The team at Brodies LLP solves disputes through collaboration, mediation, litigation, and other resolution methods. Its capabilities include handling matters regarding surrogacy and adoption, abuse and influence and the cross-border obtaining of financial remedies. Hague Convention child cases also feature in the team’s workload. Court of Session and child abduction specialist Lisa Girdwood heads up the team. Key practitioners include ADR-focused ‘outstanding family lawyer’ Jacqueline Stroud, Highlands-based team member Sarah Lilley, and Susie Mountain. Former practice leader Shaun George is a key contact for high-value divorces and cohabitation cases. Debbie Reekie’s broad practice encompasses Hague Convention cases and the division of high-value matrimonial assets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sarah Lilley showed herself to be very knowledgeable and supportive throughout the whole process and was very empathetic and approachable. We would also like to thank the receptionist who always made you feel welcome. Thank you.'
‘Communication has been truly excellent throughout all my dealings with Sarah Lilley. Her knowledge is huge, however she has the ability to speak to her clients in ways that they will understand the law and the processes. Her knowledge, professionalism, and empathy enabled me to fully trust her throughout this whole process, and I am forever thankful.’
‘As a firm, Brodies has taken the approach that you are the very centre of the process. You are given the feeling from the first engagement that you are important and very much cared for.'
‘Sarah Lilley has set out a program for me which has helped me feel part of the process, kept me informed, grounded and supported throughout. I couldn't be more grateful for the hands-on, managed process I have been involved in.'
‘I am currently working my way through a financial separation following the breakdown of my marriage, as such it has been a challenge navigating my way through the emotional side. I am extremely fortunate to have found Sarah Lilley at Brodies, who is helping me work through the practical side. I am truly thankful to Sarah, her quietly confident manner radiates in such a way that I feel I will reach a fair and honest settlement. I am thankful I found and engaged Sarah.'
‘For a large firm, the service at Brodies felt strikingly personal. This level of sensitivity and proactive support is rare, and made a real difference. Their approach combines professionalism with a human touch, and their willingness to adapt to individual circumstances sets them apart from other firms.’
‘Debbie Reekie is exceptional. Over a period of two years, she provided me with outstanding legal support, consistent in her expertise, professionalism, and compassion. Debbie has meticulous attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and she always responded quickly and kept me informed. Her dedication and integrity made an incredibly difficult time much more manageable.’
‘Jacqueline Stroud is an outstanding family lawyer - very knowledgeable, diplomatic, commercially astute, and driven to succeed for her clients.’
‘Lisa Girdwood is technically excellent, tactically astute, very diligent and vastly experienced in all areas of family law, but in particular in relation to cases involving high value financial provision on divorce. She is always very well organised and is exceptionally hard-working.’
‘Shaun George is one of the best known family lawyers in Aberdeen and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to bear on behalf of his clients.'
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Debbie Reekie
Practice head
Lisa Girdwood
Other key lawyers
Jacqueline Stroud; Sarah Lilley; Susie Mountain; Shaun George; Debbie Reekie