case.
- Shona Smith is one of the leading family law solicitors in Scotland. She has excellent client care skills and works hard to achieve a collaborative outcome for clients.
- Blackadders has excellent solicitors. Donde Thiam is excellent, who assists Shona Smith. Shona is one of the most experienced family law partners in Scotland.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Craig Samson
Other key lawyers
Gareth Masson; Shona Smith