Karen Gibbons co-leads the team at Harper Macleod LLP, which advises its varied client base on the full spectrum of matrimonial and family matters. Co-leading alongside Gibbons is complex financial provisions specialist Alexis Harper and Jenny Smith, who handles post-separation financial matters, pre and post-nuptial agreements, and cases complicated by instances of abuse, and Highlands-based Laura McLean. Linda Walker is trained in child-inclusive mediation. Jane Blackwood and Grant Hassan are also key names.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Jenny is great to work with. She is very understanding and kind which is needed when navigating a divorce. She is very quick at responding and works efficiently.’

  • ‘The team give clear, concise advice. They stick to the facts, they make sure they can substantiate their position and stand by it. They look ahead and have a clear course of action for most scenarios. The full team is kept in the loop and they have someone available who understands the case at most times if and when needed.’

  • ‘Karen Gibbons is straight-talking and no-nonsense. She takes time to fully understand all the facts and people involved before setting out the case and strategy. She is supportive throughout the legal process and keeps the client well-advised throughout.'

  • 'Well established team dealing with a broad spectrum of family law work.'

  • ‘Alexis Harper treated me with kindness, courtesy and respect. My divorce was - to me - long and quite distressing. Alexis remained calm and caring which was a huge support. She encouraged me to remain calm and focused throughout. I cannot thank her enough.’

  • ‘Alexis Harper is very impressive. She manages to combine being a very effective litigator and being straightforward to deal with, organised, and open to exploring solutions. Linda Walker is very knowledgeable, thorough, and organised.’

  • ‘Linda Walker is a very pragmatic and practical solicitor who fights hard for her clients. She is aware of the benefits for all concerned of resolving matters without court and is someone I would have confidence in referring clients to for mediation.'

  • ‘Karen Gibbons is decisive, technically knowledgeable, organised, and committed to achieving the best result she can for the client. She has great communication skills. Jenny Smith has an excellent client manner, and her empathetic attitude assists client in difficult circumstances. She is organised and has an eye for the necessary detail. Linda Walker is a standout, able to combine an intellectual and detailed approach with a pragmatic attitude when required.’

  • ‘Alexis Harper is a technically excellent solicitor with a strongly pragmatic approach to the resolution of family law disputes. She is robust in promoting her clients' interests and empathetic in her personal dealings with them.’

Work highlights

Advised the husband in divorce proceedings raised at the Court of Session, where the value of the case was in the region of £11m and included a business interest and various heritable and commercial properties.
Advised pursuer-wife in the negotiation of high-value divorce settlement, in which the matrimonial property was valued at approximately £10m.
Advising wife, using the collaborative process, in relation to financial aspects of a separation in which the matrimonial property is valued at £5.2m.

Practice head

Karen Gibbons; Alexis Harper; Jenny Smith; Laura McLean

Other key lawyers

Linda Walker; Jane Blackwood; Grant Hassan