OUR TEAM
I understand that emotions can often run high in many aspects of family law. Whilst I pride myself on my technical ability and my attention to detail, what I view is far more important is being able to show understanding and empathy to clients going through what is possibly the most difficult times in their lives. I want to ensure that clients have all the knowledge of the law, and their options, to arm them with the information they need to make their own decisions. I do all I can to resolve matters in a constructive way, however if that does not prove possible I am a robust litigator with extensive experience conducting cases in the Sheriff Court, and instructing Counsel in the Court of Session.
I have more than 15 years’ experience practising exclusively in Family Law and am accredited by the Law Society as a specialist in this field. I have worked at Harper Macleod for more than 10 years, and was promoted to Partner in 2016.
I deal with all aspects of family law including separation, divorce, child law matters including residence and contact disputes, claims upon the breakdown of a cohabitation, and the financial issues arising from the breakdown of a marriage, including maintenance, pension sharing, and the division of assets.
I have considerable experience working with our private client team on asset protection issues to include the preparation of Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements.
I am experienced in advising in cases where there are business interests on divorce. I have written articles for Scottish Business Insider, and the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland and have also delivered talks to the Law Society of Scotland, Royal Faculty of Procurators, local faculties, and the Legal Services Agency.
I also have considerable experience advising in cases where there is domestic abuse, both for victims of domestic abuse, and for clients who have been accused of domestic abuse by their spouse or ex-partner. I have spoken on this topic for BBC Radio, and on Sky News Sunrise.
I am a member of the Family Law Association and the Consensus Collaboration Scotland. I am trained in collaborative practice. I am a recommended lawyer in Family Law in the Legal 500 which describes me as “extremely energetic in my client’s interest, a good tactician in litigation, and a master of detail in the preparation of my cases”
I have been Ranked by Chambers UK as Band 4 in Family/Matrimonial.
I have been a Tutor on the Family Law Elective and at Strathclyde University for seven years and have also tutored on the professional competence course.
INSIGHTS